By Edwin Austin
On the sidelines of the African Union (AU) Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Malabo, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), under the leadership of its Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, convened a high-level Inter-REC/RM CEOs Coordination Meeting.
The session brought together heads of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs) to enhance strategic alignment and coordination in delivering the AU’s Agenda 2063.
Chaired by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the meeting underscored the importance of harmonizing efforts across Africa’s regional blocs. Youssouf commended the RECs for their proactive role in regional integration and reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to deeper collaboration.
Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu highlighted two major milestones achieved under IGAD’s chairmanship of the Coordination Platform. The first was the initiation of formal discussions on establishing a dedicated AU budget allocation for REC activities, in line with the 2021 Protocol between the AU and the RECs/RMs. The second was the successful securing of institutional recognition for RECs within the AU Commission structure, reinforcing their central role in continental governance and development.
“Africa’s transformation will move at the speed of our roads, rails, and regulations. With RECs now rightly recognised as the engine rooms of implementation, we are building the backbone of the Africa We Want, together,” Dr. Gebeyehu noted.
The meeting further reaffirmed the importance of joint resource mobilization, a clear division of labor among RECs, and sustained political commitment to accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2063. These outcomes are expected to inform deliberations at the 7th AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, where AU Organs, RECs, and Member States will assess progress and shape future strategies.
“Honoured to host the Inter-REC/RM CEOs Coordination Meeting on the margins of the AU meetings in Malabo. As platform chair, I’m encouraged by our progress, initiating discussions on a dedicated budget for REC activities and securing the rightful institutional position of RECs within the AU Commission,” the IGAD Executive Secretary later wrote on his page.
Beyond IGAD’s coordination efforts, the AU Mid-Year Summit in Malabo yielded several landmark achievements that reflect the continent’s collective resolve to advance integration, justice, and sustainable transformation. One of the key outcomes was the finalization of the Division of Labor Framework, which outlines roles and responsibilities across remaining sectors and streamlines the implementation of Agenda 2063 through subsidiarity and complementarity.
IGAD’s leadership in convening the coordination meeting reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, promoting inclusive development, and aligning with the AU’s long-term vision for a prosperous and integrated Africa. The broader outcomes of the Malabo summit reaffirm Africa’s determination to forge a unified and resilient future.
