Addis ababa: Ministers and senior government officials from IGAD Member States have endorsed the IGAD Regional Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (RASIP) 2026-2035 and the IGAD Regional Seed Policy Framework 2026. The decision marks a major step toward coordinated investment, policy harmonization, and the transformation of agrifood systems across the region.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the endorsement was announced during a ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa, where IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu emphasized the significance of these frameworks. He stated that they would provide a foundation for aligning national priorities, mobilizing investment, and strengthening cross-border cooperation among member states. RASIP is designed to guide investment in resilient and sustainable food systems, promote regional agricultural trade, and translate continental commitments into coordinated regional and national action.
Workneh also highlighted the importance of the IGAD Regional Seed Policy Framework 2026 in harmonizing seed systems and facilitating the cross-border movement of quality and climate-resilient crop varieties. The framework aims to reduce regulatory barriers, align seed standards, and facilitate regional trade in certified seeds. Additionally, it is expected to expand farmers' access to climate-smart and high-yielding varieties while ensuring that traded seeds comply with quality, safety, and disease prevention requirements.
The IGAD executive secretary remarked that the endorsement of the two frameworks demonstrates regional solidarity and a shared commitment to move from policy dialogue toward implementation, coordinated investment, and greater accountability. 'Resilient seeds are one of the most effective tools to combat climate shocks and improve yields,' he said, underlining the importance of coordinated regional action to strengthen food security.
Workneh further noted that stronger agricultural systems could help IGAD member states reduce their reliance on recurrent emergency food responses by increasing agricultural production, improving rural livelihoods, and expanding opportunities to participate in continental markets. He also took the opportunity to address the humanitarian and security situation in the region, calling for an end to the conflict in Sudan and increased humanitarian assistance to populations affected by the war.
Speaking on behalf of Ethiopia's Ministry of Agriculture, Senior Advisor Getachew Deriba reaffirmed Ethiopia's support for the regional agrifood transformation agenda. He described food security as a critical priority for the highly interconnected IGAD region and mentioned that Ethiopia was integrating regional objectives into its national agricultural development framework.
The endorsement of RASIP 2026-2035 and the Regional Seed Policy Framework 2026 is expected to strengthen cooperation among IGAD Member States in investment planning, seed production, quality assurance, regulation, and agricultural trade, while supporting efforts to build more productive and climate-resilient food systems across the region.
