By Zamzam Daqare - Reporter
Addis Ababa, 5 September 2025 The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Friday opened a two-day consultation to develop a regional framework on artificial intelligence in East Africa.
The workshop in Addis Ababa brings together policymakers, technical experts, academics, private-sector representatives and development partners from across the IGAD region.IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu said the region needed to move beyond observing the global expansion of artificial intelligence and play an active role in shaping how the technology is used.
“The question is no longer whether artificial intelligence will transform our region, but how we harness it to accelerate development,” Workneh said.
He said the regional strategy should reflect the realities and priorities of IGAD member states while aligning with the United Nations Global Digital Compact and the African Union's Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
Workneh highlighted agriculture, climate resilience, healthcare, education and regional economic integration as areas where AI could have a significant impact.
AI could help strengthen food security, improve climate modelling and early-warning systems for droughts and floods, and expand access to healthcare through technology-assisted diagnostics, he said.
The IGAD chief also called for stronger regional cooperation on data governance, saying member states should ensure that regional data is securely managed and used to support their own development priorities.
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He urged countries to establish regulatory frameworks covering AI at national, regional and continental levels, while addressing concerns over ethics, privacy and security.
Ethiopia's Director for IGAD Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ketema Haile, said Ethiopia remained committed to promoting a secure, inclusive and human-centred approach to AI in the region.
He said Ethiopia's digital transformation initiatives and its newly established Artificial Intelligence University could benefit IGAD member states and the wider African continent.
The consultations will review an AI readiness and ecosystem assessment and gather inputs from member states on strategic priorities, governance, implementation and regional cooperation.
Participants will also examine existing national, regional and continental AI initiatives to identify opportunities for harmonisation, capacity building, investment and partnerships.
The consultation, running from Sept. 4 to Sept. 5, is expected to produce a draft regional framework to guide IGAD member states in using AI for digital transformation, innovation and sustainable socioeconomic development.
Workneh said the strategy should be shaped by member states and their populations rather than being treated solely as an initiative of the IGAD Secretariat.