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The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a high-stakes regional summit in Addis Ababa to address the pressing issue of cross-border resource management in East Africa and the Horn of Africa. Held on March 25, 2025, the summit brought together heads of state, policymakers, environmental experts, and development partners from member states to foster collaborative strategies for sustainable resource utilization amid growing concerns over climate change, resource competition, and regional stability.
The summit was aimed at finding solutions to the shared challenges of water scarcity, grazing land management, and agricultural productivity—critical issues that have become more urgent as prolonged droughts and erratic weather patterns plague the region. Representatives from IGAD’s member countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, and South Sudan, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to ensure equitable access to natural resources.
In his opening remarks, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu underscored the importance of solidarity in addressing shared vulnerabilities. “The challenges we face transcend borders, and only through coordinated action can we safeguard the livelihoods of millions and secure a stable future for our region,” he stated. Gebeyehu highlighted IGAD’s commitment to strengthening cross-border dialogue and ensuring that resource management practices are aligned with sustainable development goals.
Key discussions at the summit revolved around sustainable water use, particularly regarding transboundary river systems such as the Nile and Juba rivers. Member states deliberated on equitable water-sharing agreements that take into account the needs of upstream and downstream communities while promoting conservation efforts. Somalia’s Minister of Water and Energy, Abdishakur Abdi, called for greater investment in cross-border water infrastructure and water storage systems. “Shared rivers are lifelines for millions, and we must develop collaborative frameworks that prioritize both access and sustainability,” he said.
Pastoralists and nomadic communities, whose livelihoods depend on access to grazing land and water points, were also central to the discussions. The summit recognized that competition over dwindling resources has fueled intercommunal conflicts in border areas, such as the dispute between herders in Kenya and Ethiopia over grazing land. Regional leaders pledged to develop policies that promote peaceful co-existence and conflict resolution mechanisms tailored to pastoralist needs.
IGAD also unveiled a new Cross-Border Resource Management Initiative, which will be rolled out over the next decade. The initiative focuses on capacity-building, data-sharing, and the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices. It also aims to strengthen governance structures to ensure accountability in resource allocation and utilization.
The summit received significant international attention, with development partners including the United Nations, African Union, and European Union pledging financial and technical support for IGAD’s agenda. The World Bank announced a $500 million regional grant for water and agricultural infrastructure projects in drought-prone areas. Similarly, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) pledged to collaborate with IGAD in scaling up climate-smart farming technologies.
Despite the optimism at the summit, challenges remain. Resource competition continues to be a source of tension among IGAD member states, particularly over access to water from shared rivers. Analysts warn that without swift implementation of agreements and robust conflict prevention measures, tensions could escalate further.
As the summit concluded, member states reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable resource management. The resolutions reached represent a critical step toward addressing the challenges that have long plagued the region. Leaders called for continued dialogue and action to transform the resolutions into tangible outcomes that benefit communities across East Africa and the Horn of Africa.
IGAD’s summit serves as a reminder of the region’s interconnectedness and shared responsibility in tackling cross-border challenges. With strategic investments and inclusive policies, the future of sustainable resource management could pave the way for enhanced stability and prosperity.