MEDIA ADVISORY

Ministers in-charge of trade from IGAD Member States to convene

to consider a draft policy framework on the nexus between informal
cross-border trade and cross-border security governance
On 21 June 2018, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) will convene a
meeting of Ministers in-charge of trade from IGAD Member States in Mombasa, Kenya to
consider and adopt a regional policy framework on leveraging Informal Cross-border Trade
(ICBT) to promote Cross-border Security Governance (CBSG).

The draft policy framework recognizes the generally dire human security condition in
borderlands in the IGAD region as well as the urgent need to promote inclusive economic
growth and sustainable peace and security in these areas. It also recognizes the strong
potential informal cross border trade has in alleviating poverty and promoting cross-border
human security. In this light, the policy framework proposes important shifts in management
of informal cross border trade specifically towards improving cross-border security
governance.

The policy framework is a product of an extensive work done to solicit views of borderland
communities and informal traders; IGAD Member State officials of customs, trade and
security; civil society; academia and other relevant stakeholders on the nexus between
Informal Cross-border Trade (ICBT) and Cross-border Security Governance and how ICBT
can be leveraged to enhance cross-border security.

The policy framework was jointly developed by IGAD’s Conflict Early warning and Response
Mechanism and partner institutions namely - the Horn of Africa Regional Programme of the
Life and Peace Institute (LPI), the Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and
Southern Africa (OSSREA) and the Inter-Africa Group (IAG).

It is aligned with important gains made in formulation and harmonization of trade policies at
regional and continental levels through the Common Market for East and Southern Africa
(COMESA) as well as the recent milestone achievement of the African Union Commission
(AUC) in gaining broad support towards the realization of the African Continental Free Trade
Area (AfCFTA).

The meeting will be presided over by the IGAD Executive Secretary Amb(Eng.) Mahboub
Maalim; senior representatives of the African Union Commission (AUC) as well as principals
of partner institutions.

WHEN: beginning 8:30hrs on 21 June 2018

WHERE: Serena Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa, Kenya

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For confirmation of attendance and further information, please contact:
• Ms Tigist Hailu, IGAD/CEWARN, tigist.hailu@cewarn.org