IGAD and EAC Hold Joint Workshop to Advance Cross-Border Payment Integration

Addis Ababa – Sudanhorizon – Follow-Ups

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with the East African Community (EAC) and the World Bank, officially launched today (Tuesday) in Addis Ababa the joint IGAD-EAC workshop on policy, regulatory, and legal frameworks to promote interoperability of payment systems.

This event is funded by the East Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at promoting digital and financial integration across the region.

The workshop brought together delegations from IGAD and EAC member states, along with representatives from the World Bank, to foster dialogue on harmonizing regional frameworks for cross-border digital payments and financial interoperability.

The event opened with a speech by Dr. Mohieldin El-Tahami Taha, Director of Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), who welcomed the participants on behalf of H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu. He expressed his appreciation to the government and people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for hosting the workshop in Addis Ababa, describing it as Africa’s diplomatic hub and a symbol of unity, resilience, and collective strength. Dr. Mohieldin also expressed his gratitude to the co-organizers, the East African Community (EAC) and the World Bank, emphasizing the critical role of the EARDIP project in addressing regulatory imbalances, technical disparities, and infrastructure gaps that hinder smooth and secure cross-border transactions.

Mr. Genidhi Srinivas, Representative of the Payment Systems Development Group in the Finance, Competitiveness, and Investment Global Practice at the World Bank, also delivered the opening remarks. He emphasized the World Bank’s continued support to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and highlighted the strategic importance of the EARDIP project in enabling interconnection of regional payment systems. Mr. Srinivas affirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting regional digital transformation efforts that promote trade, inclusion, and economic resilience.

Representing the East African Community, Engineer Daniel Murenzi, Director of Information and Communications Technology, expressed his appreciation for the joint efforts and thanked the World Bank for its continued support. He presented the current status of digital payment systems in the East African region, emphasizing their role in facilitating regional trade and simplifying customs procedures. Engineer Murenzi concluded his remarks by calling for immediate action and strong political will from regional governments to enhance the interoperability of payment systems.

The workshop represents a vital step in promoting inclusive digital economies, enhancing regional integration, and laying the foundations for a future of interconnected, efficient, and secure payment systems across East Africa.

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