First gathering of IGAD's Steering Committee for the initiative aimed at interlinking the digital markets across the Horn of Africa region.
Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration Project Kicks Off with Inaugural Meeting
The Horn of Africa is taking a significant step towards digital market integration with the launch of the Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project. The initiative, which aims to accelerate e-commerce development, digital trust frameworks, and interoperable digital services, held its inaugural Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting in Arta, Republic of Djibouti, on 28 and 29 July 2025 [1][2].
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) played a pivotal role in the organisation of this meeting and will continue to spearhead the implementation of the HDMI Project. As the coordinating regional institution, IGAD organised the PSC meeting and facilitated strategic discussions and the adoption of recommendations to drive digital market integration in the region [4][1].
The HDMI Project, Phase I, is focused on digital technology, regulatory harmonization, cybersecurity, and digital entrepreneurship. The project's objective is to reduce administrative and commercial transaction costs and improve service delivery, with a particular emphasis on supporting inclusive growth, especially for women and youth, across the Horn of Africa [3].
The PSC, chaired by the Director of ECRID, comprises representatives from participating countries (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan), non-participating Member States (Kenya, Uganda), IGAD Secretariat divisions, and the IGAD Business Forum. During the meeting, the PSC reviewed the HDMI project's 2025 Annual Work Plan, Procurement Plan, and budget [2].
The PSC also endorsed the project's implementation roadmap and adopted specific recommendations for coordination, stakeholder engagement, and result delivery. Participants shared national experiences on digital transformation during the meeting [5].
The HDMI Project is expected to play a crucial role in accelerating regional economic integration and supporting the gradual implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. The project's focus on digital infrastructure and policies is expected to create a unified digital market, enhance regional e-commerce, and establish frameworks to increase digital trust and seamless interoperability of services amongst member countries [6].
Mr. Ismail Guyo, Head of Trade, Industry, and Tourism at IGAD, emphasised the strategic importance of the HDMI Project. The project is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and executed by IGAD through its Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Division (ECRID) [1].
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Project Name | Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project | | Main Objectives | - Accelerate regional e-commerce | | | - Strengthen digital trust frameworks | | | - Enable interoperable digital services | | | - Promote unified digital market integration | | Role of IGAD | - Regional coordinator and driving body | | | - Organizer of the project steering committee | | | - Facilitator of stakeholder engagement and strategic adoption | | | - Aligns HDMI with broader regional integration and development goals | | Funding | Funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) | | Executing Agency | Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) through its Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Division (ECRID) |
This project is designed to foster closer economic and digital cooperation in the Horn of Africa membership states through improved digital infrastructure and policies led by IGAD [1][2][4].
[1] IGAD. (2025). Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project. Retrieved from https://www.igad.int/hdmi-project [2] AfDB. (2025). Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project. Retrieved from https://www.afdb.org/en/projects-and-facilities/horn-of-africa-digital-market-integration-hdmi-project [3] IGAD. (2025). HDMI Project to Boost Economic Growth in the Horn of Africa. Retrieved from https://www.igad.int/news/hdmi-project-boost-economic-growth-horn-africa [4] IGAD. (2025). IGAD Convenes Inaugural Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting for HDMI Project. Retrieved from https://www.igad.int/news/igad-convenes-inaugural-project-steering-committee-psc-meeting-hdmi-project
- The Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), emphasizes the importance of security, as it focuses on cybersecurity to ensure a unified digital market and seamless interoperability of services among member countries.
- Recognizing the role of technology in business growth, the HDMI Project places a strong emphasis on digital infrastructure and policies, aiming to reduce commercial transaction costs, improve service delivery, and ultimately accelerate e-commerce development across the Horn of Africa.
- As the coordinating regional institution, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) will work towards financial stability and inclusive growth, with a particular focus on supporting women and youth through digital entrepreneurship initiatives, as part of the HDMI Project's strategic objectives.
