Media Brief

HoA-REC&N, Sida Discuss Regional Environmental Progress

ADDIS ABABA – October 16, 2025 – (HoAREC&N) – The Horn of Africa Regional Environment Centre and Network (HoA-REC&N) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) convened a high-level meeting to discuss the progress and outcomes of the Horn of Africa Environmental Sustainability and Resilience (HoA-ESR) initiative, as well as explore opportunities for consolidating results in the coming year. Supported by Sida, the project has achieved notable advances in environmental conservation, sustainable development, and regional cooperation among Horn of Africa countries.

Participants, including Dr. Bikila, representing the Board of Trustees of HoA-REC&N, and Regional Council members from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somaliland, and South Sudan, led by Ms. Khadra Omer, Vice President of HoA-REC&N, engaged in constructive discussions about the importance of the regional initiative for the Horn Region. The group discussed key achievements in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and improvements in local livelihoods.

Presentations by Prof. Mekuria Argaw, Executive Director of HoA-REC&N; John Ajjugo, Regional Programme Coordinator; and Mr. Kollele Tessema, Finance Manager at HoA-REC&N, provided valuable insights into the environmental realities of the Horn Region, the challenges faced, lessons learned, and the financial management of the initiative.

Sida reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting regional environmental efforts, emphasizing the importance of sustained partnerships. Regional leaders highlighted the critical need for continued collaboration to maintain and expand the gains achieved thus far, especially as the initiative approaches its planned conclusion in December 2025. Strategies were discussed to consolidate and scale the project’s successes in the upcoming year. This meeting underscores the unwavering dedication of Sida and HoA-REC&N to strengthening environmental resilience and promoting sustainable development across the Horn of Africa, thereby contributing to regional stability and shared prosperity. (HoAREC&N)