IGAD Employers Confederation and ILO Hold Key Meeting on Sudan Crisis and Regional Business Climate

Nairobi, Kenya – The Confederation of IGAD Employers (CIE), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), convened its Annual General Meeting in Nairobi to address critical issues affecting businesses in the IGAD region, with a particular focus on the ongoing crisis in Sudan. The high-level meeting brought together key stakeholders from across the region, including business leaders, policymakers, and international partners, to discuss economic resilience, enterprise development, and strategies to support displaced Sudanese entrepreneurs.

The event was officiated by H.E. Bol Andrew Wieu Riak, President of the CIE Board of Directors, and Mr. Dawit Moges, Secretary-General of CIE. The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), as a member of CIE, hosted an important press briefing highlighting two major agenda items:

1. The State of Enterprise in the IGAD Region

2. The Resolutions of CIE’s 3rd Annual General Meeting

The State of Enterprise in the IGAD Region

The IGAD region, comprising Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda, has faced significant economic challenges due to political instability, conflict, and external economic shocks. Sudan, in particular, has been severely impacted by nearly two years of war, displacing millions and disrupting trade.

During the briefing, H.E. Bol Andrew Wieu Riak highlighted the need for urgent intervention to stabilize the region’s business environment:

The economic crisis in Sudan has forced many business owners to flee to neighboring countries, where they struggle with legal barriers, lack of capital, and limited access to formal employment opportunities.

Mr. Dawit Moges emphasized the importance of easing restrictions for displaced businesspeople:

The meeting also underscored broader economic trends in the IGAD region, including the need for stronger cross-border trade policies, investment in digital and financial inclusion, and enhanced cooperation between governments and the private sector.

Resolutions from the 3rd Annual General Meeting of CIE

Following extensive deliberations, the Confederation of IGAD Employers adopted key resolutions aimed at fostering economic resilience and supporting displaced business communities. Some of the major resolutions include:

1. Strengthening Business Integration for Displaced Sudanese Entrepreneurs

CIE resolved to advocate for:

• The fast-tracking of work permits for Sudanese entrepreneurs in IGAD member states.

• The full implementation of IGAD’s Free Movement Protocol, ensuring that displaced businesspeople can move freely and operate legally.

• Access to financial support, including microloans and grants to help entrepreneurs restart businesses.

2. Expanding Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation

CIE committed to:

• Promoting regional trade agreements that support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

• Encouraging digital transformation to facilitate cross-border business operations.

• Strengthening public-private partnerships to improve investment opportunities.

3. Enhancing Labour Market Policies and Employment Rights

Recognizing the growing informal labor market in the IGAD region, CIE resolved to:

• Work with governments to formalize employment for refugees and displaced persons.

• Advocate for policies that protect migrant workers and ensure decent working conditions.

• Encourage skills development programs to support economic reintegration.

4. Engaging the International Community for Economic Support

The Confederation called on international organizations, donor agencies, and development partners to:

• Provide targeted funding to support Sudanese entrepreneurs.

• Facilitate capacity-building initiatives for business resilience.

• Support employment programs for displaced workers in IGAD member states.

A Call to Action

As the IGAD region navigates economic and political challenges, the resolutions adopted at the 3rd Annual General Meeting of CIE emphasize the need for immediate, coordinated action. The Confederation reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for policies that support businesses, drive economic growth, and promote stability.

Closing the session, H.E. Bol Andrew Wieu Riak called on IGAD member states and the global community to step up efforts to support displaced entrepreneurs:

With Sudan’s crisis showing no signs of abating, CIE’s resolutions serve as a roadmap for sustainable economic recovery in the IGAD region. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether regional governments and international partners can rise to the challenge of ensuring that displaced businesspeople are given the opportunities they need to thrive once again.