February 23-24, 2026 (ENTEBBE, Uganda) ICPALD held the regional workshop on strengthening the IGAD sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) committee under ICPALD’s Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa Programme (PLACE) Project.
Funded by EU through UN FAO, sixteen people participated in the two-day workshop held in Entebbe. Participants included the National SPS focal points, chief veterinary officers and their delegates, and national heads of livestock trade from invited Member States.
The workshop began with welcome remarks from Dr. Dereje Wakjira, ICPALD Director. Dr. Wakjira emphasized that IGAD established the regional SPS committee as a key platform to strengthen regional coordination, harmonize SPS policies, and enhance the competitiveness of livestock and livestock products trade in both regional and international markets. He highlighted that ACFTA presents a significant opportunity for expanding livestock trade across Africa.
IGAD is actively exploring market opportunities beyond the region, particularly in West and North Africa including. However, unlocking this potential requires addressing persistent trade barriers, especially those related to SPS compliance, certification, and cross-border coordination.
In the official opening remarks Dr. Okuyo Bosco, speaking on behalf of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Uganda, underscored the importance of strengthening the implementation of SPS measures to facilitate safe and competitive livestock trade within the region, across the continent, and with key markets such as the Middle East and North Africa.
He called for stronger coordination and collaboration among Member States, particularly in harmonizing SPS policies and improving implementation along key livestock trade corridors. He concluded by emphasizing that enhanced cooperation, mutual recognition, and coordinated action are essential in unlocking the full potential of the livestock sector in the IGAD region.
Participants reviewed national SPS implementation status, compliance gaps, economic impacts, and emerging MENA market requirements. The discussions focused on strengthening regional SPS committee, identifying priority action for harmonization of SPS policies and standards, promoting transparency, equality, and restoring market confidence to unlock safe and competitive livestock trade across the IGAD region.
The forum unanimously agreed on the fact that transforming SPS systems in the IGAD region requires a coordinated shift toward harmonized, digitalized and risk-based approaches. Strengthened governance, regional integration, strategic engagement with MENA markets, and sustained investment in infrastructure and capacity are essential in unlocking the full potential of livestock trade and enhancing regional competitiveness. From these proceedings arose recommendations to facilitate unlocking of the full potential.
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