JIMMA, ETHIOPIA, 30 April 2026 – As the Horn of Africa navigates a complex landscape of climate vulnerability and geopolitical shifts, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) has called for a strategic shift in how the region views environmental policy. During the International Research Conference hosted by Jimma University on April 29, 2026, GGGI’s leadership emphasized that green economies are not merely environmental goals, but essential “peace infrastructure” for the continent.

The conference, themed “Regional Peace and Cooperation for Sustainable Development,” opened with high-level remarks from State Minister of Education, Kora Tushune. In a video message, the State Minister underscored the critical role of academia in national stability, stating that “higher education institutions should link their research work with regional realities to help achieve sustainable peace and mutual growth.” He urged institutions to generate policy ideas that solve social challenges and integrate indigenous wisdom into modern administrative systems.

Mr. Daniel Ogbonnaya presenting at the research conference.

Echoing this call to action, Mr. Okechukwu Daniel Ogbonnaya, GGGI Ethiopia Country Representative, delivered a lead paper titled “Green Economies, Connectivity and Inclusive Regional Development: A Pathway to Regional Peace and Cooperation.”

Mr. Ogbonnaya highlighted that Ethiopia’s climate leadership serves as a blueprint for the broader region. “Ethiopia’s Green Legacy program is an exemplary action in preventing the impacts of climate change in the region,” he remarked, adding that “Ethiopia’s experience offers valuable insights for continental frameworks, providing a practical roadmap for the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals in energy, water, and digital transformation.”

The paper presented by Mr. Ogbonnaya argued that for landlocked and demographically dynamic countries like Ethiopia, prosperity cannot be achieved in isolation. Connectivity, ranging from power grids to digital platforms, functions as the “enabling architecture of interdependence.” When countries share renewable energy through initiatives like the Eastern Africa Power Pool, the economic incentives for cooperation begin to outweigh the costs of conflict.

“Green regional connectivity, if designed inclusively and governed cooperatively, can reduce conflict risks and reposition Africa from a climate-vulnerable continent to a strategic actor in global sustainable development,” the paper concluded.

Conference participants group photo.

The conference also featured insights from international experts, including Professor Ali Asgary of York University, who commended Ethiopia’s focus on technology and Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Jemal Abafita, President of Jimma University, reaffirmed the university’s commitment, noting that they have contributed various research works to solve national and regional problems in collaboration with global stakeholders.

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GGGI Ethiopia Country Office: Info_Ethiopia@gggi.org

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