I lead communications for @IGADsecretariat, turning regional action into stories that inform, connect and inspire people to shape a better future.
Djibouti
Joined October 2013
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Austin Opata retweeted
Earlier today in Djibouti, I hosted the IGAD–Germany Strategic Partnership Dialogue with the German delegation, led by H.E. Frank Neumann, Germany’s Ambassador to Djibouti and Julia Hannig, Head of Division for the Horn of Africa, @BMZ_Bund. We discussed regional priorities, sustainable financing, project impact, and future IGAD–BMZ cooperation.
I reiterated IGAD’s commitment to partnerships that strengthen resilience, livelihoods, climate mobility, and regional institutions.
Austin Opata retweeted
In a world of shifting power and growing uncertainty, peace demands more than crisis management. It requires lasting political solutions, inclusive dialogue and stronger multilateral cooperation.
Pleased to address the TRT World Forum in Istanbul, Türkiye, on the panel “A World Without a Centre.”
For the Horn of Africa, IGAD remains committed to advancing sustainable peace, regional stability and shared prosperity.
Austin Opata retweeted
The Week at #IGAD: October 26–31, 2026
Top stories:
· IGAD strengthened regional action on climate resilience and food security, bringing together media professionals and regional partners to advance digital agro-climate advisory services, soil health and anticipatory action through stronger early warning and early response systems.
· IGAD advanced regional cooperation through engagements with Russia on peace, security, transport and connectivity, while reaffirming its commitment to durable solutions for refugees and host communities across the region.
#RisingWithIGAD #WeekAtIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture #ClimateResilience #FoodSecurity #AnticipatoryAction #RegionalIntegration #RefugeeProtection
Austin Opata retweeted
The last two days at the Eastern Africa Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action highlighted the need for stronger government ownership, predictable pre-arranged financing, and cross-border cooperation to link early action with long-term resilience.
This morning at the Ministerial segment, I urged Member States to endorse the Mombasa Ministerial Declaration on Anticipatory Action and turn these political commitments into concrete national results.
Forecasts must trigger timely action before disasters strikes. Together, we have a duty to transform risk into resilience; from early warning to early action.
Austin Opata retweeted
🤝 Handing over the baton: For three and a half years, the World Food Programme (@WFPafrica) held the lantern high. As co-chair of the Regional Technical Working Group on Anticipatory Action, it helped light the path from early warning to early action, setting up the structures and steadying the ship of the Anticipatory Action (AA) Eastern Africa chapter, and hosting the first Eastern Africa Dialogue Platform (EADP). Through changing seasons, its steady hand turned foresight into readiness, and partnership into purpose.
Now the page turns. As we look ahead to the second EADP (EADP2), a new chapter begins, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (@IFRCAfrica ) takes up the reins.
On behalf of the more than 100 members of the TWG, we thank WFP for its shared leadership and the bridges it has built. To IFRC, we extend a warm welcome and wish it wisdom, strength and success as it carries the baton forward.
The journey continues. Together, we act before the disaster strikes. #RTWAA #AnticipatoryAction #EADP
Austin Opata retweeted
Tababar socday 3 cisho ah oo ay ka qaybqaateen in ka badan 40 saxafi iyo influencers oo ka kala socday dalalka IGAD ayaa maanta lagu soo gabagabeeyay Nairobi, Kenya, Iyada oo si rasmi ah loo daahfuray Shabakadda Saxafiyiinta iyo Influencers- IGAD FSRP. 👉🏼 igad.int/26325-2/
Austin Opata retweeted
Proud to be part of the IGAD Media and Influencer Training and the launch of the FSRP Media and Influencers Network. Let’s strengthen media engagement, promote soil health, and advance resilient Food systems and food security across the IGAD region. @IGADsecretariat @AustinOpata.
Tababar socday 3 cisho ah oo ay ka qaybqaateen in ka badan 40 saxafi iyo influencers oo ka kala socday dalalka IGAD ayaa maanta lagu soo gabagabeeyay Nairobi, Kenya, Iyada oo si rasmi ah loo daahfuray Shabakadda Saxafiyiinta iyo Influencers- IGAD FSRP. 👉🏼 igad.int/26325-2/
Austin Opata retweeted
Captain Monicah WANJIKU is the Gender Focal Point Officer of the #Kenya contingent within the peacekeeping mission in the DRC, @MONUSCO
As she patrols in Beni, she reflects on the role of the mission in empowering local women and supporting their needs. #WomenPeaceSecurity
The challenge is no longer knowing when disasters are coming, but ensuring we act before they strike.
A critical message from the IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. @DrWorkneh
Too often, warnings come before disasters, but resources arrive only after the damage is done. This must change.
Today in Mombasa, at the 2nd Eastern Africa Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action, officially opened by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, H.E. @Kipmurkomen, I called for a decisive shift from early warning to early action, backed by predictable financing, stronger institutions and empowered communities.
Our success must be measured not by the disasters we respond to, but by the lives and livelihoods we protect before they strike.
Austin Opata retweeted
Climate-induced disasters are occurring with increasing regularity and intensity, exerting pressure on livelihoods and threatening public safety and the stability of our societies.
We are therefore strengthening our early warning and response systems to mitigate the impact of droughts, floods, and other climate-related disasters, and safeguard lives and livelihoods.
The Government is also integrating disaster risk reduction and management into both short- and long-term national planning, including resilient infrastructure.
Opened the 2nd Eastern Africa Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action.
We commend the Intergovernmental Authority on Development for convening this dialogue in partnership with Kenya, and reaffirm our commitment to implementing the resolutions.
Austin Opata retweeted
Too often, warnings come before disasters, but resources arrive only after the damage is done. This must change.
Today in Mombasa, at the 2nd Eastern Africa Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action, officially opened by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, H.E. @Kipmurkomen, I called for a decisive shift from early warning to early action, backed by predictable financing, stronger institutions and empowered communities.
Our success must be measured not by the disasters we respond to, but by the lives and livelihoods we protect before they strike.
Austin Opata retweeted
It was such a pleasure meeting my dear sister @Atuhairecarol10 in Nairobi during the IGAD Media and Communications Training (26–28 October 2026). Three days of learning, sharing experiences, and connecting with fellow media & communications professionals. @xubbifarah @cherinet_
Austin Opata retweeted
My brother ☺️
it’s always a pleasure 🥳🥳
It was such a pleasure meeting my dear sister @Atuhairecarol10 in Nairobi during the IGAD Media and Communications Training (26–28 October 2026). Three days of learning, sharing experiences, and connecting with fellow media & communications professionals. @xubbifarah @cherinet_
Austin Opata retweeted
🌍 Connecting Our Region, Expanding Opportunities
Better roads, reliable energy and stronger digital connections can help businesses reach new markets and communities access essential services across borders.
Through the IGAD Regional Infrastructure Master Plan (IRIMP), IGAD provides a shared framework for Member States and development partners to guide investment in transport, energy, ICT and transboundary water resources.
By coordinating infrastructure priorities across countries, the plan aims to strengthen regional links, ease barriers to trade and support economic growth.
For people across the region, better connectivity can mean more jobs, stronger businesses and easier access to markets, including for women trading across borders.
🔗 Learn more: igad.int/igad-regional-infra…
#RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture #IGADInfrastructure
Austin Opata retweeted
How can you create content that drives policy change?
A successful campaign goes beyond creating content and posting it online. It requires clear messaging, the right tactics, a well-planned implementation strategy, and a strong monitoring and evaluation framework to measure progress and impact.
Digital campaigns have the power to shape public conversations, raise awareness, influence decision-makers, amplify community voices and turn important issues into action. When content is well researched, targeted and communicated effectively, it can help inform debates, strengthen accountability and contribute to meaningful policy change.
The goal is not just to create content that people see, but to create content that makes people think, starts conversations and inspires action.
#RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture
Through group discussions, participants explored the basics of good storytelling and how to create content that informs the public, raises important concerns, shapes policy debates and holds leaders accountable.
The discussions also looked at the importance of ethics and independence in media and content creation. Sharing information comes with responsibility, and it is important to be truthful, fair and careful about the information shared with the public.
The session was a reminder that storytelling is more than just sharing information. It is about helping people understand issues, bringing attention to community concerns and contributing to conversations that can lead to change.
#RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture
Austin Opata retweeted
From Knowledge to Stories: Day 2 of the FSRP Media and Influencer Training
The #IGAD Media and Influencer Training on DACAS and the IGAD Fertilizer and Soil Health Hub continued today in Nairobi, 🇰🇪
Participants explored how journalism and influencer content can shape public debate and support accountability, alongside best practices in verification, credible sourcing and clear communication. Working in groups, they then began producing their own content on soil health and climate advisory services.
Through these efforts, IGAD is building a regional community of communicators for food systems resilience.
#FSRP #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture
Austin Opata retweeted
🎙️ Stories that bring communities closer!
Meet Steve Mokaya, winner of the Radio Category at the IGAD Media Awards 2025, as he reflects on his experience and the impact of this recognition on his journalism journey.
His achievement highlights the power of radio to amplify community voices, share vital information and connect audiences across our region.
🇺🇬 Kampala is calling! Join us on 19–20 November 2026 as we celebrate another generation of exceptional storytellers.
🌍 mediaawards.igad.int
#IGADMediaAwards2026 #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture
Austin Opata retweeted
The second day of the #IGAD Media and Influencer Training in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on the role of media and digital creators in promoting food systems resilience.
Participants discussed how to share accurate information, verify facts, use reliable sources and create content that informs the public and encourages accountability. They also worked in groups to develop content around soil health and climate advisory services.
By equipping journalists and influencers with the right skills and knowledge, IGAD is strengthening communication efforts to support more resilient food systems across the region.
#RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture
Austin Opata retweeted
@IGADs Head of Communications, Mr. @AustinOpata, officially opened the IGAD Media and Communications Training in Nairobi (26–28 October 2026), aimed at strengthening media engagement and raising awareness of the Regional Soil Health Hub and Digital Agro-Climate Advisory Services.
Austin Opata retweeted
📰 Stories that inform, inspire and drive change!
Meet Maryann Muganda, winner of the Print Category at the IGAD Media Awards 2025, as she reflects on her experience and the impact of this recognition on her journalism journey.
Her achievement highlights the power of print journalism to uncover important stories, amplify community voices and deepen public understanding of issues shaping our region.
🇺🇬 Kampala is calling! Join us on 19–20 November 2026 as we celebrate another generation of exceptional storytellers.
🌍 mediaawards.igad.int
#IGADMediaAwards2026 #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture