Opening the programme, Mr. Onyari Josephat, Director of Administration and Finance at the IGAD Secretariat, underscored the importance of investing in modern statistical systems to support regional integration and evidence-based decision-making. Throughout the four-day programme, participants enhanced their practical knowledge of SDMX, multidimensional data modelling, and the development of harmonised data structures. A key outcome of the programme was the development of harmonised SDMX Data Structure Definitions (DSDs) to support the online dissemination of regional statistics. The programme further initiated the development of a long-term roadmap for institutionalising SDMX across IGAD and its Member States. The four-day programme concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, advancing regional collaboration on statistical systems, and promoting the use of high-quality, harmonised data to support regional integration and sustainable development.