and harmonization of development policies, mobilizes resources to implement regional projects and programs approved by the council and reinforces national infrastructures necessary for implementing regional projects and policies. The current Executive Secretary is Workneh Gebeyehu of Ethiopia (since 29 November 2019). The Council of Ministers is composed of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and one other Minister designated by each member state. The Council formulates policy, approves the work program and annual budget of the Secretariat during its biannual sessions. The Committee of Ambassadors comprises IGAD member states' Ambassadors or Plenipotentiaries accredited to the country of IGAD Headquarters. It convenes as often as the need arises to advise and guide the Executive Secretary. Ambassador Mahboub Maalim handed over as Executive Secretary to Workneh Gebeyehu in late 2019. Maalim, a Kenyan nominee, had served from 2008 to 2019. Comparison with other regional trade blocs See also East African Community (EAC) Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Notes External links IGAD official site Agreement Establishing the Intergovernmental Authority on Development IGAD Profile (Institute for Security Studies) Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN) Politics of Africa Regional Economic Communities of the African Union African Union Trade blocs 1986 establishments in Africa