IGAD
How IGAD turned critical regional data into publications that drive action and accountability.
Client
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
Year
2026
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is a regional economic community comprising eight Member States: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.
Established in 1986 as the Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD) to combat drought and desertification, the organization evolved in 1996 into IGAD with an expanded mandate encompassing food security, environmental protection, economic cooperation, and political and humanitarian affairs.
The organization produces a wide range of publications, such as annual reports, quarterly newsletters, fact sheets, and policy briefs that document its work across diverse areas, including climate resilience, food security, peace and security, regional integration, health, and institutional development.
These publications serve as critical communication tools, sharing progress with Member States, development partners, and stakeholders while demonstrating accountability and impact.
IGAD needed to present vast amounts of data in formats that were digestible and actionable rather than overwhelming. Also, the publications needed to reflect IGAD’s institutional identity as a credible, authoritative regional body while remaining accessible and engaging.
Lastly, with multiple publication types serving different purposes, PLASTRA needed to develop a design system flexible enough to accommodate varied content while maintaining consistency.
The strategy was to first Establish a Unified Visual Identity by creating a design language that would flow consistently across all IGAD publications. This included a defined color palette drawing from IGAD’s brand identity, a typographic hierarchy that balanced authority with readability, and a grid system that ensured structural consistency.
Given the density of information in IGAD’s publications, PLASTRA implemented clear visual hierarchies to guide readers through complex content. Headers, subheaders, pull quotes, and callout boxes were strategically deployed to break up text and highlight key messages. Infographics, charts, and tables were also designed.
Recognizing that IGAD’s publications reach diverse audiences across the region, PLASTRA ensured that designs were optimized for both print and digital distribution. Layouts were designed to work across formats, and visual elements were created to maintain impact whether viewed on a screen or in printed form.
PLASTRA delivered a comprehensive publication design system for IGAD, encompassing newsletters, annual reports, and fact sheets, in English, French, and Portuguese, that communicated the organization’s work across its diverse mandate.
The publication design system delivered by PLASTRA transformed IGAD’s communications, enabling the organization to more effectively share its work, demonstrate accountability, and engage stakeholders across the region and beyond.
