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© 2012 Economic Commission for Africa H
Experts recommend that WAIGOs sign a Cooperation Protocol
Niamey, 19 June 2012 (ECA) – Experts meeting for two days in Lomé, Togo, recommended that all West African Intergovernmental Organizations (WAIGOs) sign a draft Protocol on Cooperation, which will provide a formal framework for consultation and coordination in the implementation of development and regional integration programmes.
Despite efforts, regional integration in West Africa has witnessed slow progress reflected in the subregion’s development status. To reverse this trend, experts agreed, West African intergovernmental organizations need to work closely to take advantage of synergies and comparative strengths in the implementation of regional programmes, hence the need to accelerate the formal establishment of the cooperation framework.
“The upcoming signing of the Protocol on Cooperation will constitute a historical milestone towards the realization of the regional integration agenda in West Africa,” said Mr. Émile Ahohé, Director of the Sub-Regional Office for West Africa of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), “and could serve as a reference for other regions on the continent.”
The recommendation was brought forward during an ad hoc expert group meeting organized by the Sub-Regional Office for West Africa of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) on 7 and 8 June 2012, in Lomé, Togo. The meeting underscored that collaboration among WAIGOs requires an innovative and sustainable funding mechanism, which encourages resource mobilization both from member States and the private sector.
The involvement of the private sector was noted as equally important in the development of key economic sectors. For example, private sector’s support for the implementation of agricultural initiatives can address recurrent food security and nutritional problems in the subregion.
In the macroeconomic sector, experts also stressed the importance of adhering to convergence criteria as a mechanism for inculcating discipline in pursuit of regional integration objectives.
“Regional integration is an immense endeavor, and WAIGOs have constructively engaged in its pursuit,” noted Mr. Ahohé, who reiterated ECA’s commitment to continue its support to the process.
The detailed recommendations of the meeting are contained in the outcome statement issued by experts in attendance, representing the following institutions: ACMAD, LGA, NBA, AGRHYMET, BCEAO, ECOWAS, UEMOA, WAMI, WAMA, OMVS, OMVG, FAGACE, WAHO, MRU, AFRICARICE, INSAH, CILSS, WAI, EBID and BOAD.
Issued by:
ECA Information and Communication Service P.O. Box 3001
Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Tel: 251 11 5445098 Fax: +251-11-551 03 65 E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.uneca.org
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