Objectives

The overall objectives of this sub-programme are to promote the harmonization of national policies in various sectors in support of integration efforts towards the consolidation of sub-regional economic communities (RECs) in the overall framework of the African Union (AU), and facilitate the attainment of the goals set by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

Strategy

The objectives will be pursued through ensuring that the sub-regional dimensions feature in the work of the Commission and that the sub-regional offices serve as vital links between policy-oriented analytical work generated at headquarters and policy making at the field level. The strategy will encompass activities in support of ECA’s outreach, particularly dissemination through workshops, training sessions, data collection and knowledge networking. In doing so, specific core areas in the various sub-regions will be given consideration. Specifically, priority will be given to issues that are specific to sub-regional circumstances -- including HIV/AIDS -- and sectoral development such as human and infrastructures development, sub-regional long-term development perspectives, as well crosscutting issues of gender mainstreaming and information communication technologies for development. Emphasis will be placed on high-impact activities that member states themselves have identified as priority for the respective subregions.

The modalities for implementing the strategy will include enhancing programmatic synergies with the various sub-programmes, using main part of activities under the sub-programme to support the streamlining of the Commission’s operations at the field level and improving interaction with member States and other sub-regional stakeholders. This will bring about cost effectiveness and enhanced impact of the work of the Commission.

The above objectives will also be pursued through enhanced partnership with main RECs, including the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA).

With the acknowledgement by member States of the critical responsibility of RECs in the implementation of NEPAD, the objectives and principles of which being congruent with the MDGs, particular efforts will emphasize on strengthening their capacities.

The facilitation and further strengthening of inter-agency cooperation, networking and exchange of information with other UN agencies operating at country and sub-regional levels as well as with bilateral donors will also be an important component of the strategy.

Expected accomplishments