PROPOSED PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR THE BIENNIUM 2004-2005

ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA
Twenty-second meeting of the Committee of Experts of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development

Addis Ababa
29-30 May 2003

Thirty-sixth session of the Commission/Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Planning and Economic Development

Addis Ababa
1 June 2003

May 2003


TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. OVERVIEW

B. PROPOSED PROGRAMME OF WORK, 2004-2005

Subprogramme 1: Facilitating Economic and Social policy Analysis
Subprogramme 2: Fostering Sustainable Development
Subprogramme 3: Strengthening Development Management
Subprogramme 4: Harnessing Information for Development
Subprogramme 5: Promoting Trade and Regional Integration
Subprogramme 6: Promoting the Advancement of Women
Subprogramme 7: Supporting Subregional Activities for Development

- ECA Office in North Africa
- ECA Office in West Africa
- ECA Office in Central Africa
- ECA Office in East Africa
- ECA Office in Southern Africa

Subprogramme 8: Development Planning and Administration


A. OVERVIEW

The proposed programme of work described below is based on programme 14, Economic and Social Development in Africa of the medium-term plan for the period 2002-2005 (A/57/Rev.1), which was revised to take into account the priorities identified in the Millennium Declaration; the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD); the Secretary-General's proposals for further change which is aimed at bringing about greater convergence of current activities with the priorities of the Millennium Declaration; the outcome and decisions of major international conferences; and the decisions and resolution of the thirty-fifth session of the Commission/Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

The overall objective of the programme is to foster economic and social development in Africa, with particular focus on poverty reduction. Specifically, the programme is geared towards assisting member States in formulating and implementing policies and programmes that will accelerate and sustain growth for poverty reduction in line with the United Nations Millennium Declaration. This will be achieved by focusing attention on the implementation of eight interdependent and complementary subprogrammes, which broadly reflect the priorities and challenges confronting member States.

An attempt has been made to group together related activities to enhance coherence and complementarity. In this light, a new subprogramme 8, Development planning and administration, aimed at strengthening the technical and analytical skills of experts in the public and private sectors in member States, is included in the 2004-2005 proposed programme of work. The former subprogramme 2, Promoting trade and mobilizing finance for development, has been discontinued and its functions subsumed under Subprogramme 1 (ESPD) Subprogramme 5 (TRID) (as per the resolution of the Commission).

During 2004-2005 more emphasis will be given to:

(a) Improving indicators for monitoring progress towards achieving the Millennium Declaration Goals; analyzing the development implications of HIV/AIDS and other diseases of poverty; and strengthening international partnership in support of resource mobilization and improved aid effectiveness for Africa's development;

(b) Examining the environmental implications of sustainable development, taking into account the relevant decisions and outcomes from the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) and the sustainable development goals of the Millinnium Declaration, focusing on the regional priorities of water, energy, health and biodiversity;

(c) Fostering a capable state by promoting measures for conflict resolution in line with the Millennium Declaration Goals (MDGs) of enhancing peace and security in Africa; provding support in improving economic management through the adoption of sound economic and corporate governance practices for sustained poverty reduction, and reflecting ECA's role in assisting member States in developing and implementing the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) under NEPAD;

(d) Promoting the adoption of policies and strategies for increasing the impact of information and communication technology in achieving the development goals of African countries and bridging the digital divide;

(e) Strengthening support to the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as the essential building blocks for achieving regional integration in Africa; providing policy analytical and institution-building support for the establishment and consolidation of the African Union in line with the mandate given to it by African leaders; enhancing Africa's global competitiveness to ensure its effective integration in the global economy; promoting intra-African trade as a step towards effective integration into the global economy; seizing the opportunities presented by the Doha Agreement under the World Trade Organization (WTO);

(f) Promoting gender equality as a step towards addressing the poverty problem in Africa by assisting member States in mainstreaming gender concerns into their development policies and programmes, to achieve the goal of gender equality set by various regional and global conferences on women; developing in this regard, an African Gender and Development Index (AGDI), which will provide the tool for measuring progress towards achieving the gender equality goals; providing assistance to member States and their national machineries on the adoption and implementation of these indicators and monitoring instruments;

(g) Strengthening and optimizing support to the regional economic communities (RECs) in achieving the regional and subregional integration objectives of NEPAD with the assistance of ECA subregional offices (SROs), located in the five subregions of the continent;

(h) Assisting member States strengthen technical and analytical capacity for sound economic policy formulation and management through policy-relevant training programmes for mid-career and senior officials from the public and private sectors.

Following a review and assessment of its comparative advantages, ECA has succeded in rationalizing its activities leading to a termination of activities and outputs of marginal utility, while expanding in other areas where it has a distinct comparative advantage. The objective is to produce fewer outputs of better quality and sharpen the focus of its work for greater impact.

ECA will continue to strengthen its collaboration with other organizations, both within and outside the UN system. In this regard, it will strengthen inter-agency collaboration in the context of the annual regional consultation of UN agencies in the formulation and implementation of joint programmes and activities.

ECA will also continue to work closely with other institutions at the regional and subregional levels on issues of common concern to the member States. ECA will forge strategic alliances with partners in the private sector, civil society, research institutions, and with bilateral and multilateral donors in support of Africa's development objectives.

The proposed changes are underpinned by a major institution strengthening programme launched recently with the aim of enhancing ECA's role as a knowledge institution and enable it respond effectively to the complex challenges facing the continent. The issues to be addressed under the programme include the following: implementing a programme to address issues relating to training, recruitment, personnel management and benefit administration; integrating planning, budgeting and evaluation; streamlining the processes and procedures to systematically address problems in human resource management; building an effective integrated information management system to enhance data collection, preparation, processing and dissemination; and developing a comprehensive communication strategy.


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B. PROPOSED PROGRAMME OF WORK, 2004-2005

Subprogramme 1: Facilitating economic and social policy analysis

The activities under this subprogramme have been formulated by drawing upon subprogramme 1 of programme 14 of the Medium-Term Plan for the period 2002 - 2005 as revised.The responsibility for implementation lies with the Economic and Social Policy Division (ESPD).

I. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this subprogramme is to strengthen the capacity of member States to design, implement and monitor appropriate economic and social policies in order that they may achieve sustained economic growth, and to strengthen their capacity to adopt and implement measures aimed at reducing poverty in their countries. The priorities and goals set by the MDGs, the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and the Abuja Summit on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and other related infectious diseases will be taken into account.

IV. OUTPUTS

A. Servicing of the meetings of intergovernmental and expert bodies

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

Two sessions of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (one in 2004, one in 2005).

2. Parliamentary documentation 

Reports to the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development on selected themes.

3. Ad hoc expert group meetings on:

i. Assessing Economic Performance (one in 2004, one in 2005);

ii. Financial System and Resource Mobilization (2004);

iii. Capital Flows and Current Account Sustainability in African Economies (2005);

iv. Poverty and Inequality over space and time (2004).

B. Other substantive activities 

1. Recurrent publications

i. Economic Report on Africa (one in 2004, one in 2005);

ii. ECA Policy Research Report (one in 2004, one in 2005);

iii. Report on Public Health issues in Africa especially in the areas of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

2. Non-recurrent publications

i. Capital Flows and Current Account Sustainability in African Economies;

ii. Banking System and Domestic Resource Mobilization in Africa

iii. Country case studies for the African Peer Review Mechanism (one in 2004, one in 2005);

iv. Spatial Dimension of Poverty and Inequality.

3. Booklets, pamphlets, fact sheets, wall charts, information kits

Promotional materials for African Statistics Day (November 18, 2004 and 2005) posters and press communiqués.

4. Technical materials 

African Statistical Database on Household and Demographic Surveys (DHS).

5. Special events

i. African Development Forum (2004):Theme: Labour Markets and Employment in Africa;

ii. African Statistics Day.

C. Technical cooperation

1. Advisory services

Ten missions upon request to governments and intergovernmental organizations on formulation of development policies and strategies, in particular economic reforms and poverty alleviation programmes.

2. Group Training (seminars, workshops and symposia)

i. Training/workshop on capital markets development and regulation;

ii. Regional group training on new database development technologies and on organization and management of development information, including dissemination on the web and use of geo-information in statistical offices;

iii. Workshop on the organization and the management of National Statistical Offices/Institutes.

3. Fellowship

i. A fellowship programme to enhance capacity in development issues and policy analysis, three fellows each year for AERC/ECA African Fellows programme;

ii. A visiting scholars, fellows and interns programme on household surveys, poverty indicators and analysis.

4. Field Projects

i. Poverty reduction strategy paper (PRSP) Learning Group;

ii. Strengthening capacity for building statistical and econometric skills for macroeconomic forecasting, poverty measurement and monitoring;

iii. Improving private sector and Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) synergies.


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Subprogramme 2: Fostering Sustainable Development

The activities under this subprogramme, which have been formulated by drawing upon subprogramme 2 of Programme 14 of the medium-term plan for the period 2002-2005 as revised, are under the responsibility of the Sustainable Development Division (SDD).

I. OBJECTIVE

The overall objective is to strengthen the capacity of member States to design institutional arrangements and implement national policies and programmes that reinforce linkages within the nexus of food security, population, environment and human settlements in order to achieve sustainable development, and to contribute to building capacity of African countries to utilize science and technology in achieving sustainable development. Other objectives of this subprogramme include promoting awareness of the need to integrate concerns of the three pillars of sustainable development, namely economic development, social development and environmental protection into national development planning and poverty reduction programmes; improve stewardship of the natural resource base and the environment by strengthening the capacity of member States for sustainable exploitation, management and effective utilization of such important natural resources as mineral, energy and water resources.

IV. OUTPUTS

During the biennium 2004-2005, the following outputs will be delivered:

A. Servicing of intergovernmental and expert bodies, including reports

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

i. Fourth Session of the Committee on Sustainable Development (CSD);

ii. Regional Preparatory Meeting for ICPD + 10 review.

2. Parliamentary documentation. Four reports to the CSD on:

i. Managing Land-Based Resources for Sustainable Development: Policy Recommendations;

ii. Report on ECA programme for promoting biotechnology for sustainable development in Africa;

iii. Report on emerging issues in science and technology for sustainable development in Africa;

iv. Progress report on the follow-up and implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

3. Ad hoc expert group meetings on:

i. Monitoring and assessing progress on sustainable development;

ii. Science and technology issues for sustainable development;

iii. Developing water resources for sustainable development.

B. Other Substantive Activities

1. Recurrent publications

i. Report on Sustainable Development in Africa (RSDA - one issue);

ii. African Water Development Report (One issue); and

iii. Bulletin on Sustainable Development in Africa (Current Population and Development Bulletin -- Two issues).

2. Non-recurrent publications

i. Subregional strategies for preventing and managing disaster-related food crises (Position Paper);

ii. Study on emerging issues in science and technologies for sustainable development in Africa (Working Paper);

iii. Review of the application of environment impact assessment (EIA) in selected African countries (Best Practices Paper).

3. Technical materials

Development and maintenance of Website on fostering sustainable development in Africa.

C. Technical Cooperation

1. Advisory services

Ten advisory missions to member States on sustainable development issues.

2. Group Training (Seminar, workshops and symposia)

Group training/seminars/workshops on:

i Analysis of the nexus issues of sustainable development;

ii. Natural resources accounting;

iii. Integrated water resources management;

iv. Integrated energy resources planning;

v. Management of mineral resources;

vi. Management of biosafety and intellectual property rights.

3. Field projects

i. Programme for promoting biotechnology for sustainable development in Africa;

ii. Relationships between women's reproductive health and household food security in rural Africa.


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Subprogramme 3: Strengthening Development Management

The activities under this subprogramme, which have been formulated by drawing upon subprogramme 3 of Programme 14 of the medium-term plan for the period 2002-2005 as revised, are under the responsibility of the Development Management Division (DMD).

I. OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the subprogramme are to strengthen capacity of the public sector for effective management; to enhance the capacity of civil society organizations at all levels to participate in the development and governance processes, and to support the effort in NEPAD relating to developing programmes as well as codes and guidelines for economic and corporate governance in Africa.

IV. OUTPUTS

A. Servicing of intergovernmental and expert bodies

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

Substantive servicing of meeting of the 4th Session of the Committee on Human Development and Civil Society.

2. Parliamentary documentation

Three Reports to the Committee on Human Development and Civil Society on: emerging issues relating to good governance practices.

3. Ad hoc Expert Group Meetings on:

i. Measuring, assessing and reporting on governance practices;

ii. Public financial management and accountability; focusing on best practices in budget transparency;

iii. Best practices in enhancing CSO role in corporate accountability.

B. Other substantive activities

1. Recurrent publications

African Governance Report (one issue).

2. Non-recurrent publications

i. Lessons learnt in measurement and assessment of governance;

ii. Public financial management and accountability in the context of budget transparency;

iii. Best practices and emerging issues on economic and corporate governance;

iv. Best practices in enhancing CSO role in corporate accountability;

v. Country assessment reports for African Peer Review (APR) (one in 2004, one in 2005).

3. Electronic and audio video issuances, including films, videotapes, radio broadcasts, tapes of news, documentary and feature programmes (number of activities for each type).

Dissemination of governance experiences through radio and documentary programmes (two in 2004, two in 2005).

4. Booklets. Pamphlets, fact sheets, wall charts, information kits

Occasional pamphlets on governance best practices (two in 2004, two in 2005).

5. Technical materials for outside users (databases and software)

Databases of experts and networks in governance (one in 2004, one in 2005).

C. Technical cooperation

1. Advisory services

Ten advisory missions and services, upon request to member States, national institutions on issues of governance as well as best practices to enhance CSO role in the development and governance process.

2. Group training (seminars, workshops and symposia)

i. Two Workshops on public financial management;

ii. Two Workshops on implementing standard for corporate governance;

iii. Two Seminars on mechanisms for enhancing CSO role in corporate accountability.

3. Fellowships

Four fellowships and grants to enhance national capacities on governance issues in Africa.

4. Field projects

Field project on Assessing and Monitoring Governance in Africa.


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Subprogramme 4: Harnessing Information for Development

Subprogramme activities are based on the objectives of the African Information Society Initiative (AISI), which is a vision and mission to accelerate the continent's socio-economic development through the use of information services. AISI as the first regional framework for ICT development is the main reference for ECA as well as other regional and global actors with respect to sectoral, national and subregional interventions. The dramatic moves towards the information and knowledge society, offer real opportunities for African countries, which should not be missed. The subprogramme is based on three tenets that cumulatively enhance Africa's capacity to enter into the digital age. The activities under this subprogramme, which have been formulated by drawing upon subprogramme 4 of Programme 14 of the medium-term plan for the period 2002-2005 as revised, are under the responsibility of the Development Information Services Division (DISD).

I. OBJECTIVE

The objective of the subprogramme is to strengthen the national capacity for the utilization of ICT, including strengthening capacity in the development and the use of information and knowledge systems (bibliographic, referral and spatial databases) as decision support tools for socio-economic development.

IV. OUTPUTS

A. Servicing of Intergovernmental and Expert bodies

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

i. Fourth session of the Committee on Development information (CODI-4);

ii. One meeting of the Standing Preparatory Working Group for CODI-Geo.

2. Parliamentary documentation

Four reports to CODI-4 on:

i. Progress made on GI development and impact;

ii. The status of development of national and regional ICT policies, plans and strategies;

iii. National knowledge systems and the status of information access policies in Africa;

iv. The role and contribution of Africa to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

3. Ad hoc expert group meetings on:

i. New trends on digital and virtual libraries;

ii. Africa and the World Summit on the Information Society, Issues and Challenges (one in 2004 and one in 2005);

iii. Strategies for information and knowledge resources development;

iv. Geographic data as a national asset.

B. Other Substantive Activities

1. Recurrent Publications

i. ICT for development;

ii. Index to African Official Publications.

2. Non-recurrent publications

i. Publication on digital libraries development, imperatives and best practices;

ii. Publication on the African position to the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) to be presented at the 2005 Tunis WSIS;

iii. Publication on the development and utilization of information and knowledge resources in Africa, Challenges and Opportunities;

iv. Publication on the integration of national Geo-spatial Data Infrastructures within national information policies.

3. Exhibits and information kits

Side events during major meetings including exhibitions for policy makers on the use of information sources and services, internet, databases discussion lists.

4. Technical material for outside users

i. Development and maintenance of a clearing house gateway at ECA for member States to publish their data holdings and for users to search and discover available data and information products;

ii. Knowledge base on the progress of information for development in Africa (including a database on the status of GI progress and development, AISI web sites, database of African experts);

iii. Development Information materials for policy makers and other stakeholders (studies, paper briefs);

iv. Development of an African geoinformatics (geographic data collection and management) curriculum based on a modular system of short courses, responsive to long-term education at various levels as well as short-term training and re-training in geoinformatics.

5. Electronic video issuances, etc

Information for development outreach programme, production of audio and video programmes, electronic bulletins, newsletters, and Web based briefing papers.

C. Technical cooperation

1. Advisory services

Advisory services to governments upon request, RECS and IGOs (5 on ICT policies and plans, 4 to member States on GI technologies and management, 2 statutory missions to technical and consultative meetings of regional GI centres.

2. Group Training (workshops/seminars and symposia)

i. Seminar on "cooperative mechanisms for management of information resources and services, with special attention to geo-spatial products";

ii. Workshops on spatial data standards, clearing house and metadata (one per year);

iii. Workshop on African languages and content (indigenous knowledge);

iv. Regional capacity building workshops on effective management and use of UN documentation for depository libraries and their key potential users (one in French and one in English).

3. Fellowships

i. A visiting scholars, fellows and interns programme to conduct research on selected aspects of geoinformation management (one fellow per year);

ii. Two fellows (one each year), selected from African Virtual Library and Information Network (AVLIN) participating centres to engage on development of digital and virtual library networking;

iii. Four fellows to conduct research on various aspects of the information society.

3. Field Projects

i. African Virtual Library and Information Network (AVLIN);

ii. Information Training Centre for Africa (ITCA);

iii. Promoting the information society in Africa with focus on new trends.

Subprogramme 5: Promoting Trade and Regional Integration

The activities under this subprogramme, which have been formulated by drawing upon subprogramme 5 of Programme 14 of the medium-term plan for the period 2002-2005 as revised, are under the responsibility of the Trade and Regional Integration Division (TRID).

I. OBJECTIVE

Taking into account the entry into force of the Constitutive Act of the African Union (AU) and the need for African countries to accede to WTO and benefit from the multilateral trading system and the Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the European Union (EU) and the ACP countries, the objective of the subprogramme is: (a) to promote regional cooperation and economic integration in the region, focusing mainly on policy issues, infrastructure development and related services in the transport sector; and (b) to strengthen the capacity of African countries to engage in intraregional trade as a step towards integration into the global economy within the context of the new WTO Agreements.

IV. OUTPUTS

A. Servicing of Intergovernmental and Expert Bodies

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

Fourth Session of the Committee on Trade and Regional Cooperation and Integration.

2. Parliamentary documentation

i. Report to the Committee on Trade and Regional Cooperation and Integration on national mechanisms and machineries relating to the implementation of regional integration programmes, policies, modalities and constraints;

ii. Report to the Committee on Trade and Regional Cooperation and Integration on trade facilitation with focus on means of overcoming major obstacles to intra-African trade.

3. Ad hoc expert group meetings on:

i. Assessing integration efforts in Africa, Promoting intra-African trade;

ii. Capacity building for market access;

iii. Trade development and the WTO, Issues and challenges for African countries;

iv. Financing the integration process in Africa.

B. Other substantive outputs

1. Recurrent publications

Assessing Regional Integration in Africa (ARIA).

2. Non-recurrent publications

i. Strategies and modalities for mainstreaming trade policies in African countries;

ii. Market Access, the unfinished Agenda for Africa;

iii. Trade and Environment in the WTO, issues for African Countries;

iv. Policy briefs for African negotiators, Africa's preparations for the WTO Ministerial Conferences;

v. Best practices related to the commercialization, privatization and corporatization of rail, air, road and maritime services in Africa;

vi. Study on the feasibility of a continent-wide self-financing mechanism to sustain the African Union integration process;

vii. Best practices in promoting intra-African trade and framework for effective trade facilitation in Africa.

C. Technical cooperation

1. Advisory services

Ten advisory services missions to African governments for the formulation of joint proposals for the WTO process, mainstreaming of trade and regional integration strategies and supporting transport development within NEPAD and SSATP.

2. Group training (workshop, seminars and symposia)

i. High-level brainstorming seminar of African trade negotiators preparatory to WTO Ministerial Conference;

ii. One subregional workshop on air transport liberalization within the framework of Yamoussoukro Decision;

iii. One subregional workshop on implementation of existing transit transport agreements and their impact on transport cost reduction along transit corridors in Africa as well as on the movement of people and goods;

iv. Symposium/Joint meeting with partners on African transport development and policy meeting on infrastructure issues within the context of NEPAD and SSATP;

v. Workshop on follow-up on built in agenda e.g. agricultural and trade in services (2004-2005).

3. Field projects

i Capacity building through cooperation in developing interregional land and land-cum-sea transport linkages (ECE, ESCAP, ECLAC, ESCWA, ECA);

ii Trade-related capacity building, research and training programme to Africa.


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Subprogramme 6: Promoting the Advancement of Women

The activities under this subprogramme, which have been formulated by drawing upon subprogramme 6 of Programme 14 of the medium-term plan for the period 2002-2005 as revised, are under the responsibility of the African Centre for Gender and Development (ACGD).

I. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this subprogramme is to encourage the development of gender-responsive policies and policy adjustments necessary for economic and social development in Africa through strengthening the capacity of member States to mainstream gender into policies and programmes and to promote empowerment of women. The priorities and goals set by the Beijing Platform for Action. MDGs and the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) will be taken into account.

IV. OUTPUTS

A. Servicing of the meetings of intergovernmental and expert bodies

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

i One meeting of the Committee on Women and Development (CWD) (2005);

ii. Two meetings of the Bureau of CWD (2004 and 2005).

2. Parliamentary documentation

i. Four reports to the CWD meeting;

ii. Follow-up report on the implementation of the outcome of the Africa's Decade review of the Beijing + 10 (2005).

3. Ad hoc expert group meetings

i. Review and validate African Women Report (2005);

ii. Review the outcome of gender aware model tested at country level (2004).

B. Other substantive activities

1. Recurrent publications

i. One issue of the African Women's Report (2005);

ii. Four Gender Net (two 2004 and two 2005).

2. Non-recurrent publications

Report of the decade review of the implementation of Dakar and Beijing Platforms for Action in Africa (2004).

3. Booklets, Monograms etc

Fifty-three Country Gender Profiles (one set 2004).

4. Exhibitions

Launching of the African Women's Report (2005).

5. Technical materials

Information kits for communicating gender-inclusive development activities (2004 and 2005).

6. Special events

African Decade Review Conference on Women (high level consultative Committee on Beijing + 10) (2004).

C. Technical cooperation

1. Advisory services

Ten Advisory services for gender mainstreaming on request from member States (2004 and 2005).

2. Group Training (seminars, workshops and symposia)

Regional workshop for policy makers on gender aware model (2005).

3. Field Projects

Enhancing the operationalization of the East and West African Economic empowerment of women through development of Enterprise Development Facilities (EDFs).


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Subprogramme 7: Supporting Subregional Activities for Development

The activities under this subprogramme, which have been formulated by drawing upon subprogramme 7 of Programme 14 of the medium-term plan for the period 2002-2005 as revised, are under the responsibility of the five ECA subregional offices, located in Tangiers for North Africa, Niamey for West Africa, Yaounde for Central Africa, Kigali for East Africa and Lusaka for Southern Africa. Activities under this subprogramme are primarily meant to articulate, at the subregional level, the priority areas covered by the other subprogrammes (Subprogrammes 1 to 6) so as to ensure that the entire work of the Commission is carried out in a more effective manner.

A Coordination Unit, located at the headquarters of the Commission in Addis Ababa, provides liaison between the headquarters Divisions and the various offices.

I. OBJECTIVES

The overall objectives of this subprogramme are to promote the harmonization of national policies in various sectors in support of integration efforts towards the consolidation of subregional 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).


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IV. OUTPUTS

Supporting Subregional Activities for Development in North Africa

This component of the subprogramme will be implemented by the ECA Office in North Africa, which covers the following seven countries: Algeria, Egypt, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia.

During the biennium 2004-2005, the following outputs will be delivered.

A. Servicing of intergovernmental expert bodies

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

Meetings of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts (ICE) (One session in 2004 and one in 2005).

2. Parliamentary documentation

i. Report on economic and social conditions in North Africa (One report in 2004 and one report 2005);

ii. Report on progress and prospects in the implementation of NEPAD and the attainment of the MDGs in North Africa (One report in 2005);

iii. Subregional report on the decade review of the implementation of the Dakar and Beijing Platforms (2004);

iv. Progress report on the status of implementation of the 1993 System of National Account (SNA93) in North Africa;

v. Progress report on the status of information for development activities in North Africa (2005).

3. Other services provided

Subregional meeting on the decade review of the implementation of Dakar and Beijing Platforms (2004).

4. Ad hoc expert group meetings

i. Ad hoc expert group meeting on long-term perspectives in infrastructure development in North Africa

ii. Ad hoc expert group meeting on strategies for foreign direct investments (FDI) in North Africa

iii. Ad hoc expert group meeting on status of governance in North Africa, review and validation of country reports.

B. Other substantive services

1. Recurrent publication

i. Economic Report on Africa - Report on economic and social conditions in North Africa (One in 2004 and one in 2005);

ii. Subregional Water Development Report (2004).

2. Non-recurrent publications

i. Long-term perspective study, infrastructure development in North Africa;

ii. Subregional strategies for foreign direct investments (FDI) in North Africa;

iii. The impact of HIV/AIDS on selected North African economies (2005).

3. Special event

North African Development Forum (2005).

4. Technical material

Subregional Database of experts and networks on governance.

C. Technical cooperation

1. Advisory services

Six advisory missions, upon request, to member States, RECs, IGOs on priority development issues, including gender, particularly the areas of statistics, sustainable development (agriculture, Energy, Environment and Water).

i. Training workshop on methodological approach for modelling medium-term projections (2004);

ii. Training workshop on application of "Easy Reference Guide" to engender national accounts and national budgets, (2004);

iii. Seminar on development perspectives in North Africa, the challenge of water and environment in North Africa (2005);

iv. Preparatory seminar for Fifth African Development Forum (ADF V) on labour markets and employment (2005);

v. Workshop on economic and corporate governance and accountability in North Africa (2004).

3. Field project

i. Joint ECA/ESCWA/ECE Mediterranean Project on Water and Energy;

ii. Support to the implementation of UN Action Plans for NEPAD in North Africa;

iii. Support to National statistics offices for the implementation of the 1993 System of National Account (SNA93) in North Africa.


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Supporting Subregional Activities for Development in West Africa

This component of the subprogramme will be implemented by ECA Office in West Africa, which covers the following fifteen countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

During the biennium 2004-2005, the following outputs will be delivered.

A. Servicing of intergovernmental expert bodies

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

Meetings of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts (ICE) (One session in 2004 and one in 2005)

2. Parliamentary documentation

i. Report on economic and social conditions in West Africa (One report in 2004 and one in 2005);

ii. Report on progress in and prospects for the implementation of NEPAD and attainment of the MDGs in West Africa (One report in 2005);

iii. Report on the status of monetary integration in West Africa, challenges and opportunities (One report in 2005);

iv Subregional report on the decade review of the implementation of the Dakar and Beijing Platforms (2004);

v. Progress report on the status of information for development activities in West Africa (2005).

3. Other services provided

Subregional meeting on the decade review of the implementation of the Dakar and Beijing Platforms (2004).

4. Ad hoc expert group meetings

i. Ad hoc expert group meeting on economic impact of conflicts in West Africa;

ii. Ad hoc expert group meeting on the impact of HIV/AIDS on selected West African economies (2005);

iii. Ad hoc expert group meeting on the status of governance in West Africa, review and validation of country reports.

B. Other substantive services

1. Recurrent publications

i. Economic Report on Africa - Report on economic and social conditions in West Africa (One in 2004 and one in 2005);

ii. Subregional Water Development Report.

2. Non-recurrent publications

i. Economic impact of conflicts in West Africa;

ii. Report on the impact of HIV/AIDS on selected West African economies (2005);

iii. Report on development perspectives in West Africa, the challenge of water and environment in West Africa (2004);

iv. Statistical estimation of average exit time measure of poverty in West Africa.

3. Special event

West African Development Forum (2005).

4. Technical material

Subregional Database of experts and networks on governance.

C. Technical cooperation

1. Advisory services

Ten advisory missions, upon request, to member States, RECs and IGOs (ECOWAS, UEMOA, MRU and others) on priority development issues, including gender, macroeconomic policies, food security and sustainable development, agriculture, energy, industry, transport, integrated water resources management and post-conflict reconstruction and development.

2. Group training (seminars/workshops)

i. Preparatory seminar for ADF on labour markets and employment (2005);

ii. Training workshop on application of "Easy Reference Guide" to engender national accounts and national budgets (2004);

iii. Training workshops on integrated resources planning and management, with focus on water, energy and mining;

iv. Workshop on economic and corporate governance and accountability in West Africa;

v. Seminar on development perspectives in West Africa, the challenge of water and environment in West Africa (2005).

3. Field projects

i. Development for Peace Programme in the Mano River Basin Countries;

ii. Support to the implementation of UN Action Plans for NEPAD in West Africa;

iii. Support to National statistics offices for the implementation of the 1993 System of National Account (SNA93) in West Africa.


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Supporting Subregional Activities for Development in Central Africa

This component of the subprogramme will be implemented by ECA Office in Central Africa, which covers the following seven countries: Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Sao Tome and Principe.

During the biennium 2004-2005, the following outputs will be delivered.

A. Servicing of intergovernmental expert bodies

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

Meetings of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts (ICE) (One session in 2004 and one in 2005).

2. Parliamentary documentation

i. Report on economic and social conditions in Central Africa (One in 2004 and one in 2005);

ii. Report on progress and prospects in the implementation of NEPAD and the attainment of the MDGs, in Central Africa (One report in 2005);

iii. Report on sustainable development in Central Africa (2005);

iv. Subregional report on the decade review of the implementation of the Dakar and Beijing Platforms (2004);

v. Report on the status of information for development activities in Central Africa (2005).

3. Other services provided

Subregional meeting on the decade review of the implementation of the Dakar and Beijing Platforms (2004).

4. Ad hoc expert group meetings

i. Ad hoc expert group meeting on trade and development and the WTO, issues for Central African countries (2004);

ii. Ad hoc expert group meeting on Poverty Strategy Reduction Papers in Central Africa, sharing experiences (2005);

iii. Ad-hoc expert group meeting on status of governance in Central Africa, review and validation of country reports.

B. Other substantive services

1. Recurrent publications

Economic Report on Africa - Report on economic and social conditions in Central Africa (One report in 2004 and one report in 2005).

2. Non-recurrent publications

i. Report on trade and development and the WTO, issues for Central African countries (2004);

ii. Technical publication on poverty reduction strategies in Central Africa, sharing experiences (2005);

iii. Report on recent developments in the oil and gas industry in Central Africa (2005).

3. Special event

Central African Development Forum (2005).

4. Technical material 

i. Economic Report on Africa - Reports on economic and social conditions in Central Africa on CD-ROM (One in 2004 and one in 2005);

ii. Subregional Database of experts and networks on governance.

C. Technical cooperation

1. Advisory services

Six advisory services, upon request, to member States, RECs, IGOs on priority development issues, including formulation of economic and social policies, gender and good governance.

2. Group training (seminars/workshops)

i. One methodological workshop on the National Long-Term Perspectives in Central Africa (2004);

ii. One training workshop on poverty reduction strategy paper (2005);

iii. Training workshop on application of "Easy Reference Guide" to engender national accounts and budgets (2004);

iv. One preparatory seminar to ADF V on labour markets and employment (2005);

v. Workshop on economic and corporate governance and accountability in Central Africa, mechanisms for enhancing Civil Society Organizations.

3. Field projects

i. Regional Long-Term Perspective Study for Central Africa (2004 and 2005);

ii. Support to the implementation of UN Action Plans for NEPAD in Central Africa;

iii. Support to National statistics offices for the implementation of the 1993 System of National Account (SNA93) in Central Africa.


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Supporting Subregional Activities for Development in East Africa

This component of the subprogramme will be implemented by ECA Office in East Africa, which covers the following thirteen countries: Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, United Republic of Tanzania, and Uganda.

During the biennium 2004-2005, the following outputs will be delivered.

A. Servicing of intergovernmental expert bodies

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

Meetings of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts (ICE) (One session in 2004 and one in 2005).

2. Parliamentary documentation

i. Report on economic and social conditions in Eastern Africa (One report in 2004 and one in 2005);

ii. Report on progress and prospects in the implementation of NEPAD and attainment of the MDGs, in Eastern Africa (One in 2005);

iii. Report on sustainable development in Eastern Africa (2004) ;

iv. Subregional report on the decade review of the implementation of the Dakar and Beijing Platforms (2004);

v. The status of information for development activities in East Africa (2005);

vi. The impact of HIV/AIDS on selected Eastern African economies (2005).

3. Other services provided

Subregional meeting on the decade review of the implementation of the Dakar and Beijing Platforms (2004).

4. Ad hoc expert group meetings

i. Ad hoc expert group meeting on trade and development and the WTO, issues for Eastern African countries (2004);

ii. Financing regional integration in Eastern Africa, alternative mechanisms and modus operandi.

iii. Ad hoc expert group meeting on status of governance in East Africa, review and validation of country reports.

B. Other substantive services

1. Recurrent publications

Economic Report on Africa - Report on economic and social conditions in East Africa (One in 2004 and one in 2005).

2. Non-recurrent publications

i. Report on "Macroeconomic Policy convergence within COMESA, reconciling national policies and regional economic integration programmes";

ii. Technical publication on trade and development and the WTO, issues for Eastern African countries (2004);

iii. Technical publication on financing regional integration in Eastern Africa, alternative mechanisms and modus operandi;

iv. Statistical estimation of average exit time measure of poverty in East Africa.

3. Special event

East African Development Forum (2005).

4. Technical material

Subregional Database of experts and networks on governance.

C. Technical cooperation

1. Advisory services

Six missions, upon request, to member States, RECs, IGOs on priority development issues including, policy design and implementation for poverty alleviation and enhanced regional integration, multilateral trade negotiations, transport facilitation and infrastructure development, financial systems and financing mechanisms.

2. Group training (seminars/workshops)

i. Seminar on macroeconomic policy options in the context of regional economic integration;

ii. Workshop on trade and development and WTO, issues for Eastern African countries;

iii. Training workshop on application of "Easy Reference Guide" to engender national accounts and budgets (2004);

iv. One preparatory seminar on labour markets and employment (2005);

v. Workshop on economic and corporate governance and accountability in East Africa;

vi. Workshop on implementation of existing transit transport agreements and their impact on cost reduction along transit corridors (2004).

3. Field projects

i. Support to the implementation of UN Action Plans for NEPAD in East Africa;

ii. Establishment and operation of an inter-active electronic trade and investment data and information network (TIIN);

iii. Support to national statistics offices for the implementation of the 1993 System of National Account (SNA93) in East Africa.


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Supporting Subregional Activities for Development in Southern Africa

This component of the subprogramme will be implemented by ECA Office in Southern Africa, which covers the following eleven countries: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

During the biennium 2004-2005, the following outputs will be delivered.

A. Servicing of intergovernmental expert bodies

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

Meetings of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts (ICE) (One session in 2004 and one in 2005).

2. Parliamentary documentation

i. Report on economic and social conditions in Southern Africa (one in 2004 and one in 2005);

ii. Report on progress and prospects in the implementation of NEPAD and the attainment of the MDGs, in Southern Africa (One report in 2005);

iii. Subregional report on the decade review of the implementation of the Dakar and Beijing Platforms (2004);

iv. Report on sustainable development in Southern Africa;

v. Report on the implementation of the 1993 System of Accounts in Southern Africa (one in 2004);

vi. Report on the status of information for development activities in Southern Africa.

3. Other services provided

Subregional meeting on the decade review of the implementation of the Dakar and Beijing Platforms (2004).

4. Ad hoc expert group meetings

i. Ad hoc expert group meeting on harmonization of mineral resources development policies, standards and regulatory framework in Southern Africa (2004);

ii. Ad hoc expert group meeting on sustainable energy, a framework for new and renewable energy in Southern Africa (2005);

iii. Ad hoc expert group meeting on status of governance in Southern Africa, review and validation of country reports.

B. Other substantive services

1. Recurrent publications

i. Economic Report on Africa - Report on economic and social conditions in Southern Africa (One in 2004 and one in 2005);

ii. Subregional Water Development Report (2004).

2. Non-recurrent publications

i. Technical publication on harmonization of mineral resources development policies, standards and regulatory framework in Southern Africa (2004);

ii. Technical publication on sustainable energy, a framework for new and renewable energy in Southern Africa (2005);

iii. Statistical estimation of average exit time measure of poverty in Southern Africa.

3. Special event