PROPOSED PROGRAMME OF WORK AND PRIORITIES FOR THE BIENNIUM 2002 – 2003

Ref: EE/ECA/CM.25/5
8 February 2001

Table of Contents

Explanatory note

Abbreviation and acronyms

Introduction

Subprogrammes 

1. Facilitating Economic and Social Policy and Analysis

   A. Objectives 
   B. Strategy
   C. Expected accomplishments
   D. Indicators of achievement
   E. Outputs

2. Promoting Trade and Mobilizing Finance for Development

A. Objectives
B. Strategy
C. Expected accomplishments
D. Indicators of achievement
E. Outputs

3. Enhancing Food Security and Sustainable Development

A.Objectives
B.Strategy
C.Expected accomplishments
D.indicators of achievementOutputs

4. Strengthening Development Management

A.Objective
B.Strategy
C.Expected accomplishments
D.Indicators of achievementutputs 

5. Harnessing Information for Development

A.Objective
B.strategy
C.Expected accomplishments
D.Indicators of achievement 
E.Outputs 

6.  Promoting Regional Cooperation and Integration

A.Objectives
B.Strategy
C.Expected accomplishments
D.Indicators of achievement
E.Outputs

7. Promoting The Advancement of Women

A.Objectives
B.Strategy
C.Expected accomplishments
D.Indicators of achievement
E.Outputs

8. Supporting Subregional Activities for Development

A.Objectives
B.Strategy
C.Expected accomplishments
D.Indicators of achievement
E.Outputs

1. Supporting subregional activities for development in north africa 

2. Supporting subregional activities for development in west africa

3. Supporting subregional activities for development in central africa 

4. Supporting subregional activities for development in eastern africa 

5. Supporting subregional activities for development in southern africa

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This note briefly explains the main categories of activities reflected in the programme of work.  It is intended to serve as a guide to the terminologies used in the document 

 1.    Servicing of the meetings of intergovernmental and expert bodies

This refers to the technical and substantive support provided to the meetings of intergovernmental organs and expert bodies. The categories include:

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

This refers to the range of secretariat support provided to the various meetings, including introducing policy documents at the meetings; responding to queries by participants during the deliberations; and preparing the report on the proceedings of the meetings.

2. Parliamentary documentation

Reports or substantive documents on specific topics submitted to the legislative organs of the Commission.

3. Ad hoc expert group meetings  

Meeting of experts from outside the United Nations system, to provide advisory assistance to the ECA secretariat on a specific topic.  The secretariat usually prepares a report or study on the topic to be dealt with at the meeting, to serve as a basis for the discussions.

2.    Other substantive activities  

These consists of:

1. Recurrent publications

Studies and/or monographs published periodically, for example, on an annual or biennial basis.

2. Non-recurrent publications

Technical studies on specific issues on a one-off basis.

3. Technical material

Information contained in databases, computer programmes, etc.

3.     International cooperation and inter-agency coordination and liaison

These refer to participation in the activities of national, regional, and global organizations as well as to coordination and liaison activities with United Nations system agencies, organizations and programme, including the Bretton Woods institutions.

 4.   Technical cooperation

This covers three categories of activities including:-

1. Advisory services

Provision of technical cooperation services to member States at their request.

2. Group training

Specialized seminars, workshops and training courses organized and held by ECA for the benefit of member States.

3. Field projects

Operational projects executed by ECA for the benefit of member States and usually funded from extrabudgetary sources. 

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

 INTRODUCTION

1.   This document presents the programme of work and priorities for the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) for the period 2002-2003.  The programme details the activities that will be undertaken by ECA in support of the development efforts of countries in the region during the period.  The programme also outlines the main objectives that ECA intends to accomplish during the period, the strategy for accomplishing the tasks, and identifies the key development challenges facing the region which it is designed to address. 

2.   The main objectives of the programme are to contribute to reducing poverty, sustaining economic recovery, growth and development in the region and to helping the countries cope with the challenges and opportunities of globalization. This programme is based on the Medium-Term Plan for ECA for the period 2002-2005 and inspired by the goals set out in the section on Africa in the Declaration of the Millennium Summit of the United Nations.  The mandate for the programme derives from the Economic and Social Council resolution (ECOSOC) 671A (XXV) of 29 April 1958 by which the Economic Commission for Africa was established and has been further elaborated in a number of relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, ECOSOC, and the Commission.

3.   The overall strategy for the implementation of the programme is built around eight mutually complementary subprogrammes, which encompass the key priorities in Africa’s development.  These Subprogrammes are:

1. Facilitating economic and social policy and analysis

2. Promoting trade and mobilizing finance for development

3. Enhancing food security and sustainable development

4. Strengthening development management

5. Harnessing information for development

6. Promoting regional cooperation and integration

7. Promoting the advancement of women

8. Supporting subregional activities for development.

4.   The strategy, which is reflected in each of the subprogrammes, involves policy analysis and advocacy; convening stakeholders and building consensus on development policy issues; providing technical assistance and training to support capacity building efforts of member States; networking with African researchers to enhance sharing of information and experiences including best practices; and promoting closer collaboration among UN agencies and international donors in support of Africa’s development.

5.   There are many evolving development challenges in Africa that require enhanced response from ECA, as the regional arm of the United Nations in Africa mandated to foster economic and social development in the region.  Prominent among these are bridging the digital divide, post conflict reconstruction and development, and strengthening national and international commitment to combating HIV/AIDS.  Thus, the programme will support the efforts aimed at the diffusion and application of information technology in Africa by helping countries of the region to develop their national information and communications infrastructure (NICI) plans. It will also support post-conflict reconstruction and development which is a major concern in the region, as many conflicts in the region are brought to an end.  Combating HIV/AIDS ranks high on the public policy agenda of African countries.  Special attention will, therefore, be given to these issues during the biennium.

6.   The programme contains a number of new salient features, which reflect both the efforts to further deepen ECA’s impact and outreach, and to draw the lessons from reforms and renewal of the Commission.  These include strengthening the linkages among the subprogrammes, in particular between the divisions at ECA headquarters and the Subregional Development Centres (SRDCs); enhanced strategic focus leading to reduction of the number of outputs; promoting closer collaboration between ECA and the regional economic communities through the work of SRDCs; and enhancing partnerships between ECA and other bilateral and multilateral development agencies. 

7.   Member States of the Commission are invited to review and comment on the content of the programme, with a view to endorsing it to the central review bodies at the UN headquarters.  In turn, the central review bodies, which include the Committee on Programme and Coordination and the Fifth Committee of the UN General Assembly, will further examine the programme and subsequently approve it.

SUBPROGRAMME 1:   FACILITATING ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL POLICY ANALYSIS

A.   Objectives

The objective of this subprogramme is to strengthen the capacity of member States to design and implement appropriate economic and social policies and strategies 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.

B.   Strategy

The strategy will include systematic monitoring, review, and assessment of economic developments in the member countries in order to identify the strategies and policy options for meeting the development challenges in the region. ECA will work closely with other development partners, especially in the context of the African Knowledge Network Forum (AKNF), and its SRDCs to disseminate the research findings.  Technical advisory services will be provided to member States to help them formulate policies and programmes for poverty reducing economic growth.  Special attention will also be paid to assisting member States in the implementation of regional and international programmes of action for social development.  This will come through by conducting studies that identify constraints and measures to overcome them, implementation of programmes by providing exchange of experiences through expert group meetings, and by providing advisory services and training, to strengthen national capacity for economic and social policy and poverty analysis and implementation. 

The responsibility for implementing the subprogramme lies with the Economic and Social Policy Division (ESPD) and the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP).

C.    Expected accomplishments

Expected accomplishments would include enhanced analytical capacity of member States for macroeconomic and social policy; better understanding by member States of the economic trends and developments in the region; improved capacities of African countries to design and implement poverty alleviation programmes.  

D.    Indicators of achievement

Indicators of achievement would include the extent to which ECA’s policy analysis and advocacy documents and data are appreciated and used in policy-making and analysis of member States; and the extent to which countries incorporate pro-poor strategies and policies in their development programmes.

E.    Outputs

1.   Servicing of the meetings of intergovernmental and expert bodies

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

Ninth session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance and its committee of experts.

2. Parliamentary documentation 

1. Report to the twenty-sixth meeting of the Conference of Ministers Responsible for Economic and Social Development and Planning/thirty-fifth session of the Commission on selected themes;

2. Report to the ninth session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance on selected themes.

3. Other services provided 

1. Ad hoc expert group meetings to peer review the Economic Report on Africa (one in 2002, one in 2003);

2. Ad hoc expert group meeting on the feasibility of monetary unions in African regional economic  communities:

Working document: Optimal currency areas in the African regional economic  communities; 

3. Ad hoc expert  group meeting on fiscal policy and growth in Africa: Fiscal federalism, decentralization and the incidence of taxation;

4. Ad hoc expert group meeting on the globalization of labour markets: Challenges, adjustment and policy response in Africa;

5. Ad hoc expert group meeting on the key components of broad-based, pro-poor growth strategies:

Working document:  Study on components of broad-based pro-poor growth strategies. 

 

2.   Other substantive activities 

1. Recurrent publications

1. Economic Report on Africa (one in 2002; one in 2003);

2.  IDEP newsletter (two issues per year)

2. Non-recurrent publications

1. Optimal currency areas in African regional economic communities;

2. Fiscal policy and growth in Africa: Fiscal federalism, decentralization and the incidence of taxation;

3. The globalization of labour markets:  Challenges, adjustment and policy response in Africa;

     Study on components of broad-based pro-poor growth strategies.

3. Technical materials 

Poverty profiles of African countries.

4. Special events

African Development Forum (ADF 2003):

Theme: the challenge of labour markets and employment in Africa

3.   International cooperation and inter-agency coordination and liaison

1. Participation in the activities of national institutions as well as subregional and regional intergovernmental organizations

Providing technical support to the region the economic communities such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) and the Community of Sahelo Saharan States (CEN-SAD) in the five subregions on the harmonization of economic and social policies at the subregional level through advisory services and the preparation of analytical studies and other advocacy documents.

2. Participation in activities of intergovernmental ogranizations

Cooperation and liaison with African and non-African intergovernmental organizations, research institutions, consortia and other professional associations and networks by undertaking joint research and sponsoring seminars and workshops, advocacy and fellowships, to promote growth and development in the region.

3. Participation in activities of the United Nations funds, programmes and agencies

Participation and substantive contribution in activities of relevant entities of the United Nations system such as the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations Secretariat, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), other United Nations agencies and institutions, the Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC) on the implementation of global programmes and plans of action as they relate to African development.

4.   Technical cooperation

1. Advisory services

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

2. Eight missions to governments and intergovernmental organizations on policy analysis and strategic management; project analysis and evaluation of industrial and agricultural development programmes (IDEP). 

2. Group training (Seminars, workshops, symposia)

1. Two nine-month diploma courses on economic management for middle level public and private sector officials (IDEP);

2. Two six-month certificate courses for middle level public and private sector managers (IDEP);

3. Two three-month modular specialization courses, encompassing the following modules: quantitative techniques in economic analysis; project analysis and management; perspective studies and strategic planning; regional integration and cooperation; financing and implementing programmes (IDEP).

3. Fellowship

   A visiting scholars, fellows and interns programme to enhance capacity in development issues and policy analysis (5 fellows each year).

4. Field Projects

1. Strengthening development policy analysis and decision-making through research, partnerships and networks (ESPD).  The objective of the project is to enhance the effective use of relevant, indigenous and other research by African decision makers in making policy choices.  The project links African research networks and creates centres of African expertise;

2. Development and strengthening Africa’s capacity in economic policy analysis and management through relevant training (IDEP);

3. Poverty reduction strategy paper (PRSP) Learning Group.  This project aims at implementing operational activities in the context of the PRSP process.  On an annual basis, the PRSP Learning Group will bring together African policy makers and technical experts to exchange views on the experience with the design and implementation of the PRSP process.  These activities will also include multi-country missions to synthesise country experiences in this area and to identify best practices.  The PRSP Learning Group will also help identify the capacity needs of member States in the design and implementation of national poverty strategies.

SUBPROGRAMME 2:   PROMOTING TRADE AND MOBILIZING FINANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT

A.      Objectives 

The objectives of this subprogramme are to: enhance the capacity of African countries to formulate and implement strategies for dealing with economic globalization; develop policies and strategies to improve competitiveness and to attract investments for private sector development; and to strengthen the negotiating position of African countries within the World Trade Organization (WTO) and their capacity for debt management and debt negotiations as well as intraregional trade as a step towards integration into the global economy.

B.     Strategy

The strategy will include the preparation and dissemination of research studies and policy position papers focusing on the functioning of the global trading system, enhancing Africa’s international competitiveness and effective participation in the international trading system, debt sustainability and investment promotion.  Special emphasis will be given to the monitoring of the programme of action for the Least Developed countries (LDCs), and land-locked and island developing countries.  Policy seminars, conferences and training workshops will be key vehicles for disseminating best practices in private sector development and for promoting dialogue among policy makers from government, private sector and civil society.

The Trade and Finance Division will implement this subprogramme.

C.     Expected accomplishments

Expected accomplishments would include enhanced capacity for more successful trade negotiations, debt management and investment promotion and enhanced capacity in the private sector for greater competitiveness and sustainable growth.

D.     Indicators of achievement

The indicators of achievement would include the extent of incorporation of appropriate policies and the use of relevant policy oriented research and studies by governments and the private sector; strengthened capacity of African countries to effectively participate in multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations and WTO; the number of African countries that would have met eligibility criteria of the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Debt Relief Initiative; and the number of debt relief cancellation and other measures to alleviate the debt burden of member States.

E.     Outputs

1. Servicing of the meetings of intergovernmental and expert bodies

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

1. Ninth session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance and its Committee  of experts;

2. Third session of the Committee on Industry and Private Sector Development.

2. Parliamentary documentation

1. Progress report to the Conference of African Ministers responsible for Economic and Social Development and Planning on the implementation of the Programme of Action for African Least-developed, Landlocked and Small-Island developing countries;

2.  Report to the ninth session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance and its Committee of Experts on selected themes;

3. Report to the third session of the Committee on Industry and Private Sector Development on selected themes.

3. Other services provided

1. Ad hoc expert group meeting on enhancing private sector growth in Africa:

Working document: Sustainable private sector growth in Africa: Competition policy, privatization and manufacturing efficiency;

2.  Ad hoc expert group meeting on maintaining the government fiscal base in the context of a trade liberalization regime:

Working document: Government revenue implications of trade liberalization;

3. Ad hoc expert group meeting on WTO agreements in agriculture and trade in services

Working document: A comprehensive study on WTO agreements in agriculture and services: Status of implementation by African countries;

3. Ad hoc expert group meeting on the impact on international trade initiatives and agreements:

Working document: The impact of international trade initiatives and agreements such as ACP/EU, the US/Africa Growth and Opportunity Act.

2. Other substantive activities

   1. Non-recurrent publications

   1. Sustainable private sector growth in Africa: Competition policy, privatization and manufacturing efficiency;

   2. Government revenue implications of trade liberalization;

   3. A comprehensive study on WTO agreements in agriculture and trade in services: Status of implementation by African countries;

   4. The impact on Africa of international trade initiatives and agreements such as ACP/EU, the US/Africa Growth and Opportunity Act.

    

3. International cooperation and inter-agency coordination and liaison

   1. Participation in the activities of national institutions as well as subregional and regional intergovernmental organizations

   Support to member States and their intergovernmental organizations in international trade negotiations in the context of the WTO agreements and other trade initiatives as well as debt negotiations through the provision of information and policy briefs and building consensus.

   2. Participation in activities of the United Nations funds, programmes and agencies

   Collaboration and liaison with UNCTAD, WTO, World Customs Organization, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPD) on issues relating to LDCs, international trade agreements and intellectual property rights.

4. Technical cooperation

1. Advisory services 

Six advisory missions on request to member States and their intergovernmental organizations on issues related to trade and debt negotiations, investment and finance.

2. Fellowships

Visiting scholars, fellows and interns programme to enhance analytical capacity in international trade and development finance.

3.  Field Projects

1. Strengthening Africa’s participation in the global economy.  This project aims to build capacity of member States and their intergovernmental organizations to identify and respond to opportunities and challenges to Africa created by WTO.  The project also aims to create a better understanding of critical post-Lome environment issues, including its interface with WTO;

2. Supporting Capital markets in Africa.The project focuses on the development of capital markets in Africa, emphasising the importance of market stability for attracting domestic and foreign investment;

3. Strengthening South-South cooperation for private sector development.  The main objective of this project is to improve the African business environment for private sector investment and public-private sector partnership by applying the lessons and experiences of successful cases in Asia.

SUBPROGRAMME 3:   ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

A.   Objectives

The objectives of the subprogramme are to strengthen the capacity of member States to design institutional arrangements and implement national policies and programmes that reinforce the linkages within the nexus of food security, population, environment and human settlements in order to achieve sustainable development, and to contribute to building the capacity of African countries to utilize science and technology in achieving food security and sustainable development.

B.     Strategy

The course of action envisaged will include the dissemination of studies as well as the development and refinement of analytical models on the inter-relationship between population, environment, agriculture and development (PEDA Models); building consensus and promoting the exchange of experiences through the convening of meetings to monitor progress in the implementation of measures relating to regional and global platforms adopted in the areas of population, environment, food, and human settlements; providing support through technical advisory services for capacity building in policy analysis and implementation; and the maintenance of the ECA science and technology web-based network (ESTNET). 

The responsibility for implementing the subprogramme lies with the Food Security and Sustainable Development Division (FSSDD).

 C.     Expected accomplishments

The expected accomplishments would include improved capacity of member States to formulate and implement policies on the nexus issues; enhanced capacity to apply science and technology to achieve food security and sustainable development; enhanced capacities by member States to the implementation of commitments in the global platforms of action; and integration of the nexus of population, agriculture, and environment into the development process. 

D.     Indicators of achievement

Indicators of achievement would include the number of countries whose food security and sustainable development policies have been influenced by the use of the PEDA models; and increased level of participation in ESTNET by policy makers, researchers and other users.

E.     Outputs

1.   Servicing of the meetings of intergovernmental and expert bodies

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

1. Third session of the Committee on Sustainable Development;

2. Third session of the Committee on Natural Resources and Science and Technology.

3. Parliamentary documentation

   1. The state of food security in Africa ;

   2. Progress reports on raising awareness and building analytical capacity to address nexus issues in Africa 

   3. Reports on emerging issues in Science and Technology for Food Security and Sustainable Development :

   4. Progress reports on the follow-up of major global, regional and international conferences related to food security and sustainable development .

4. Other services provided

1. Fifth meeting of the Follow-up Committee of the implementation of the Dakar-Ngor Declaration/ and the Programme of Action adopted by the International Conference on Population and Development (2003);

2. Meetings of the Advisory Board on Population, Agriculture and Environment (one in 2002 and one in 2003);

3. Meetings of the Advisory Board on Science and Technology (one in 2002 and one in 2003);

4. Third meeting of the Working Group for the follow-up to the DND/ICPD (2002). 

 2.   Other substantive activities

1. Recurrent publications

1. Population and Development Bulletin (one in 2002 and one in 2003);