The ECA sub-regional development centre and West African development=Le centre de développement sous-régional de la CEA face au développement de l'Afrique de l'ouest

Abstract

The 23rd meeting of the ECA Conference of Ministers responsible for development and economic planning, in its resolution 828 (XXXII) of 8 May 1997 redefined the functions of the centers as to: Act as operational arms of the ECA at the country level and catalysts to leverage the Commission's resources; Serve as instruments for ensuring harmony between sub-regional and regional program orientations and those defamed by the strategic directions of the Commission; Provide advisory services to member States, regional, economic communities and sub-regional development operators. The overall aim of the comprehensive reforms introduced in ECA in the last few years was to invigorate the organization to serve Africa better. As field organs, the SRDCs have a primordial role in furthering socioeconomic development in the sub-regions particularly through the contribution of inputs to the implementation of economic cooperation and integration programs. The first Chapter summarizes program implementation during the period, from the perspective of the work of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts of the Centre. It illustrates the different modalities employed in the execution of its mandate and the range of entry points from which it tries to impact on economic development in the sub-region. Here it is relevant to note that not all of the activities undertaken in the last two years are reviewed. Also, that the experience with the new approaches to and methodologies for program development and implementation are being assessed continuously, with a view to introducing improvements in the future. The other two chapters reproduce papers on two of the major themes of sustained interest to the center, namely, gender and food security. Since its new incarnation, the center has conducted in-depth studies on different aspects of each theme; this is to continue in coming programming cycles.