Report on the work of the subregional development centre in eastern Acrica

Abstract

The Eastern Africa Sub regional Development Centre (EA/SRDC) was established following the adoption of Commission Resolution 810 (XXXI) on ways and means of reinforcing the ECA Multinational Programming and operations Centers (MULPOCs). This resolution called for the re-structuring of the Centers, the change of their names and mandates to reflect new ECA strategic directions. Activities of the EA/SRDC have been hampered by difficulties resulting from the transfer of the office from Addis Ababa to Kigali and the high vacancy rate (an average 50 to 60%) in spite of efforts currently under way to speed the filling vacant posts. The center had to reply on external expertise for the implementation of part of its work programme and to attend to requests from member-states within the limited resources available. The Centre is reaching out to member - countries to carry out needs assessment and design programmes for the furthering of country Programmes in the various strategic directions of the commission. In so doing the EA/SRDC is working towards a stronger linkage between country and sub-regional programmes for a better impact of its activities at both levels.