Final outcome report: Intergovernmental Committee of Experts Twenty-fourth session

Abstract

The twenty-fourth session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts (ICE) of Southern Africa was hosted by the government of Mauritius under the theme, “The blue economy, inclusive industrialization and economic development in Southern Africa”. The committee considered three statutory reports submitted by the secretariat. The reports were on: Economic and social conditions in Southern Africa in 2017 and prospects for 2018; Program performance of ECA Southern Africa office; and progress on the implementation of regional and international agendas, including NEPAD and other special initiatives in the sub region: Progress and status of the African continental free trade area. The report on the theme of ICE, “The blue economy, inclusive industrialization and economic development in Southern Africa” was presented and discussed by the committee. The committee also participated in the Ad Hoc expert group meeting on: The Role of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the industrialization process in Southern Africa. The committee considered and endorsed the report of the program performance of ECA sub regional office for Southern Africa for 2017–2018 and the work program for 2018–2019.