ECOWAS-UEMOA delegation embarks on study mission

A delegation from the Commission of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) is conducting a study mission to the Directorate of External Relations of ECOWAS, specifically with the ECOWAS Development Partners Coordination Unit (EDPCC), from June 10 to 13, 2024. This initiative aims to enhance cooperation between ECOWAS and UEMOA by sharing experiences and best practices in coordinating and implementing programs financed with external resources.

The mission's objectives include discussing the establishment of a coordination mechanism with national structures responsible for monitoring operations funded by external resources, replacing the West African Network Support Units for National Authorizing Officers of the European Development Fund (ROAC-FED). Additionally, it seeks to define methodologies for an upcoming capitalization and consolidation workshop scheduled for July 2024 related to EDF-funded programs. The mission will also ensure the collection and consolidation of documents produced under the implementation of the 10th and 11th EDF RIP at both Commissions' levels.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Jérôme Boa welcomed participants, stating that this mission is part of efforts to revitalize coordination, resource mobilization, and implementation mechanisms for donor-financed projects. He emphasized that these ongoing activities would promote synergy between ECOWAS, UEMOA, and development partners in implementing the regional integration agenda.

Mr. Arnaud Cédric KIEMA, Director of Cooperation at UEMOA Commission, expressed gratitude towards ECOWAS Commission’s External Relations Directorate for their warm reception. He noted that ECOWAS and UEMOA have maintained productive cooperation since signing a cooperation agreement in 2004 that established the Joint Technical Secretariat (JTS). This secretariat has strengthened collaboration and facilitated regional integration initiatives.

According to KIEMA, this study mission will further revitalize ECOWAS-UEMOA cooperation by leveraging experience from ECOWAS's Department of External Relations in implementing a Project Coordination Unit for Development Partners within UEMOA.

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