The Departments of the ECOWAS Commission met from 11 to 14 February 2014 in Lagos to prepare the forthcoming consultations with stakeholders on the Regional Indicative Programme under the 11th European Development Fund ( 11th EDF RIP )
During this meeting, participants have identified the region priorities, defined the objectives and conducted a pre -identification of programs and projects to be implemented under the 11th EDF RIP in accordance with the new approach based on shared responsibility, ownership, subsidiarity and complementarity. Participants also reviewed the implementation process of the running 10th EDF RIP. On that issue they noted the difficulties encountered because of the bureaucratic delays, lack of capacities and weaknesses in the coordination mechanism.
Drawing lessons from this situation, the participants stressed the need to establish a reference framework for better programming, consistency between National and Regional Indicative Programmes, strengthening coordination mechanisms and efficient follow-up of ECOWAS and UEMOA joint activities. In this regard, the meeting recommended the strengthening of the coordination mechanism at three levels (managerial, technical and departmental) within the ECOWAS Commission. They also demanded to ensure appointment and accountability of focal points in each ECOWAS Department. The participants also asked for the strengthening of the coordination mechanism between ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, notably through the Joint Technical Secretariat; (JTS). Participants also stressed the decisions makers to conduct the necessary actions to strengthen the capacity of departments involved in the RIP implementation process, especially the External Relations Directorate. Finally, the meeting recommended the establishment of an EDF-RIP support unit within the Commission including seeking technical assistance for this purpose.
The meeting was chaired by Dr Ibrahim Bocar BA, Commissioner for Macroeconomic Policy.