The ECOWAS Commission and the Agency for International Development of the United States (USAID) met Thursday, September 18, 2014 in Abuja to consolidate their partnership.
During this meeting, the two sides reviewed the latest developments in their respective programs and the development of joint cooperation projects
For its part, USAID has taken note of the priority programs presented by ECOWAS and focused on key pillars such as peace, security and good governance; infrastructure, agriculture and food security, common market, regional competitiveness and institutional capacity.
The ECOWAS Commission has taken note of the development strategy for West Africa proposed by USAID for the next five years. ECOWAS also noted with interest the contents of the USAID “Regional Mission for West Africa” including programs and projects related to agriculture, trade, investment; environment, climate change, health, peace and good governance.
At the end of the discussions, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo and US Ambassador, H.E. James F. Entwistle welcomed the identity of views on key issues and decided to intensify and strengthen their succesful relationship. To do so, communication activities will be improved, bilateral meetings will be continued and sustained. The implementing agencies will be involved in order to better communicate.
ECOWAS welcomed and expressed deep gratitude to the United States for its invaluable support in its fight against the Ebola Virus.
The ECOWAS Commission has also welcomed the signing by both parties of two cooperation agreements covering US $ 23 million to strengthen peace and security in the region and to improve the competitiveness and business climate in the region.
To ensure better monitoring and effective coordination of joint actions, the ECOWAS Commission has expressed the wish to be involved in the identification, the monitoring and the evaluation process of USAID projects. USAID has expressed interest in supporting the regional economic integration agenda and to contribute to the ongoing ECOWAS capacity building programme.