AU SAFGRAD TO ORGANISE IN OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO, FROM 17 TO 19 OCT. 2017, A WORKSHOP ON “ IMPROVING COMPETITIVENESS OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES THROUGH REGIONAL VALUE CHAINS DEVELOPMENT FOR BOOSTING INTRA-AFRICA TRADE”.
- BACKGROUND
AU-SAFGRAD is hosting this workshop as part of its programme to support the development of strategic agricultural commodities value chains.
The 3-day workshop is expected to provide the fora to strengthen regional interests and ties while fostering greater engagement with RECs technical experts, development partners involved with commodity value chains development and agricultural trade experts.
The workshop builds on an earlier one organized by AUC and the NEPAD Agency on the margins of the CAADP Partnership Platform in Kampala, Uganda in June 2017.
- PARTICIPATION
The workshop is to be attended by RECs focal persons who are experts in agriculture, agribusiness, agro-industrial development, trade and investments. Also, Continental and regional organizations, development partners, experts and stakeholders in agricultural commodity value chains development as well as agricultural trade experts in Africa are expected to attend the workshop slated for 17-19th October, 2017 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
- OBJECTIVES
The aim of the workshop is to share available knowledge of what has been done on regional value chain development, and chart a road map for further development of same, including fostering stronger partnerships.
Specifically, during the workshop we will:
1. Receive information on RECs progress from agricultural and trade perspective on value chains development
2. Review criteria for prioritizing regional value chains
3. Agree on strategic interventions for development of regional value chains
4. Chart a common road map to implement supports to RECs in developing regional value chains
5. Harmonize and advance collaboration and networking among commodity value chains development stakeholders
6. Validate the Africa Union draft Framework on Boosting intra-African Trade in agricultural commodities and services
- EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The following outcomes are expected at the end of the workshop:
1. Information on status of regional value chain development at RECs level, including partner support programmes
2. Agreed criteria for prioritizing Regional value chains
3. strategic interventions including areas for partner support
4. Action plan (road map) including outline of activities, responsibilities and timeline.
5. Functional support network of partners and stakeholders on regional value chains development towards boosting intra-Africa trade
6. Validated Framework on Boosting intra-African Trade on agricultural commodities and services
Opening Ceremony of the Workshop chaired by M. TINGA Ramde, representative of M. Jacob OUEDRAOGO, Minister of Agriculture of Burkina Faso. On his right, Dr Vivian IWAR from ECOWAS and on his left Dr Ahmed ELMEKASS, AU SAFGRAD Coordinator
