Mauritania

Middle East and North Africa: ACTION Meeting in Abu Dhabi
Contact
First name
Mehdi
Last name
Chaker
Email
chaker@intracen.org
Body

Sustainable Development Goals

This project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals, as defined by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

<p>In 2016, the establishment of the Arab Countries Trade and Investment Organisations Network (ACTION) under the AfTIAS programme marked a pivotal step towards fostering Arab regional integration. ACTION emerged from the collective ambition of Arab nations to enhance their trade and investment landscape, driven by a mutual commitment to prosperity and interconnectedness within the region.</p><p>Following its formation, ACTION initiated its journey with a key meeting in Dubai. This event was crucial in defining the network&rsquo;s structure and operational guidelines, effectively transforming ACTION from a concept to a functioning entity.</p><p>In 2018, a significant gathering took place in Paris, offering a valuable chance for reflection, reassessment, and revitalization of the network&rsquo;s strategies and direction.</p><p>ACTION stands at a crossroads, poised to redefine its trajectory in an ever-changing global landscape. The Abu Dhabi workshop is not merely a gathering; it is a clarion call for strategic introspection and visionary planning.</p><p>The focus will be on conducting a comprehensive reassessment of the network&rsquo;s current state, identifying areas ripe for innovation and improvement. This exercise is crucial in charting a course that not only addresses the immediate needs of the region but also positions ACTION as a leader in the global trade arena.</p><p>Furthermore, the workshop will emphasize the strengthening of bonds between member TIPOs. In a world where economic fortunes are increasingly intertwined, fostering unity and cohesion within the network is paramount. This reinforced solidarity will be the cornerstone of more effective and impactful regional trade initiatives.</p><p>A significant deliverable of this workshop will be the development of a future roadmap. This roadmap will not just be a strategic document; it will be a manifesto of ACTION&apos;s aspirations and commitments for the coming years. It will outline specific goals, milestones, and initiatives that will propel the network towards new heights of success and influence.</p>

Type
Project
Date
-
External ID
C387
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NENA: Enhancing Food Security through Trade Facilitation
Contact
First name
Timothee
Last name
Bruneteau
Email
tbruneteau@intracen.org
Body

Sustainable Development Goals

This project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals, as defined by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

<p>In view of the challenges to the trade of agricultural products in the NENA region, ITC will provide support<strong>&nbsp;to enhance intra-regional trade in selected agricultural value chains by removing obstacles to export, transit and import.</strong></p><p>The main objectives of this initiative are:</p><ul><li>To improve the livelihood of small-scale producers by unleashing new business opportunities through exports to regional markets</li><li>To reduce the cost of agricultural products for populations in NENA countries that are dependent on imports.</li></ul>

Type
Project
Date
-
External ID
C300
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Off
AIM for Results: Improving TISI performance and measurement (Phase I)
Contact
First name
Martin
Last name
Labbe
Email
labbe@intracen.org
Body

Sustainable Development Goals

This project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals, as defined by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

<p>AIM for Results is an intervention approach that strengthens the performance, efficiency and effectiveness of TISIs and builds their capacity to provide more effective support to the internationalisation needs of their clients, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).</p><p>AIM stands for Assess, Improve and Measure. It is a holistic and targeted integrated three-step-approach focusing on measurable results in order to improve the managerial, operational and service delivery performance of TSIs. The three pillars of AIM are offered either as a single module or as a complete performance improvement programme, depending on the needs of the beneficiary institutions.</p><p>&nbsp;In 2017, the project aims to improve the operational and managerial performance of 40 TISIs applying ITC&rsquo;s AIM For Results methodology.</p>

Type
Project
Date
-
External ID
A776
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Off
AfCFTA: Identifying sustainable regional value chains at continental scale
Contact
First name
Ursula
Last name
Hermelink
Email
hermelink@intracen.org
Body

Sustainable Development Goals

This project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals, as defined by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

<p>The overall objective of the proposed project is to attract investment and promote trade and sustainable industrial and business development at continental level, concretely supporting the AfCFTA Secretariat and the African Union and delivering on the Africa-EU partnership for sustainable growth and jobs.&nbsp;</p><p>The project contributes to this objective by</p><ul><li>identifying trade and investment opportunities along regional value chains with potential at continental scale in Africa, including potential for investment by EU economic operators;</li><li>Strengthening the EU-Africa dialogue on trade and economic integration, informing high-level events such as the upcoming AU-EU Summit and European- African Business Forum (EABF)</li><li>identifying pilot/selected continental value chains that could be targeted for support in the EU 2021-27 aid programming exercise.</li></ul><p>It supports the implementation of the AfCFTA and ITC&apos;s One Trade Africa Initiative.</p>

Type
Project
Date
-
External ID
C087
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Off
Arab States: Aid for Trade initiative
Contact
First name
Mehdi
Last name
Chaker
Email
chaker@intracen.org
Body

Sustainable Development Goals

This project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals, as defined by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Type
Project
Date
-
External ID
A895
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Off
ECOWAS: West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP)
Contact
First name
Yared
Last name
Befecadu
Email
befecadu@intracen.org
Body

Context

Expanding West African trade 

The goal of the International Trade Centre (ITC)’s West African Competitiveness Programme, or WACOMP, is to increase regional integration through trade. To that end, we focus on promoting conducive business environments and greater participation of the private sector in a public-private dialogue on trade policy.   

In the regional programme we concentrate on improving micro, small and medium-sized enterprises’  (MSMEs) access to secure investments and improving their regional reach. We also work to advance production and processing in the agro-food industry. 

To improve business performance and value chain connectivity, we are reinforcing national Trade and Investment Support Institutions as well as supporting the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisations Network to share best practices and insights.  

Business tools 

We are expanding the use of ITC technological tools to gather comprehensive information in the region. The Trade Obstacles Alert Mechanism (TOAM) identifies existing trade obstacles to ensure the regional flow of trade improves once these obstacles are addressed.  

ITC has also embedded the ECOWAS trade map tool (ECOTIS) in the ECOWAS Commission’s website to assist with tracking trade performance and capitalize on potential trade opportunities in the region.  

With its user-friendly interface and up-to-date information, the West African Competitiveness Observatory serves as a monitoring tool on the competitiveness of West African countries and the region. It supports policymakers in the region to better define policies that foster competitiveness and value chain development. The observatory also supports local firms, small and medium enterprises, to establish and participate in regional value chains.

The West Africa Competitiveness Observatory includes three modules.  Competitiveness is the first module, and the beta version was launched in May 2023. Policymakers can monitor trade competitiveness and its drivers, providing comprehensive insights into trade dynamics. The second module is the upcoming Regional Value Chain Module which will furnish detailed information on sectors to empower businesses and policymakers to increase participation in regional value chains by identifying growth opportunities. The third and upcoming module is the Business Matchmaking Module. It will facilitate connections between companies, promote collaboration and expand market reach to enhance competitiveness in the region.

Overall, the WACOMP Observatory serves as a catalyst to enhance competitiveness, drive innovation, and foster a conducive business environment across the region.

Testimonials

The first training session was a mind-opener to the growth opportunities that exist in other African markets. My team looks forward to learning more on how we can build resilience as we scale up.
The first training session was a mind-opener to the growth opportunities that exist in other African markets. My team looks forward to learning more on how we can build resilience as we scale up.
Kwesi Kwofie
DATAWARE
Above all, the trainings have enabled us to see our strategies from a new angle, consider export possibilities, and to think about different scenarios. Today, with our selection, which my team and I are very proud of, we hope that the tools that will be made available to us will enable us to further strengthen our strategy and be able to sell in the sub-regional market.
Above all, the trainings have enabled us to see our strategies from a new angle, consider export possibilities, and to think about different scenarios. Today, with our selection, which my team and I are very proud of, we hope that the tools that will be made available to us will enable us to further strengthen our strategy and be able to sell in the sub-regional market.
Aichatoun Amadou Toure
CODESIGN
Through the WACOMP trainings, we discovered insidious actions that we were carrying out without much attention. This has led us to review our commercial approaches. I appreciate the open-mindedness of the facilitators and participants as well.
Through the WACOMP trainings, we discovered insidious actions that we were carrying out without much attention. This has led us to review our commercial approaches. I appreciate the open-mindedness of the facilitators and participants as well.
Fabrice Sonzahi
AFRIX
ITC's Trade Obstacle Alert Mechanism platform (TOAM) will improve Nigerian exporters’ competitiveness, should challenges be adequately addressed. More sensitization and advocacy programs on initiatives like the TOAM should be conducted to the benefit of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
ITC's Trade Obstacle Alert Mechanism platform (TOAM) will improve Nigerian exporters’ competitiveness, should challenges be adequately addressed. More sensitization and advocacy programs on initiatives like the TOAM should be conducted to the benefit of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
Angela Ajala
African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program AWEP

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Resources

Sustainable Development Goals

This project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals, as defined by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

<p><span>The overall objective of the regional programme is to &lsquo;&rsquo;Strengthen the competitiveness of West Africa through an enhanced level of production, transformation and export capacities of the private sectors in line with the regional and national industrial and SME strategies&rsquo;&rsquo;. The specific objective is &lsquo;&rsquo;to improve the performance and growth of selected priority sectors and value chains and related services by stimulating their contribution to industry, regional trade and exports&rsquo;&rsquo;. The intervention of ITC in the form of the West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP) will entail the implementation of the activities related to&nbsp;</span><span>the promotion of better regional linkages among selected value chain, support to</span>&nbsp;<span>key regional intermediary organizations, the reinforcement of industrial competitiveness in the region, and the establishment of the West African Competitiveness Observatory and related business tools.</span></p>

Type
Programme
Projects
Guinea: Relance de la filière ananas (REFILA)
Sénégal: Programme d'appui à la Compétitivité de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (PACAO)
Sierra Leone: West Africa Competitiveness Programme
Date
-
External ID
B537
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Sub-Saharan Africa
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While multi-dimensional poverty remains high in sub-Saharan Africa, the continent's high growth rates and youthful demographics make it an attractive investment destination. Big opportunities exist to create jobs, boost incomes and reduce poverty by connecting African small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to international trade and increasing local value addition to Africa’s assets in agrifood, manufacturing and services. ITC’s emphasis on digital connectivity and the green transition is helping transform digital landscapes across Sub Saharan Africa with our support to tech startups and tech hubs.

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Cyan
External ID
SSA
Import hash
-943092558
Least developed countries
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We deliver customized solutions for least developed countries (LDCs), enabling them to increase their participation in the global economy and reach development goals through exports. We focus on creating access to digital technologies and capabilities in LDCs, where current internet penetration is at 27%, as this is increasingly critical to ensure opportunities are universally shared. We also assist LDCs in their bid for WTO membership, and support their implementation of WTO agreements.

1 %
LDCs' share of global trade
95 %
of all jobs in LDCs are in small businesses
90 %
of all companies globally are small businesses
100+ projects
implemented by ITC in 43 LDCs
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Cyan
External ID
G05
Import hash
684393134