The two institutions are committed to transforming the sub-region’s natural resources into high value-added products by developing regional industrial value chains.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) have reaffirmed their common determination to promote industrialization and regional economic integration in Central Africa. This ambition was reiterated during the visit of Ambassador Gilberto Da Piedade Verissimo, President of the ECCAS Commission, to the ECA sub-regional office in Yaoundé, according to a press release received on Thursday.
Discussions between the technical teams highlighted that the transformation of the sub-region’s abundant natural resources into manufactured products is an essential route to diversifying and integrating the economy. Jean Luc Mastaki Namegabe, Director of the ECA Sub-Regional Office, clarified that the Douala Consensus adopted in 2017 remains the roadmap, adding that local valorization of raw materials through regional value chains will strengthen integration.
With this in mind, the ECA has developed tools such as the Master Plan for the Industrialization and Economic Diversification of Central Africa (PDIDE-AC), which identifies New Generation Special Economic Zones as levers for creating added value. local, encourage local content and transfer industrial skills.
Jean Luc Mastaki Namegabe mentioned the interest in capitalizing on the pilot experience between the DRC and Zambia to promote priority cross-border value chains, such as timber, mining, agri-food and oil. Ambassador Verissimo welcomed this approach, noting the need for adequate infrastructure. He specified that the ECA will be called upon to help assess the state of infrastructure and review the implementation of the Transport Master Plan in Central Africa.
The partners also explored innovative financing, notably by mobilizing green financing and valorizing natural capital for the forest economies of the Congo Basin. According to the ECA, better accounting of ecosystem services will allow these countries to advocate for more resources dedicated to sustainable industrialization.
Adama Coulibaly of the ECA stressed that this dialogue strengthens the links created in 40 years of partnership and that this anniversary is an opportunity to consolidate efforts for the future of Central African economic integration.
