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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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

Expanding West African trade 

The West African Competitiveness Programme, or WACOMP, harnesses the expertise of the International Trade Centre (ITC) to increase regional integration through trade. We promote conducive business environments and greater participation of the private sector in a public-private dialogue on trade policy.

Our regional programme concentrates on improving micro, small and medium-sized enterprises’ 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.

WACOMP also operates national programmes in Guinea, Senegal and Sierra Leone, which advance particular national priorities. 

Business tools 

We are extending the use of ITC technological tools to gather comprehensive information in the region.

The WACOMP Observatory is a monitoring tool for the trade competitiveness of West African countries, aiding policymakers in defining trade policies and supporting local SMEs in integrating into regional value chains. The Trade Obstacles Alert Mechanism (TOAM) identifies existing trade barriers with the goal of addressing them to improve regional trade flows. 

Additionally, ITC has integrated the ECOWAS trade map tool (ECOTIS) on the ECOWAS Commission’s website. This tool assists in tracking trade performance and capitalizing on potential trade opportunities in the region.  

Target products

Videos

WACOMP Regional

WACOMP Regional 12 12 July 2021

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
Technology and services company
Technology and services company
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
Technology and communication start-up
Technology and communication start-up
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
Open data and AI technology company
Open data and AI technology company
Both the B2B and the trade fair were very essential to our individual businesses as we had a positive connection with potential buyers and companies. The only source of knowledge is experience.
Both the B2B and the trade fair were very essential to our individual businesses as we had a positive connection with potential buyers and companies. The only source of knowledge is experience.
Nyakeh Abdulai
Sinava Women Agricultural Development Association (SiWADA)

Newsletters

Datasheets

Resources

Previous projects

WACOMP Guinea

In retrospect, the Pineapple Sector Revival Project (REFILA) emerges as a pivotal WACOMP initiative, championed by ITC. 

The project sought to revitalize Guinea's pineapple industry by optimizing the entire value chain, fostering sustainable economic growth, and creating a conducive business environment. During the project, 327 tonnes of pineapple were exported in Africa and internationally 

As a result of the project, 14 businesses were launched thanks to ITC' support, including three owned by women owned. Networking activities led to 339 business contacts  reported by beneficiaries. 

As an implementing partner, the ITC strategically facilitated Guinean pineapple access to international markets through market identification, robust marketing plans, client support in new export ventures, and crucial linkages with target markets. 

The project spotlighted Guinea's diverse pineapple varieties, emphasizing the potential for niche markets and international exports. 

Crucially, the initiative was made possible through the support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Comité de Liaison Europe-Afrique-Caraïbes-Pacifique. 

With a focus on the Baronne de Rothschild and smooth Cayenne varieties, the project sought to position Guinea prominently in the global pineapple market. 

WACOMP Guinea resources

Videos from previous projects

WACOMP Guinée

WACOMP Guinée 13 7 December 2022

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 regional programme is to &quot;strengthen the competitiveness of West Africa by enhancing the production, transformation, and export capacities of the private sector in alignment with regional and national industrial and SME strategies.&quot; The specific objective is &quot;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.&quot;</p><p></p><p>The ITC&apos;s intervention through the West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP) involves implementing activities that promote better regional linkages among selected value chains, support key regional intermediary organizations, reinforce industrial competitiveness in the region, and establish the West African Competitiveness Observatory along with related business tools.</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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On
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.

Geographic priority (for relations)
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Cyan
External ID
SSA
Import hash
1546031724
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
Geographic priority (for relations)
Flagship events (for relations)
Topic (for relations)
Header color
Cyan
External ID
G05
Import hash
-349429874