SUMMARY
Introduction
Feature articles
a. The WACOMP in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
b. The role of the Business Support Organisation in supporting regional value chains integration
c. Why Accreditation?
d. Accreditation and Business Growth
e. Role of Accreditation in Accessing Markets: The case of GhaNAS Programme management and coordination
Values chains and regional intermediary organizations Regional quality infrastructure system and business environment
Communication & visibility
National components
The West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP) was adopted under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) of the Regional Indicative Programme for a total €120m. WACOMP aims to support a number of selected value chains at both national and regional level, to promote structural transformation and better access to regional and international markets.
The major objective of WACOMP is to strengthen trade competitiveness of West African countries and enhance their integration into the regional and international trading system. To reach this overarching goal, the programme will work to:
· improve the performance, growth and contribution to industry, regional trade and exports of selected value chains, and · improve the business climate at national and regional levels.
The programme, which is aligned to support the implementation of the West African regional policies and programmes, including the West Africa Common Industrial Policy (WACIP), West Africa Quality System Programme (WAQSP) and
ECOWAS Private Sector Development Strategy, will be instrumental in creating the foundations and promoting access of West African countries to the EU
External Investment Plan (EIP).
This program is funded by the European Union with the technical support of UNIDO, the implementing Agency