17th Meeting of ICE 2014. Outcomes and Recommendations

The 17th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts (ICE) of the Economic Commission for Africa Sub regional Office for West Africa (ECA/SRO-WA) was held on 3 and 4 March 2014 in Yamoussoukro, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, with logistical and financial support from the Government. Experts from member States and representatives of West African intergovernmental organizations met to discuss economic and social development issues in the sub region. They also shared experiences in their coping strategies for growth and development challenges. The meeting theme, “Industrialization of the Agricultural Sector for a Food Secure West Africa” reflects the concern to focus on the pressing need to develop the sub region’s huge agricultural, mining and energy potential to ensure fast growth and harmonious development, in line with the ECOWAS Vision 2020.The overall development strategy of the sub region must factor in the untapped potential, so as to create added value along the entire value chain of natural resources. Exploiting these vast agricultural resources will contribute to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), strengthening socioeconomic development and accelerating progress to meet the aspirations of the ECOWAS Vision 2020.