Addis Ababa, 29 October 2015 (ECA) - "The Economic Commission's agenda of implementing it Think Tank business model in support of Africa's structural transformation is on course", says Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary of the ECA. Speaking on Friday, during a dialogue with strategic partners who have supported ECA's initiatives to date, Mr. Lopes reflected on the institution's own critical assessment of progress and performances in influencing structural transformation policies in the region as part of the implementation of the approved Program Budget 2014-2015 and the ECA Performance Management Dashboard (2014 and 2015).
The dialogue had a particular focus on quality of deliverables that constitute outputs and accomplishments. A major part of the process of carrying out activities involves engaging in learning and understanding the best practices that influence policies. Furthermore, deepening the credibility of ECA work in the area of knowledge generation and delivery; promoting accountability and learning throughout the Commission and also advancing operational effectiveness underpin the way ECA does business.
The dialogue, a regular feature of the ECA's interaction with donors and other partners was also aimed at setting in motion, the extension of the current Joint Funding Arrangement (JFA III) up to December 2017 and to serve as an occasion for the ECA to make a strong case for a more strategic engagement as well as increased, flexible and predictable funding support from current and prospective JFA partners.
ECA's presentation included the leading role the organization plays in emerging opportunities such as Africa's Agenda 2063, as well as Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development; up coming Conference of Paris (COP21); and strategic partnerships with the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank.
The partners reiterated their continued support to ECA and thanked the organization for its candid self-reflection and for progress achieved. A total of 20 countries participated in the dialogue.
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