The ECOWAS National Office (ENO), operating under the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, convened its annual Sectoral Programme Committee (SPC) Meeting at a hotel in Kololi, bringing together diverse stakeholders to advance regional integration objectives.
The two-day meeting serves as a crucial platform for reviewing progress and sharing updates on the implementation of ECOWAS programmes and projects across various sectors including trade facilitation, infrastructure development, health, and education.
Ms. Maitta Lily French, ECOWAS Resident Representative to The Gambia, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of such gatherings in keeping stakeholders informed about ECOWAS activities. She expressed optimism that ECOWAS would continue to increase its contributions to The Gambia’s development in the coming years, helping to build a stronger society.
“It is good that we are having this kind of meeting so that we will be fully updated as to what ECOWAS is doing and for people to know that ECOWAS is also involved in other development,” French noted during her remarks.
Ndey Tabara Touray, Director of the ECOWAS National Office, officially opened the meeting on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade. She highlighted the significant support The Gambia has received from the ECOWAS Commission over the past year across multiple sectors. “This gathering provides us with the opportunity to strengthen collaboration, enhance coordination, and ensure that ECOWAS initiatives are effectively integrated into our national development agenda, the Recovery Focused National Development Plan,” Touray stated.
Strengthening National-Regional Coordination
The SPC Meeting is designed to serve multiple critical functions in enhancing regional integration efforts. It provides a forum for meaningful dialogue between the ECOWAS National Office and stakeholders, enabling the collection of valuable feedback and updates that help shape policies and refine approaches to better serve communities.
According to organizers, the meeting fulfills the Ministry’s mandate as the institution in charge of ECOWAS matters in The Gambia, promoting regional integration while ensuring smooth coordination, effective monitoring, and successful execution of ECOWAS activities nationwide.
The platform also enables stakeholders to explore emerging opportunities and address challenges that may hinder progress toward regional integration goals. By leveraging collective expertise and resources, participants aim to foster an environment of innovation and resilience.
Focus on Sustainable Development
Touray encouraged active participation from all attendees, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving common goals for regional integration and sustainable development. She stressed that the ultimate objective is to create a prosperous future for West African nations while ensuring that the benefits of collaborative efforts reach all citizens.
“The meeting represents a key component of The Gambia’s commitment to regional integration within the ECOWAS framework, demonstrating the country’s dedication to strengthening ties with fellow West African nations and maximizing the benefits of regional cooperation. The ECOWAS National Office continues to serve as the vital link between the ECOWAS Commission and The Gambia, facilitating coordination, monitoring, and execution of regional activities at the national level,” she concluded.
