West Africa and the European Union (EU) are gearing up for the finalisation of the signatures for the onward commencement of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

To this end, the Regional Preparatory Task Force (RPTF) and the Joint implementation preparatory meetings held on the 5th and then 7th-9th February respectively in Brussels to give the desired impetus to the implementation of the EPA

During the RPTF meeting, West Africa presented the updated needs of the region, as expressed in the priority matrix of the EPA Development Programme (EPADP) projects for the period 2015-2020. It also presented an outline for the establishment of the EPA Regional Fund, which is designed to accelerate the implementation of regional projects. In response, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to the EU Council conclusions of March 2014, which committed 6.5bn EUR for the period of 2015-2020 for EPADP related projects.

The RPTF meeting was attended by West African States, the Commissions of ECOWAS and West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), the European Union States, the EU Commission as well as the European Investment Bank (EIB).

At the talks, the RPTF was the central platform for West Africa and European Union States and Commissions to discuss West Africa’s development needs. The RPTF will now act as a transitional framework for dialogue on the implementation of the development dimension of the EPA pending the entry into force of the EPA and the establishment of the managing and monitoring institutional framework.

Relatedly, the joint meeting on the Preparation of the implementation of the EPA was attended by ECOWAS, UEMOA and European Union Commissions. The Parties examined draft texts for the functioning of the joint bodies established by the EPA to monitor the implementation of the Agreement. These bodies include the Joint Council, the Joint Implementation Committee, and the Special Committee on Customs and Trade Facilitation.

Furthermore, the Parties exchanged views on the establishment of other bodies such as the Joint Parliamentary Committee and the Joint Consultative Committee. The meeting also considered the establishment of the Competitiveness Observatory, which will also monitor the implementation of the EPA, as well as assess the economic and social impact of the Agreement.

Considering the work now done, West Africa and the European Union continue to prepare for the implementation of the EPA (pending its signature by all Member States) by putting together the necessary texts for the Institutional bodies and instruments envisaged under the EPA, in order that the Agreement becomes operational immediately upon entering into force.