The Director-General of
the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (BACCIMA),
Mr. Emmanuel Essien, recently attended the RECs-Led Stakeholders Engagement and
Dialogue on the post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme
(CAADP) Agenda at the invitation of the ECOWAS Commission courtesy of FEWACCI. The engagement, held
in Abuja, Nigeria from the 11th June 2024 - 14th June 2024, was well-attended by delegates from across West Africa and
proved to be a highly insightful gathering.
During the event, Mr. Essien was appointed as the Chairman of the Private Sector group in West Africa, a testament to his leadership and commitment to regional development. His presentation focused on the recommendations of the Private Sector group, which included delegates from Niger, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Nigeria, and Liberia.
Key recommendations to achieve sustainable development in West Africa presented by Mr. Essien include:
- Restoring Trust Among Stakeholders: Emphasizing the need to strengthen existing public-private dialogues, involving governments, public sector agencies, trade and industrial private sector, agricultural private sector, researchers/academia, civil society, and groups representing women and young people.
- Enhancing Regional Agri-Trade: Developing the agricultural sector by addressing financial and logistical challenges to promote regional agricultural trade.
- Supporting Smallholders and Entrepreneurs: Providing necessary incentives and subsidies to support smallholders and entrepreneurs, thereby boosting local economies.
- Improving Infrastructure: Advocating for the improvement of infrastructure and ensuring the implementation of existing decisions to facilitate better business operations.
- Promoting Mediation and Dialogue: Encouraging mediation, dialogue, and consultation to resolve challenges arising between citizens, ensuring a harmonious business environment.
- Involving Local/Regional Private Sector in Industrial Park Establishments: Highlighting the importance of involving local and regional private sectors in the establishment of industrial parks in member states.
Mr. Essien's leadership and the recommendations put forward by the Private Sector group are expected to significantly contribute to the sustainable development of West Africa. The engagement underscored the crucial role of the private sector in driving regional growth and fostering economic resilience.
For further information, please contact:
BACCIMA Secretariat
Email: info@baccima.ng
Phone: +234 816 675 0544
