Elaboration of Training and Educational Tools for the Divulgation of the ECOWAS/UE EPA and the Implementation of a Regional Framework to Provide Legal Assistance to Western African Countries in the Field of Trade Disputes and Litigations

Elaboration of Training and Educational Tools for the Divulgation of the Ecowas/Ue Epa and the Implementation of a Regional Framework to Provide Legal Assistance to Western African Countries in the Field of Trade Disputes and Litigations

Description

The general objective of this project is to contribute to the economic and sustainable development as well as to poverty reduction in the ACP countries through the elaboration of training and educational tools for the divulgation of the ECOWAS/EU EPA and the implementation of a regional framework to provide legal assistance to western African countries in the field of trade disputes and litigations.This project specifically aims at:
A better understanding of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and its ownership by the various stakeholders (members of Parliament, experts of the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, private sector, civil society, etc.); and
Increasing the predictability in trade relations and exchanges, and the efficiency of a regional commercial justice system.
The results to achieve are the following:
– For Component 1: Elaboration of training and educational tools for the divulgation of the ECOWAS/EU EPA
Result 1.1: Members of Parliament and experts of the ECOWAS Commission have in their possession training and educational tools on the EPA approved by the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions;
Result 1.2: The capacities of the experts of the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions are strengthened;
Result 1.3: The awareness of members of Parliament of the ECOWAS and the relevant stakeholders from the civil society is raised regarding the ECOWAS/EU EPA.
– For Component 2 : Establishment of a regional framework to provide legal assistance to western African countries in the field of trade disputes and litigations.
Result 2.1 : The legal cooperation framework is established and operational at the regional level;
Result 2.2 : The capacities of the officials from the ECOWAS Commission, of legal experts and trade professionals, appointed by the various states, are strengthened;
Result 2.3: The dispute settlement mechanism of the EPA is made operational.