Addis Ababa — The Steering Committee overseeing the activities of the African Trade Policy Centre, under its third programme cycle (ATPC III, 2016-19), met in Abidjan to review the outcomes of ATPC II; approve the Centre's work programme and budget for 2016; and formally launch ATPC III.

Hosted by the ADB and chaired by AU's Commissioner for Trade and Industry, H.E. Fatima Haram Acyl, the Steering Committee meeting was attended by senior representatives of the economic communities, the private sector, research institutions, civil society and other development partners. Commissioner Acyl noted with appreciation the close collaboration with ATPC on the African Union's trade agenda. She also expressed her thanks to the Government of Canada, ATPC's main funding partner since it was founded in 2003.

The Director of ECA's Regional Integration and Trade Division, Stephen Karingi, recalled the key role of trade in the broader context of Agenda 2063, as reflected in ATPC's 2016 work programme. Ms. Moono Mupotola, Director of the Department for NEPAD, Regional Integration and Trade of the ADB emphasized the growing importance of capacity for policy analysis and advice to support the increasingly complex trade agenda facing African countries. Representing the Government of Canada, Mr. Erick Ordeman expressed confidence in ATPC's role in a crucial area of development in Africa.

The Steering Committee approved the Centre's 2016 work programme and budget with a number of recommendations, including more targeted support at the regional level and a focused resource mobilization strategy.