Quarterly Progress Report #13: Jan-Mar 2011

The project focuses on improving trade and investment capacity, financial services, transport infrastructure, business environment, and telecommunications infrastructure. The project's quarterly progress report for January-March 2011 highlights various activities and achievements. In the area of trade and investment capacity, the project supported the African Cashew Alliance (ACA) in promoting cashew exports from West Africa. The ACA conducted market research and provided training to cashew farmers, resulting in a 20% increase in cashew exports from Benin. The project also supported the development of the West African Export Trade Show, which was held in Ghana in February 2011. The event brought together over 200 exhibitors and attracted over 1,000 visitors, showcasing West African products and services to potential buyers from around the world. In the area of financial services, the project worked with the Bank of Industry, Nigeria, to develop a credit guarantee scheme for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The scheme aims to provide access to finance for SMEs, which are critical to the growth of the West African economy. The project also made significant progress in improving transport infrastructure. The Improved Road Transport Governance (IRTG) initiative, which is part of the project, worked with governments and private sector stakeholders to improve road conditions and reduce transport costs. The initiative also developed a regional trade information system (RTIS) to facilitate the exchange of trade-related information among West African countries. In addition, the project supported the development of telecommunications infrastructure in West Africa. The project worked with the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) to promote the adoption of mobile payment systems in West Africa. The project also supported the development of a regional telecommunications network, which aims to improve connectivity and reduce communication costs among West African countries. The project's quarterly progress report highlights the achievements of the past quarter and provides an overview of the activities planned for the next quarter. The report also includes a list of attachments, which provide further information on the project's activities and achievements. The project's focus on improving trade and investment capacity, financial services, transport infrastructure, business environment, and telecommunications infrastructure is critical to the growth and development of the West African economy. The project's achievements and plans are expected to have a positive impact on the region's economic development and competitiveness.