Thematic Session 5: Private sector engagement and regional integration

In the current context, lessons on engagement of the private sector and regional integration will be important for sustaining and scaling up results achieved. Of key interest will be to hear about what has worked well, as well as challenges and bottlenecks and how these have been and could be addressed.

Specifically, the session will glean insights from practicalexperiences spanning the various facets of private sector engagement, including structured public-private sector dialogue, engagement with MSMEs and leveraging private sector investment in targeted value chains. In this connection, the session will also bring in the regional integration dimension, particularly experiences in the implementation of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as well as other regional blocks in view of promoting intra-regional trade and investment.

Moderator: Mr Sonam Tenzin, Focal Point of Bhutan

Rapporteur: Comoros, Ms Zalhata Dahalani, NIU Coordinator

Speakers:

• UNECA: Ms Ngoné Diop, Director of the Sub-Regional Office for West Africa
• Senegal: Mr Ansou Souba Badji, Focal Point
• Lao PDR: Ms Nitnida Phongsavath, Deputy NIU Coordinator
• Guinea: Mr Emile Yombouno, Focal Point
• WAIPA: Mr Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director