The second Capacity Survey of the Regional Economic Communities in Africa aims to reassess the capacity needs of the eight RECs in African Union (AU) member states in line with their new strategic thrusts and prospective development imperatives. It also seeks to provide strategic guidance to the key development partners of the RECs on strategic programming. The study recognizes the need for efficient RECs as coordinating and facilitating institutions, with capacities strong enough to drive the regional integration agenda. Specific actions include: • Strengthening the mandates of the executive secretaries and heads of Africa’s RECs to manage internal mechanisms and governance structures, and to advise member states on key regional integration issues. • Supporting skill development in ways that bridge individual learning and institutional change. • Establishing communities of practice to share knowledge and experience in pursuing well-researched and sustainable solutions. • Minimizing duplication of capacity building activities to increase efficiency and maximize institutional and human capabilities. • Encouraging all RECs to formulate gender policies, anchored on international conventions, specifically the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, and adhering to the AU solemn declaration on gender equality in Africa. • Establishing a trust fund with contributions from member states and development partners.
