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To achieve the objectives of the Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP), adherence to the core principles of partnership, ownership, and sustainability is essential. Structured coordination mechanisms are key to engage relevant stakeholders effectively, providing SSATP partners with new opportunities for technical involvement in the program's planning, development, and deliverables. To this end, SSATP took a significant step forward in its Regional Connectivity and Economic Integration (RCEI) pillar with the re-establishment of the SSATP Regional Economic Communities-Transport Coordination Committee (RECs-TCC) and the election of its new Chair. The virtual meeting held on July 4, 2024, marked a pivotal moment for the RECs-TCC, which had been dormant since the launch of the SSATP Fourth Development Plan (DP4).

The journey leading to this milestone began on the sidelines of the African Union Commission (AUC) Ports Digitalization Report Validation Workshop, held on June 28, 2024, at the AUC Headquarters in Addis Ababa. During this event, the AUC and SSATP convened representatives from Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Specialized Regional Organizations (SROs) to review and finalize the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the SSATP RECs-TCC. It was at this meeting that the decision was made to host a virtual meeting in July 2024 to elect the RECs-TCC Chairperson. This decision underscored the commitment to enhancing coordination and cooperation among SSATP, RECs, and organizations engaged in trade facilitation and regional transport integration, including Corridor Management Institutions (CMIs) and African Ports Associations.

The virtual meeting, hosted by the AUC Department of Infrastructure and Energy and SSATP, brought together representatives from RECs, SROs, and development partners. The meeting focused on two key objectives: finalizing the TOR for the RECs-TCC and electing a new Chair.

Strengthening Coordination and Collaboration

The TOR, which outlines the committee's mandate and responsibilities, emphasizes the importance of strengthening coordination and collaboration between SSATP and RECs and SROs involved in trade facilitation and transport regional integration. The RECs-TCC will play a crucial role in:

• Informing and facilitating SSATP Development Plans and work program implementation at the country and regional levels.
• Supporting SSATP knowledge dissemination and capacity-building activities at the regional level.
• Ensuring that the implementation of SSATP RCEI policies and activities are structured and formalized in close collaboration with member countries.
• Monitoring the SSATP RCEI Pillar Development Plans Results Framework.
• Participating in the SSATP Development Plan Midterm Review as peer reviewers.
• Liaising with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Union Commission (AUC), as well as other development partners on RCEI activities.
• Preparing an activity report to be discussed at the SSATP Annual General Meeting (AGM).

New Leadership for a Renewed Focus

The meeting culminated in the election of Mr. Chris Appiah, Director of Transport of the ECOWAS Commission, as the new Chair of the RECs-TCC. Mr. Appiah expressed his commitment to leading the committee and supporting the adoption of SSATP's policy recommendations at the regional and continental levels.

The RECs-TCC Chair will be elected annually on a rotational basis, with the term starting at the RECs-TCC meeting held during the SSATP AGM. The Chair is tasked with attending RECs-TCC Meetings, including the SSATP Development Plan Midterm Review Meeting, and representing the RECs-TCC in the SSATP Executive Committee.

The re-establishment of the RECs-TCC is a significant milestone for the SSATP's RCEI pillar. It signifies a renewed commitment to fostering collaboration and coordination among key stakeholders in the transport sector.