The Uemoa Commission launched its sixth session of information and sensitization for journalists from member states in Ouagadougou on September 14. The five-day session aims to provide journalists with a better understanding of the progress, challenges, and prospects of regional integration to inform the public effectively. The session, organized by the Commission's Communication Directorate, brings together media professionals from the eight member states to discuss key regional integration projects.
Aminata Mbodj, Technical Adviser to the Uemoa Commission President in charge of Communication, emphasized the crucial role of the media in appropriating the achievements and prospects of the Union. She noted that regional integration cannot be consolidated without the adhesion of the populations, which can be achieved through accessible, accurate, and well-documented information on community policies, projects, and programs.
The session aligns with the implementation of the Uemoa 2040 Prospective Vision and the Commission's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, also known as "Impact 2030." These frameworks aim to deepen integration and structurally transform the economies of the community. During the session, journalists will explore various dimensions of Uemoa's action, including convergence of economic performances and policies of member states.
The agenda includes discussions on Uemoa as a model integration zone for youth, particularly through excellence scholarships, and the regional strategy for artificial intelligence. Infrastructure and the Regional Development Strategy will also be addressed. Journalists will learn about community policies designed to strengthen productive capacities and competitiveness of Union economies.
The cotton-textile and fertilizer-phosphate sectors, as well as the rice sector, will be examined. These exchanges aim to improve understanding of community policies aimed at enhancing productive capacities and competitiveness. Environmental issues will also be a focus, with a presentation on the Waca Resip projects, including coastal erosion mitigation, pollution prevention, and blue economy development.
The session will also cover the African Continental Free Trade Area and strategies to enhance the competitiveness of member states and the private sector. New orientations on private sector development and public-private dialogue promotion in the Uemoa space for 2026-2030 will be presented. The session seeks to strengthen dialogue between the Commission and media professionals.
Arzouma Y. Babakan, Uemoa's Communication Director, reiterated the Union's commitment to transparency and communication around its projects, enabling journalists to become effective relays. This approach aligns with Abdoulaye Diop, Uemoa Commission President, who advocates for active media involvement in disseminating reliable information on regional integration. The Commission aims to make Union policies and programs more visible to the public.
Key points
- The Uemoa Commission is holding its sixth session to inform journalists on regional integration efforts and progress.
- The session aims to provide journalists with a better understanding of the challenges and prospects of regional integration.
- The Uemoa Commission seeks to strengthen dialogue with media professionals and increase visibility of its policies and programs.
