West Africa's competitiveness cannot be considered without covering quality aspects along a value chain. In February 2020, UNIDO deployed 47 national experts throughout ECOWAS to collect existing data on the quality infrastructure, including standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment bodies associated with the value chains targeted by the Programme. In order to ensure the smooth conduct of the mission, the experts were able to count on the collaboration of the anchor ministries (trade, industry and agriculture), the delegations of the European Union and the national focal points of the Programme. The expert reports are expected to reach the coordination team by the end of April 2020.This mission will contribute to (i) the improvement and continuous support of the
quality infrastructure; (ii) the development and implementation of standards and regulations; (iii) the establishment of regional reference laboratories; and finally (iv) the promotion of the "ECOWAS" certification mark.