On November 11, 2020, WACQIP organized a meeting to upgrade the national focal points in charge of collecting and updating data for the ECOWAS Industry and Quality Database (ECOQUIB) in their respective countries.

 The general objective of L4atelier was to improve the functionality of the database and to update it with data relating to priority value chains in order to have an essential tool for economic operators and investors.Specifically, it was about :

• Training focal points on the new version of ECOQUIB,
• Define the modalities for efficient data collection and data entry,
• Strengthen the management of the application.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

The workshop was opened by Mr. Christian Namalguebzangua Kafando of WACOMP, representing the ECOWAS Commission, and was attended by most of the national focal points (quality and industry) designated by the ECOWAS Member States and the WACQIP team, including its Manager Mr. Kafando. Mr. Bernard Bau, The Chief Technical Advisor, Mr. Aka Jean Joseph Kouassi, and Mr. Mehefolo Kamamra, the lead expert on the file, who benefited from the technical support of MMAhyi Gerard (Database Expert, ECOWAS), Gaspard MADJ 5Expert Statistician, ECOWAS) and Felix SOEDJEDJE (Computer Expert, WACQIP), all present.

At the end of the workshop, the focal points were briefed on the new functionalities of ECOQUIB as well as on the technique of data collection and online data entry. They ensured the updating of the database.

"This Database is a long-term initiative, started by UNIDO under the Eu-funded West Africa Quality System Programme (WAQSP). We have improved and updated it with important data on priority value chains. But without you, it has no future. I rely on you to make it sustainable", said Mr. Bernard Bau, the Project Manager of the WACQIP, addressing the participants at the end of the training workshop