Export Coaching for Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

Having examined the export challenges faced by isolated countries (Madagascar) and landlocked countries (Burundi), we must now complete this picture of African export competitiveness by considering coastal countries (Benin) and pseudo-coastal countries (DRC). The DRC and Benin are two distinct countries with complementary challenges that need to be better organised in order to capitalise more fully on their natural resources. To make a sustainable contribution to the prosperity these countries could expect from agricultural exports, awareness of quality must move beyond the current restrictive phase to become deeply ingrained in the culture. This adoption of quality in agricultural practices must be carried out in synergy with the regions and cultural communities (ECCAS, ECOWAS). National and regional development plans aimed at economic emergence must incorporate this cultural practice of quality. Given the lack of national and regional commitment to exporting, this coaching programme on agricultural exports makes a significant contribution to export competitiveness in a context of perpetual competitive struggle. Countries and regions should take ownership of this initiative.