A Path to Prosperity New Directions for African Livestock

Annex 4
Harmonisation of Registration
of Veterinary Medicines in UEMOA
The West African Economic and Monetary Union
(also known as UEMOA from its name in French,
Union économique et monétaire ouest-africaine)
is an organization of eight West African states.
It was established in 1994 to promote economic
integration among countries that share the CFA
franc as a common currency. UEMOA’ s objectives
include the following: 144
> greater economic competitiveness, through
open markets, in addition to the rationalization
and harmonization of the legal environment;
> the convergence of macro-economic policies
and indicators;
> the creation of a common market;
> the coordination of sectoral policies;
> the harmonization of fiscal policies.
Over the whole UEMOA region, livestock production
represents slightly more than 15% of total GDP. In
2002, UEMOA reviewed its legislation, registration
and quality control mechanisms for veterinary
medicines. The study showed that there were
significant problems and it recommended the
establishment of a new agency housed in UEMOA
HQ. This central agency was to cover nearly all
aspects of veterinary drug registration, training
and coordination in the region. Whilst this agency
was the preferred option, upon appraisal by
member states, it was felt that the regulatory
framework underpinning the agency’s
responsibilities was inadequate and the agency
would be too expensive to run. The agency therefore
remains a goal for the community. As an interim
measure, the community still opted for a network
of three key bodies 146 .
Figure 5 Map showing UEMOA Member States
Map courtesy of World Bank 145
The Impetus Strategy Paper I Page 63