In a news conference he gave here on Tuesday, AU commissioner for Economic Affairs, Dr. Maxwell Mkwezalamba said the integration including the establishment NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency (NPCA) as technical body of the AU in replacement of NEPAD secretaria.

NPCA is mandated to facilitate and coordinate the implementation of continental and regional priorities programs and project and to mobilize resource and partners in support of their implementation.

He said the leaders have directed NPCA to conduct and coordinate research and knowledge management monitor and evaluate the implementation of programs and advocates on the AU and NEPAD vision, mission and core values.

AUC Chairperson Jean Ping exercises supervisory authority over the NPCA whilst giving the new agency adequate and necessary flexibility to carry out its mandate and thereby maintaining the corporate brand identity of the NEPAD program within the AU.

The Leaders also directed that the NPCA activities be financed through an established budget from the statutory of AUC, voluntarily contribution from AU member states and additional budgetary support from the development partners and private sectors.

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