The community of practice under this thematic area will reflect the consistently stated desire of African countries for greater integration of the continent and within the global economy. ECA has been supporting the process of regional integration as part of Africa’s strategy for economic transformation and for integration into the global economy. In this critical area, ECA will monitor progress in integration-building capacities for implementing the Abuja Treaty for Establishing the African Economic Community, promoting NEPAD initiatives particularly in infrastructure development, sectoral issues, and peer learning. ECA’s commitment to the strengthening of infrastructure on the continent lies in its strong belief that sound interregional and overseas transport and communications contribute to the facilitation, promotion and expansion of international and intra-regional trade.