United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s mandate promotes the economic and social development of its member States, fosters intra-regional integration, and supports international cooperation for Africa’s development.

Made up of 54 member States and playing a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape, ECA is well-positioned to make unique contributions to address the continent’s development challenges.

ECA’s strength derives from its role as the only UN agency mandated to operate at the regional and subregional levels to harness resources and bring them to bear on Africa’s priorities. ECA places a special focus on collecting up-to-date and original regional statistics to enhance its impact. This focus grounds its policy research and advocacy on clear objective evidence, promotes policy consensus, provides meaningful capacity development, and delivers advisory services in key thematic fields.

ECA also provides technical advisory services to African governments, intergovernmental organizations, and institutions. In addition, it formulates and promotes development assistance programs and acts as the executing agency for relevant operational projects.