The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa was established in 1958 by Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in order to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development. 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.
Thematic Focus
ECA’s thematic areas of focus are as follows:
- Macroeconomic Policy
- Regional Integration and Trade
- Social Development
- Natural Resources
- Innovation and Technology
- Gender
- Governance
Priority Areas
Specialized regional advisory services and meaningful capacity development support to member States is provided in the following priority areas:
- Promotion of industrialization
- Design and implementation of macroeconomic policy
- Design and articulation of development planning
- Supporting mineral resources contract negotiations
- Promoting the proper management of natural resources for Africa’s transformation