The Economic Commission for Africa

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) was established in 1958 by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations ECOSOC) by virtue of its powers contained in Article 68 of the United Nations Charter and in pursuance of resolution 1155(XII) adopted on November 26th, 1957 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. In exercise of its power aforesaid, the ECOSOC by its resolution 671A(XXV) of April 29th, 1958, not only established the ECA but also prescribed the legal framework in relation to the functions, membership, etc. of the ECA. The geographical scope of the work of the ECA is the whole continent of Africa, Madagascar and other African islands. This legal framework, which is referred to in resolution 671A(XXV) above as “the Terms of Reference of the Economic Commission for Africa”, provides that the ECA shall be subject to the general supervision of the ECOSOC in the performance of its functions which shall be within the framework of the United Nations, and that the ECA shall take no action with respect to any country without the agreement of that country. In particular, the functions of the ECA are to initiate and participate in measures for facilitating concerted action for the economic and social development of Africa with a view to raising the level of economic activity and levels of living in Africa, and for maintaining and strengthening the economic relations of the countries and territories of Africa both among themselves and with other countries of the world.