United Nations Economic Commission for Africa


The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa was established in 1958 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council to encourage economic cooperation among its member states following a recommendation of the United Nations General Assembly.
It is one of five regional commissions.
The ECA has 54 member states corresponding to the 54 member states of the United Nations that lie within the continent of Africa or in oceans nearby the continent.

Programme

The Commission's work is structured into seven programme divisions:

Executive Secretaries

NameCountryYears
Vera Songwe2017–present
Carlos Lopes2012 - 2016
Abdoulie Janneh2005 - 2012
K. Y. Amoako1995 - 2005
Layashi Yaker1992 - 1995
Issa Diallo1991 - 1992
Adebayo Adedeji1975 - 1991
Robert K. A. Gardiner1961 - 1975
Mekki Abbas1959 - 1961