United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

Established by ECOSOC in 1958, ECA has been mandated to promote and support the economic and social development of its 53 African member states, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development. Its current work programme is rooted in two mutually supportive areas, namely: (a) promoting regional integration in support of the African Union vision and priorities; and (b) meeting Africa’s special needs and emerging global challenges.

Established by ECOSOC in 1958, ECA has been mandated to promote and support the economic and social development of its 53 African member states, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development. Its current work programme is rooted in two mutually supportive areas, namely: (a) promoting regional integration in support of the African Union vision and priorities; and (b) meeting Africa’s special needs and emerging global challenges. The modalities and services the ECA deploys to support its members are the following: policy analysis and advocacy; enhancing partnerships; technical assistance; communication and knowledge sharing; and supporting subregional activities.

Energy at UNECA

ECA’s work is structured into seven programme divisions and the one most involved in the field of energy is the Regional Integration, Infrastructure and Trade Division. It promotes the harmonization of policies, laws, regulations and standards, and practices, as well as subregional, regional and interregional cooperation in the field of transport, energy, water and mining. ECA’s work in the energy sector is based on priorities and commitments made within the framework of the WSSD, NEPAD energy initiatives and other energy priorities related to the achievement of globally agreed upon objectives such as the MDGs.

Accordingly, the work of the Regional Integration, Infrastructure and Trade Division involves assisting member states in formulating policies and strategies aimed at promoting good practices in the development of the African energy sector, in fostering regional energy cooperation and integration, as well as in devising the ways and means of addressing energy access issues. Major areas of intervention include: (a) coordination of United Nations Agencies working in Africa on energy issues in support of NEPAD through UN-Energy/Africa; (b) improving Africa’s energy sector management through policy analysis, studies and capacity-building; (c) fostering regional energy cooperation and integration; and (d) devising policies for improving energy accessibility in Africa.

Services provided by UNECA include:

• Capacity-building
• Formulating regional policies and strategies
• Developing the African energy sector
• Fostering regional cooperation and integration
• Addressing energy access issues and improving energy accessibility in Africa
• Mobilizing finance