Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) – Features, Aims & Objectives

The Economic Commission for Africa

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is the continental organ that is responsible for the coordination of the developmental activities and efforts of the African countries under the agencies of the United Nations.

Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) was established in 1985. For its effective functioning, it has established some multinational programming and operational centres in strategic points throughout the continent.

Aims and Objectives of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

Economic Commission for Africa was established to undertake:

• Research activities, mount seminars and workshops on African economic problems and development processes.
• Collecting, analyzing and evaluating data as well as providing vital data on social and economic matters to the economies of African countries.
• Carrying out projects that cut across national boundaries for the overall continental interest.
• Aiding the establishment of important institutions for promoting African cooperation and integration.
• Proffering necessary advice to African countries on programmes and projects that will enhance sub-regional, regional and international cooperation.

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Structural Adjustment

ECA recommends that any alternative to Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) should have the following basic features:

• It must have a broad framework and not a standard programme to be applied uniformly in all countries regardless of their differences, special features and specific problems.
• The concepts of the framework must be viable and relevant to the present African situation.
• The framework must be practicable and easy to implement at all levels and to all nations concerned and should not impose unbearable hardships and suffering on the people.

4. It should take adjustment hand-in-hand with long-term development objectives and strategies.