The Economic Commission for Africa was established as one of the United Nations five regional commissions by the Economic and Social Council in 1958. The Economic Commission for Africa's mission is to promote social and economic development, foster international cooperation and promote intra-regional integration. The Economic Commission for Africa is the only agency that has been mandated by the United Nations to operate at both the regional and sub-regional level.

In order to meet the emerging global challenges and the special needs of Africa, the Economic Commission for Africa focuses on:

The promotion of good governance and popular participation
Trade and infrastructure
Statistics and statistical development
Regional integration
Poverty reduction and growth
Gender equality
Sustainable development
Enhance partnerships
Communications
Supporting regional and sub-regional activities
Technical assistance programs
Knowledge sharing

In addition the Economic Commission for Africa aims to continue to contribute to developing advocacy and consensus building, supporting progress, monitoring and reporting progress and meeting global commitments.

UN Headquarters of the Economic Commission for Africa
Menelik II Avenue
P.O. Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia

There are five sub-regional offices of the Economic Commission for Africa which are located in:

Niamey, Niger, West Africa
Tangier, Morocco, North Africa
Lusaka, Zambia, Southern Africa
Kigali, Rwanda, East Africa
Yaounde, Cameroon, Central Africa