United Nations Economic Commission for Africa - Ideas for a prosperous Africa

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  UN General Assembly adopts historic outcome on global internet governance at WSIS+20 Review: ECA’s advocacy leads to strengthened Internet Governance Forum mandate in Outcome Document

  by eskinder.tsegaye on December 23, 2025

  17 December, 2025Share this:facebooktwitteremailprintNew York, 17 December 2025 (ECA): The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) welcomes the adoption by consensus of the outcome document of the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on the overall review of the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20). This decision, based on the resolution submitted by the President of the General Assembly during the High-Level Meeting held from 16–17 December, marks a historic milestone for the architecture of global Internet governance. Thanks to the strategic leadership and technical advocacy of the ECA, the outcome document fully integrates African priorities as articulated in both the Cotonou Declaration on WSIS+20 and the Dar es Salaam Declaration on African Internet Governance. The adopted outcome explicitly recognizes the important role that the regional commissions have played in developing regional action plans to fulfil the World Summit vision. It reaffirms their mandates to serve as regional mechanisms for implementation and follow-up of World Summit outcomes, encourages them to continue their work within their regions, and calls for them to scale up technical assistance, capacity-building, and partnerships. This direct mandate empowers the ECA to drive digital transformation more effectively across member states. Reflecting the urgent needs of the international community, the outcome strikes a balance between stability and adaptability, safeguarding proven approaches while meeting emerging challenges. Central to this balance is the confirmation of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) as a permanent mechanism. This decision ensures stability by guaranteeing long-term continuity for the multi-stakeholder model, while maintaining a flexible framework for cooperation and dialogue closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The resolution further underscores the alignment of WSIS with the Global Digital Compact (GDC), emphasizing partnerships as the primary vehicle to bridge the digital divide. Speaking on the adoption of the outcome, Mactar Seck, Chief of the Emerging and Frontier Technologies, Innovation and Digital Transformation Section at ECA, highlighted the strategic implications of this decision;  "By linking WSIS with the post-2030 agenda, digital transformation remains a driver for sustainable development. The Outcome not only extends the mandate of WSIS and IGF for the next ten years (until 2035), but also establishes a permanent mandate for the IGF, ensuring long-term continuity for the multistakeholder model. It further outlines the framework for implementing the Global Digital Compact. ECA will continue to collaborate with all member states, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, and academia to translate the WSIS+20 vision into concrete actions." This landmark decision paves the way for lasting advancements in worldwide Internet governance and confirms the United Nations' dedication to creating a connected, inclusive, and sustainable digital future for everyone. Issued by:Communications SectionEconomic Commission for AfricaPO Box 3001Addis AbabaEthiopiaTel: +251 11 551 5826E-mail: eca-info@un.org

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  Yaounde: Central Africa adopts high-impact policy agenda to De-risk and fund economic diversification

  by eskinder.tsegaye on December 19, 2025

  27 November, 2025Share this:facebooktwitteremailprintYaoundé, 27 November 2025 (ECA) – Central Africa marked a pivotal moment in its economic transformation journey with the formal adoption of a strategic convergence framework at the High-Level Regional Political Dialogue held on 27 November 2025. Concluding the Regional Conference on Economic Diversification Financing, this framework establishes a clear, unified roadmap for the effective mobilization of sustainable finance, backed by specific national and regional policy recommendations. The Framework reflects the consolidation of a robust regional pipeline of bankable projects spanning high-impact sectors, including agro-industry, natural resource processing, the Blue Economy, cross-border value chains, and productive infrastructure. Unanimously endorsed by all stakeholders, this action transforms the region's approach to development finance, shifting it from isolated initiatives to a structured, coordinated, and jointly owned process. Opening the High-Level Political Dialogue, Mohamadou Lawal, Director-General for Cooperation and Integration and Representative of the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development of the Republic of Cameroon, highlighted the commitment of the States and praised the leadership of ECA: “By bringing together governments, investors, experts, and partners today, we are, in fact, thanks to this work, laying the foundations for a more solid industrial future for Central Africa.” Priorities and commitments: the action plan The Strategic Convergence Framework sets forth several key structural directives necessary to ensure the effective mobilization of finance for the pillars of economic diversification (productive capacities, regional trade, blue economy): systematically align national priorities with sustainable financing instruments, including guarantees, blended finance, and ESG standards; strengthen institutional capacity in project preparation and structuring by integrating multidisciplinary teams and harmonized methodologies at the sub-regional level; promote the regional dimension in economic transformation projects to support genuinely integrative initiatives; systematically integrate blue, green, and climate priorities into national and regional development strategies, particularly within coastal and maritime value chains. Regional Economic Communities (CEMAC, ECCAS) are specifically called upon to support the harmonization of regulatory frameworks and sustainable financing instruments to streamline the implementation of integrative projects and mutualize risks. They are also expected to ensure the regular update of the regional bankable project portfolio endorsed by Member States, thereby guaranteeing better visibility for donors. For effective coordination and follow-up, the Regional Economic Communities, Development Financial Institutions (AfDB, BDEAC), and ECA are mandated to promote a structured and continuous dialogue. “This strategic roadmap emerged from the direct, results-oriented discussions between project owners (including Member States, RECs, and UN Agencies) and International Financial Institutions, Regional Development Banks, and partners. Crucially, our Member States and CEMAC now possess the definitive blueprint for securing funds for economic diversification projects.” stated Jean Luc Mastaki, Director of the ECA Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa. Leadership and strategic vision The successful organization of this high-level meeting confirmed Central Africa's readiness to seize promising financing opportunities. ECA’s technical support, its role as a facilitator for financial partners, and its support in formulating transformative projects aligned with regional priorities were highly commended. “This consultation platform represents a pivotal opportunity for our subregion to enhance the absorption rate of available funding. More importantly, it serves as the long-awaited leverage to fast-track the implementation of economic diversification projects enshrined in national development plans, the national and regional industrialization Strategies, and AfCFTA Action Plans”, Soumaya Iraqui, chief of the economic diversification Section at the ECA Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa. The Yaoundé Conference clearly demonstrated that Central Africa's economic transformation is a political choice, now supported by a reinforced technical and institutional architecture. By facilitating this strategic dialogue, ECA has provided Member States with the necessary framework and consensus to transcend potential and move toward concrete implementation. “Moving forward, we are committed to institutionalizing this gathering. It will serve as a vital platform to assess the outcomes of this inaugural experience. Furthermore, it will enable us to facilitate targeted B2B and B2C engagements between financial institutions, Member States, and RECs to advance the subregion’s numerous economic diversification projects” concluded Jean Luc Mastaki, Director of ECA Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa. Media QueriesZacharie Roger MBARGA - Communications OfficerUnited Nations Economic Commission for Africa637, rue 3.069, Quartier du Lac, Yaoundé, CameroonTel: (+237) 222504348E-mail: zacharie.mbargayene@un.org Issued by:Communications SectionEconomic Commission for AfricaPO Box 3001Addis AbabaEthiopiaTel: +251 11 551 5826E-mail: eca-info@un.org

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  Strengthening social protection in Ghana

  by eskinder.tsegaye on December 17, 2025

  17 December, 2025Share this:facebooktwitteremailprintAccra, Ghana, 16 December 2025 (ECA) -  Strengthening social protection programmes that shield the poor and vulnerable, lift individuals and households out of extreme poverty and deprivation is not only a moral imperative, but a strategic investment in human capital and national stability, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection noted during the opening of a two-day high-level Stakeholder’s Forum on Social Protection in Ghana. Held in Accra, the Forum which brought together representatives from government, civil society organizations, development partners and academia provided a platform for stakeholders to reflect on Ghana’s progress in building a stronger and more inclusive social protection system, while identifying outstanding gaps and innovations that can enhance the national system.  Minister Lartey underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing social protection, noting that Ghana recently passed the 2025 National Social Protection Act that provides a coherent legal framework for coordination, integration, and sustainable financing of the social protection system.  She cited domestic financing underpinned by secure, predictable and sustainable funding; the integration of systems to enhance the targeting of social protection, accuracy and reducing duplication, and the development of a shock-responsive system as key pillars of the national social protection strategy. While noting the progress made in strengthening key social protection programmes and in the expansion of coverage to additional vulnerable households, critical gaps in coverage, adequacy of benefits, and the provision of comprehensive support for poor families in urban and rural areas, persons with disabilities, older persons without pensions, and children living in hard-to-reach communities remain. Underscoring that social protection is critical for inclusive development and a powerful catalyst for economic productivity in Ghana, she noted that ECA’s Bridging Social Protection Gaps in the Arab and Africa Regions project is supporting Ghana to advance its social protection priorities, uphold dignity, advance equity, and ensure that no one is left behind.  She emphasized that development partners should ensure the support provided aligns with national social protection laws and strategy, and called for continued investment in capacity building, innovation, and in long-term systems strengthening. Patrick Nomo, Chief Director at the Ministry of Finance noted that the collaboration with ECA has been vital in improving the evidence base that will enable Ghana to better identify vulnerabilities, anticipate shocks, and to better assess the performance of existing programmes.  Christian Oldiges, Chief of the Social Policy Section, noted that ECA’s analyses on multidimensional poverty and vulnerability to poverty in Ghana highlighted ongoing gaps. He urged stakeholders to use the data generated to inform poverty reduction strategies, enhance national planning, and to improve policy coordination and decision-making.  Issued by:Communications SectionEconomic Commission for AfricaPO Box 3001Addis AbabaEthiopiaTel: +251 11 551 5826E-mail: eca-info@un.org

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  Remarks by Claver Gatete at the Arabic Language Day 2025

  by eskinder.tsegaye on December 16, 2025

  16 December, 2025Share this:facebooktwitteremailprintARABIC LANGUAGE DAY 2025   Theme: Innovative pathways for Arabic: policies and practices for a more inclusive linguistic future Remarks By Mr. Claver Gatete United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA   Africa Hall, ECA, Addis Ababa 16 December 2025     Your Excellency, the President of the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Addis Ababa, Nezha Alaoui M’Hammdi, Your Excellency, the Representative of the League of Arab States and Head of the Permanent Mission to the African Union and the Economic Commission for Africa, Mohamed Omar Almarhoun, Your Excellencies the ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Addis Ababa, Distinguished guests and dear friends and colleagues from the United Nations family, Ladies and Gentlemen: It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Economic Commission for Africa to celebrate Arabic Language Day. As we reflect on the significance of this occasion, it becomes immediately clear that multilingualism and its active promotion are central to the work of the United Nations. Accordingly, throughout the year, we commemorate the official languages of the United Nations, as well as International Mother Language Day and International Translation Day. Arabic Language Day brings to a close this cycle of events devoted to linguistic and cultural diversity, which is being celebrated under the inspiring theme: “Innovative pathways for Arabic: policies and practices for a more inclusive linguistic future.” Indeed, this theme raises a profound question: how can a language take full advantage of modern technologies while retaining its heritage, culture and soul? In other words, how can Arabic – like all the world’s languages – project itself into the future, in an environment dominated by information and communications technology, while remaining true to its identity? To answer these questions, we must focus on three interlinked-pillars: education and training in Arabic; the use of the language in various social and institutional spaces; and the language’s active role in innovation and new technologies. In our current digital age, the extent to which a language thrives depends largely on its presence on online platforms, in educational systems, in the media and in public discourse. And naturally, Arabic is no exception. Thus, its future will be shaped through these various channels. In this regard, education plays a central role: it facilitates not only the acquisition of language but also access to knowledge through that language. It is therefore necessary to revitalize Arabic teaching, to integrate it with information technologies more fully and to promote an inclusive multilingualism, promoting Arabic alongside other languages. This, in turn, requires curricula that are updated to reflect contemporary realities, with clear emphasis on communication skills and digital competencies. Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen: There are several possible approaches to achieve this.   First is an inclusive approach, which takes into account the cultural and linguistic diversity of learners and fosters a respectful and open learning environment. This requires teacher training that is future-oriented and sensitive to changes in society.   Second is an approach based on the status of the language, aimed at raising the profile of Arabic, which often must compete with other languages. The aim is not to fuel competition, but rather to make Arabic a vehicle for cultural diversity, tolerance and mutual understanding among peoples.   And third is a technological approach, which is indispensable today. The use of artificial intelligence – whether through automatic translation, voice recognition and Arabic content generation – is a major area of innovation. Likewise, the production of good-quality Arabic-language content on the Internet, including social networks, is also a powerful tool for enhancing the language’s standing and influence. In short, the innovative approaches that we are discussing today will adapt Arabic to the demands of modern life and globalization, while preserving its cultural roots and identity. Ultimately, the future of Arabic lies in education, technology and inclusive language policies.   Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, This year marks a significant milestone as both the League of Arab States and the United Nations celebrate eighty years of service to humanity. Over these decades, our two institutions have worked – each in its own mandate – to promote peace, reconciliation, development and mutual understanding across regions. This is an opportunity to recognize the achievements and to call for closer collaboration between our organizations, for the well-being of the peoples whom we serve. Multilingualism and cultural diversity are essential pillars in that respect. At this juncture, I wish to convey my heartfelt appreciation to the League of Arab States, its Permanent Mission to the African Union and ECA, the Council of Arab Ambassadors and all diplomatic missions accredited to Ethiopia. Likewise, I extend sincere thanks to all our partners committed to multilingualism for participating in and supporting this celebration. Lastly, I would like to thank every participant here with us today. Without you, this commemoration would not have been possible. I wish you all a very happy holiday season. Have a Merry Christmas and an excellent New Year!

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  Powering through the climate crisis: the shift of the Economic Commission for Africa to smart solar in Zambia

  by eskinder.tsegaye on December 16, 2025

  16 December, 2025Share this:facebooktwitteremailprintAddis Ababa, 16 December 2025 (ECA) - The Subregional Office for Southern Africa, located in Lusaka, of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), faced a severe energy crisis in 2024 that highlighted the urgent need for climate-resilient solutions across the continent. This is the story of how a major drought pushed ECA to adopt a smart solar power system, ensuring a supply of reliable and green power to deliver its mandate. When hydropower runs dry Zambia relies on hydropower for approximately 80 per cent of its electricity, primarily from such major facilities as Lake Kariba and Kafue Gorge. In the 2023/24 dry season, the country experienced an intense drought driven by the El Niño phenomenon. The devastating result was a dramatic drop in water levels, which had a severe impact on power generation. At its lowest point, the output from Lake Kariba plummeted by 80 per cent, leaving urban areas, such as Lusaka, with power outages lasting up to 20 hours per day. Cost of unreliable energy To maintain operations and deliver its mandate during the crisis, the Subregional Office for Southern Africa had to rely almost entirely on a fossil fuel generator, which came at a high financial and environmental cost: (a) Annual fuel use rose dramatically, from an average of 1,800 litres to an unprecedented 12,800 litres in 2024; (b) Greenhouse gas emissions shot up from 5 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent to a record 34 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in one year; (c) Noise emissions and air pollution caused by the generator were detrimental to the local environment. The overuse of the generator ultimately led to engine failure, leaving the Subregional Office scrambling for temporary power until February 2025, when a replacement could be installed. These events underscored the vulnerability of reliance on non-renewable sources. Investing in climate resilience: a sustainable solution Recognizing the long-term threat of climate disasters to energy security, ECA made a strategic decision in the third quarter of 2024 to install a smart solar power and battery system. The choice was not just environmentally responsible, it was also cost-effective. Over the past 20 years, the price of solar panels has dropped by 90 per cent and that of battery storage has fallen by 75–85 per cent, making renewable energy an increasingly viable investment. The main steps of the projects included: (a) Fast-tracked procurement: using common procurement channels within the United Nations system helped to speed up the design, commissioning and installation processes; (b) Roof refurbishment: the project began with the critical, environmentally friendly removal and safe disposal of asbestos roofing from the 390 square metre car park, which was carried out with expert support from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency; (c) Solar installation: a new roof was installed, followed by the solar panels, battery pack, inverter and control board. Green, smart and resilient power The new smart solar power system ensures that the Subregional Office is powered by green and climate-resilient energy, meeting an estimated 90 per cent of its total demand. Power delivery is prioritized in the following sequence: (a) Solar electricity (primary source); (b) Batteries (backup storage); (c) National grid (third option); (d) Fossil fuel generator (last resort or only in emergencies). Thanks to this project, the Subregional Office for Southern Africa now serves as a tangible example of the way in which entities of the United Nations system can successfully transition to sustainable, climate-resilient energy systems. Issued by: Communications Section Economic Commission for Africa PO Box 3001 Addis Ababa Ethiopia Tel: +251 11 551 5826 E-mail: eca-info@un.org

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  Address by Minister for Gender, Chidren and Social Protection at the High Level Social Protection Forum in Ghana

  by eskinder.tsegaye on December 16, 2025

  15 December, 2025Share this:facebooktwitteremailprintSalutation i. The Honourable Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson (MP) ii. His Excellency Mr. Zia Choudhury, United Nations Resident Coordinator iii. Head of the Local Government Service, Professor Lord Mensah iv. Chief Director, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Patrick Nomo v. Chief Director, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Afisah Zachariah vi. Directors of Ministries, Departments and Agencies vii. Representatives from UNECA and our Development Partners viii. Colleagues from the Public and Civil Service ix. Members of Civil Society, the Private Sector, and the Media x. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen 2. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Finance and UNECA for convening this critical forum. The theme, “Bridging the Social Protection Gap in Africa and the Arab Regions,”speaks directly to our core mission. It is a call to uphold dignity, advance equity, and ensure that no one is left behind. 3. Social protection is the foundation of inclusive development and a powerful catalyst for economic productivity. The Government of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic, is committed to strengthening social intervention programmes that shield the poor and vulnerable, while lifting individuals and households out of extreme poverty and deprivation. 4. The social protection gap in Ghana reflects the realities faced by our most vulnerable citizens, urban and rural poor families, persons with disabilities, kayayei, older persons without pensions, and children living in hard-to-reach communities. Bridging this gap is not only a moral imperative but a strategic investment in our human capital and national stability. 5. After years of dedicated advocacy, we celebrate the landmark passage of the Affirmative Action Act. This legislation is more than a policy achievement; it is a transformative instrument that ensures women's equitable participation in leadership and decision-making, an essential pillar of social justice. 6. In addition, the Social Protection Law has now come into force, providing a coherent legal framework for coordination, integration, and sustainable financing of Ghana’s social protection system. It marks our shift from fragmented, project-based interventions to a unified and rights-based social protection architecture. 7. Under the Reset Agenda, Government continues to strengthen key social intervention programmes, including the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), the Ghana School Feeding Programme, the Capitation Grant, and the National Health Insurance Scheme. Notably, Government intends to expand LEAP coverage from 350,000 households to 400,000 households by March 2026, an important step toward supporting extremely poor families to meet essential consumption needs. 8. Despite these gains, critical gaps remain, particularly in coverage, adequacy of benefits, and the provision of comprehensive support that goes beyond cash transfers. 9. Our strategy, anchored in the newly enacted laws, focuses on three key pillars: i. Domestic Financing: Strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Finance to secure predictable and sustainable funding, and ensuring that social protection is fully mainstreamed into national budgeting processes. ii. Systems Integration: Leveraging the GhanaCard as a unique identifier to establish a unified social registry. This will enhance targeting accuracy, reduce duplication, and enable seamless links to health, education, and employment services. iii. Shock Responsiveness: Developing a system capable of rapid scale-up during climate-related or economic shocks, to safeguard progress and support vulnerable households in times of crisis. 10. To our Development Partners, we call on you to align your support with our national social protection laws and strategy, and to continue investing in capacity building, innovation, and long-term systems strengthening. 11. To the Ministry of Finance and our colleague MDAs, let us work collectively to reset and reinforce the social protection landscape of our country. The Social Protection Law mandates a deeper partnership in financing, coordination, and integration. 12. To all other stakeholders, the passage of these landmark laws marks not a conclusion, but the beginning of a new chapter, one defined by effective implementation, accountability, and sustained commitment. 13. Let this forum renew our collective promise to the Ghanaian people. Together, let us close the gaps and build a resilient, inclusive, and equitable social protection system that safeguards every citizen. 14. United in purpose, we can secure dignity, opportunity, and hope for all. Thank you.