ECCAS Commission
In brief

About ECCAS

Overview
History
Aims & Objectives
Historic summit of Heads of State, at the origin of ECCAS (1981)
11
Member States

The Economic Community of Central African States

Founded on 18 October 1983 in Libreville, the ECCAS Commission works to promote regional cooperation.

The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) is an international organization established by the States of the subregion to promote and strengthen cooperation and harmonious and balanced regional integration. The revised ECCAS Treaty consolidates this ambition by putting Community action in a dynamic of bringing Member States closer together and building an integrated regional area, based in particular on solidarity, cooperation and the pursuit of common interests.

ECCAS aims to promote the sustainable economic and social development of Central Africa, in particular through deepening economic integration, promoting peace and security, free movement, infrastructure development and policy coordination in the various areas of Community interest. Its action thus aims to contribute to the improvement of the living conditions of the people and to strengthen the collective capacity of the Member States to respond to the challenges of the region.

The revised Treaty also strengthened the institutional architecture and governance of the Community. This includes the Conference of Heads of State and Government, the Council of Ministers and the Commission, as well as other institutions and bodies provided for in the Treaty. The Commission is a central player in this institutional architecture and contributes, within its powers, to the implementation of Community guidelines, decisions and policies with a view to advancing the integration process in Central Africa.

The 6 pillars of ECCAS

History of ECCAS

1981

At a summit in December, the leaders of UDEAC agree on the principle of forming a broader economic community of Central African States.

18 October 1983

Signing in Libreville of the founding Treaty of ECCAS. The Treaty entered into force in December 1984.

1992-1998

Period of cessation of activities due to crises and conflicts in the sub-region.

1999

Revival of ECCAS with a new mandate including peace and security, and the creation of COPAX.

2004

Effective establishment of the Free Trade Area (FTA) between member states.

2015

Adoption of the Common Agricultural Policy (PAC-ECCAS) and PRIASAN.

18 December 2019

Adoption of the revised Treaty and transformation of the General Secretariat into a Commission.

28 August 2020

Entry into force of the revised ECCAS Treaty.

Aims & Objectives

Our Missions

Promote cooperation and strengthen regional integration in Central Africa in all areas of political, security, economic, monetary, financial, social, cultural, scientific and technical activity.

Achieve collective self-reliance, raise the standard of living of populations and preserve peaceful relations between member states.

Our Visions

Make Central Africa an integrated, peaceful and prosperous area, where people enjoy a high standard of living in an environment of peace, security and stability.

Build a dynamic, connected and competitive regional common market, contributing to the building of the African Economic Community.

The 6 Priority Areas