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News April 9, 2026
ECCAS and UNIDO strengthen and revitalize their cooperation
Vienna, Austria, 9 April 2026 – His Excellency Ambassador Dr Ezekiel NIBIGIRA, Chairman of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and Mrs Fatou HAIDARA, Deputy Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Senior Director in charge of Global Partnerships and External Relations,...
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Vienna, Austria, 9 April 2026 - His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Ezekiel NibigiraChairman of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and Mrs Fatou HAIDARA, Deputy Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Senior Director in charge of Global Partnerships and External Relations, as well as Special Representative of the Director General for Africa, met on Wednesday, 8 April 2026 on the state and prospects of cooperation between their two institutions.
On this occasion, they welcomed the quality of existing relations and explored ways and means to further strengthen this already successful collaboration, particularly in the renewable energy and industrialization sectors.
The two panellists expressed their willingness to strengthen this collaboration through UNIDO's support in several priority areas, including:
– operationalization of the Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Central Africa (CEREEAC), based in Luanda, Angola;
– the implementation of the Master Plan for Industrialization of Central Africa, adopted in October 2024 by the Conference of Heads of State and Government of ECCAS; and
– the development of energy corridor projects necessary for the structural transformation of Central Africa.
The two Senior Officials reiterated their willingness to finalize the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between ECCAS and UNIDO and to update the roadmap for the ECCAS-UNIDO partnership, developed in January 2023. To this end, they agreed to establish an operational framework to ensure effective follow-up of joint initiatives and to maximize their impact for the benefit of the people of Central Africa.
In addition, in preparation for the First Central African Renewable Energy Forum scheduled for the first quarter of 2027 in Luanda, Angola, the Chairman of the ECCAS Commission requested UNIDO's multifaceted support to ECCAS. UNIDO has pledged its support, inter alia, in the maturing of projects to be submitted.
Before adjourning the meeting, the UNIDO Representative reiterated her Organization ' s intention to conduct a working visit to the ECCAS Commission in Libreville, Gabon, this year.
This working session was held as a prelude to the Vienna International Forum on Energy and Climate, scheduled for 9-10 April 2026.
The Chairman of the Commission was accompanied by the Commissioner for Territorial Planning and Infrastructure, Dr. Maurice NIATY-MOUUMBA, the Director of Energy, Mr Desiré Armand NDEMAZAGOA BACKOTTAthe Acting Director of Communications, Public Relations and Protocol, Mrs Isabelle BOUKINDA NZAOU, technical expert seconded to CEREEAC, Dr. Ing. Georgette FUMTCHUM and the Expert Responsible for Website Administration, Social Networks, Marketing and Infographic, Mr Gildas Perfect DIAMONEKA.
Ms Fatou HAIDARA was accompanied by the Head of the Africa Regional Office, Mr Victor C. DIWANDJA DJEMBA.