Addis Ababa, 6 December 2023 (ECA) - The Economic Commission for Africa is helping Africa member states deliver on the development agenda through the deployment of its vast expertise and strong partnerships, Executive Secretary, Claver Gatete, said.
Mr. Gatete, speaking during his first town hall meeting with staff, said the ECA has made a name in meeting its mandate of promoting the economic and social development of member States and in supporting the work of the African Union, all thanks to the work of its staff.
There is a high expectation of the work of the ECA in Africa and globally and African countries are facing challenges as a result of the combined effects of growing debt distress, high borrowing, climate change, the impact of the COVID-19 and the Ukraine war, he said.
“You are the ones still backing the continent in terms of development and in terms of addressing these complex issues,” said Mr. Gatete, highlighting that the ECA had the capacity to help as a a think tank.
Paying tribute to staff who have made the ECA the go-to institution for solutions to economic transformation and development of Africa, Mr. Gatete said the ECA had one vision of working as a team, to amplify successes and find solutions to problems.
Espousing an open door policy, he stressed the importance of teamwork and not working in silos was the key to achieving a lot for the commission and for member States. “I believe in teamwork, and we have to work together. Everybody plays a role in terms of development, he said. “The only resource we have is you,” he stressed.
“If we do not work together among ourselves horizontally and vertically we cannot achieve much,” he said, underscoring that ECA needs to create a solid foundation from which to build a legacy of helping Africa succeed.
Speaking at the same Town Hall meeting, the ECA Staff Union President, Joseph Baricako entreated the Executive Secretary to facilitate promotions of skilled and talented staff within the Commission while creating a conducive working environment aligned to the UN conditions.
Mama Keita, Director of the ECA sub-regional office for East Africa, commended the Executive Secretary for engaging with staff, saying this was a good start in recognizing staff as the organization’s biggest asset.
While ECA Economic Affairs Officer, Oliver Maponga, said it was critical for the Commission to capacitate its Sub Regional offices to better support the member states in addressing critical issues.
Stephen Karingi, Director of the Regional Integration and Trade Division at ECA, noted that the ECA has been part of the progress of the continent and was respected by the African Union and other global political institutions as well being the first stop in understanding Africa through the insights it provides.
Karima Bounemra Ben Soltane, Director of the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) said human capital was the main asset of the ECA and there was a need to strengthen, and build a sense of belonging and usefulness within the organization.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826