African Union ECOSOCC Opens Applications for 5th Permanent General Assembly Elections

The Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (ECOSOCC) has officially announced a call for applications for elections into its 5th Permanent General Assembly. This initiative invites eligible Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) across Africa and the African diaspora to participate in shaping continental policies and strengthening citizen participation within the African Union system.

The application deadline for submissions is 15 July 2026 at 17:00 Central African Time (CAT), with elections scheduled to take place between September and October 2026.

About ECOSOCC and Its Mandate

ECOSOCC is an advisory and consultative organ of the African Union established in 2004 under Articles 5(1) and 22 of the AU Constitutive Act. Its legal framework is defined by the ECOSOCC Statute, which was adopted in 2004 and revised in 2026.

The primary mandate of ECOSOCC is to strengthen dialogue between African citizens and the African Union by ensuring that civil society voices are integrated into continental policymaking. The institution serves as a bridge between governments and communities, promoting inclusive governance and citizen participation in Africa’s development agenda.

Through its work, ECOSOCC supports the African Union’s broader vision under Agenda 2063, which aims to build an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa driven by its own citizens.

Composition of the ECOSOCC General Assembly

The ECOSOCC General Assembly is composed of 209 Civil Society Organisations drawn from across Africa and the diaspora. Representation is structured to ensure geographic balance and inclusion of diverse civil society voices.

The composition includes:

• 3 national-level CSOs from each African Union Member State
• 10 regional CSOs
• 8 continental CSOs
• 20 African diaspora CSOs
• 6 ex-officio CSOs nominated by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission

This structure ensures that civil society organisations at all levels contribute to shaping African Union priorities and programmes.

Women and Youth Representation in ECOSOCC

ECOSOCC places strong emphasis on gender equality and youth participation in governance structures.

For national-level CSO representation:

• At least one of the three national CSOs per Member State must focus on women’s empowerment or youth issues
• The designated representative of that CSO must be a woman or a young person
• Women- and youth-focused organisations are also eligible to apply under regional or continental categories

This approach ensures that historically underrepresented groups have a direct voice in African Union decision-making processes.

African Diaspora Representation

The ECOSOCC framework also includes dedicated seats for African diaspora organisations, reflecting the importance of global African communities in continental development.

The 20 diaspora seats are distributed as follows:

• Americas: 10 seats
• Europe: 5 seats
• Asia: 2 seats
• Oceania: 2 seats
• Other regions: 1 seat

This structure ensures broad global representation of African civil society perspectives beyond the continent.

Eligibility and Term of Office

Civil Society Organisations applying for election into the 5th Permanent General Assembly must meet eligibility requirements outlined in Article 9 of the revised ECOSOCC Statute.

Key conditions include compliance with governance, operational, and representational standards defined by the African Union framework.

Successful organisations will serve a four-year term, with the possibility of one renewal.

Application Process for ECOSOCC Elections

Eligible organisations are required to submit their applications through the ECOSOCC-Connect online platform. The process involves two key stages:

Step 1: Registration

Applicants must first create an organisational profile and complete registration on the ECOSOCC-Connect system.

Step 2: Application Submission

After successful registration, organisations can proceed to submit their full application for consideration in the 5th Permanent General Assembly elections.

All required supporting documents must be uploaded during the application process. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.

Review and Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by the ECOSOCC Credentials Committee in accordance with the Statute and established election guidelines.

Only organisations that meet the eligibility criteria and submit complete documentation will proceed through the selection process.

Key Dates and Timeline

• Application Deadline: 15 July 2026 at 17:00 CAT
• Elections Period: September – October 2026

Organisations are encouraged to submit applications early to avoid technical delays and ensure successful processing.

Importance of ECOSOCC Participation

The ECOSOCC General Assembly plays a critical role in strengthening democratic participation within the African Union. By integrating civil society organisations into continental governance structures, ECOSOCC ensures that policies reflect the lived realities, priorities, and aspirations of African citizens.

The 5th Permanent General Assembly represents an important opportunity for civil society organisations to influence policy discussions on issues such as:

• Governance and democracy
• Social development
• Economic integration
• Human rights
• Youth and gender inclusion
• Continental cooperation

Through its inclusive structure, ECOSOCC continues to advance the African Union’s vision of people-centered development and participatory governance.

Conclusion

The call for applications to the ECOSOCC 5th Permanent General Assembly marks a significant moment for civil society engagement in Africa’s governance architecture. By providing a structured platform for representation, the African Union strengthens collaboration between governments and citizens while promoting inclusive decision-making across the continent and its diaspora.

Civil society organisations are encouraged to apply before the 15 July 2026 deadline to take part in shaping Africa’s future through one of the continent’s most important participatory governance institutions.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.