The Union of African Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (UCESA) significantly expanded its regional influence during its General Assembly in Malabo on May 11, 2026.
Chaired by Abdelkader Amara, President of Morocco’s Economic, Social, and Environmental Council, the session formalized the admission of Angola and Equatorial Guinea into the Union. This expansion, following the recent inclusion of Zimbabwe, successfully brings all CEMAC member nations under the UCESA umbrella and sets the stage for full integration of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in the near future.
Beyond membership growth, the Assembly focused on the implementation of the Union’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. This ambitious roadmap prioritizes health sovereignty, human capital development, energy transition, and sustainable financing across the continent. Mr. Amara emphasized that the current restructuring process has already bolstered the Union’s visibility and capacity to promote resilient development models. He noted that the decisions made in Malabo signify a new era for UCESA as a central pillar of African dialogue and cross-border solidarity.
The high-level meeting drew a diverse range of institutional partners, including the African Development Bank, the AU ECOSOCC, and the European Economic and Social Committee. Participants praised Morocco’s leadership in driving these structural projects, acknowledging the country’s pivotal role in enhancing the Union’s continental impact. By aligning with regional institutions, UCESA aims to foster a more coherent pan-African vision that translates strategic planning into tangible improvements for African populations.
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