Our focus
In this area, the ECA undertakes comprehensive secondary and empirical research to support policy making and programming for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development in Africa. The Commission’s work extends to the provision of comprehensive and accurate information to report on global processes on social policy, including the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). Tools and guidelines are developed to facilitate the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of socio economic policies and programmes.
ECA generates new knowledge on the demographic transition and its implications for economic and social development in Africa, including studies on fertility, mortality and health, migration, the changing age structure of the population, and population distribution. Analytical work on population data, as well as futuristic and prospective policy research on population and development issues, is integral to its approach.
In order to track progress on international commitments, ECA designs, monitors and evaluates frameworks and tools for monitoring the implementation of regional and international social policies and programmes of action, including post 2015 development agenda. Further, to facilitate the design, implementation and monitoring of socially inclusive and youth sensitive poverty reduction programmes in Africa, ECA develops a robust body of analytical and policy oriented research. Research and tools of analysis focus on areas such as developments in human settlements, urbanization and urban management, international and internal migration, employment, and others factors affecting socio economic development in Africa.