The Economic, Social and Cultural Council Registration 2026–2027: How African Civil Society Organizations Can Gain African Union Recognition and Participate in Continental Policy Dialogue

 The African Union’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) has officially opened registration for organizations seeking to join the ECOSOCC Connect platform, a major continental initiative designed to strengthen the participation of African civil society and diaspora organizations in African Union policymaking and development processes.

Through ECOSOCC Connect, organizations across Africa and the diaspora can create official profiles, apply for accreditation, participate in African Union consultations, and contribute directly to continental dialogue on governance, development, social transformation, and public policy.

The platform serves as the recognized gateway for African civil society organizations to engage with the African Union and become part of a continent-wide network shaping Africa’s future.

In addition to the ongoing registration process, ECOSOCC has also announced applications for the 5th Permanent General Assembly (5PGA), a key programme aligned with the ECOSOCC Statute and official African Union participation requirements.

ECOSOCC Connect Registration and 5PGA Timeline

Registration Status

• Open for applications and profile creation

5th Permanent General Assembly (5PGA)

• Opening Date: April 28, 2026
• Closing Date: October 29, 2027

Organizations interested in participating in the ECOSOCC General Assembly and broader AU policy activities are encouraged to complete registration early.

What Is ECOSOCC?

ECOSOCC, short for the Economic, Social and Cultural Council, is an official organ of the African Union created to facilitate the participation of African civil society in the work of the African Union.

The platform acts as the institutional bridge between:

• African citizens
• Civil society organizations
• Policymakers
• African Union institutions
• Member states

ECOSOCC ensures that African civil society has a voice in continental decision-making and development strategies.

What Is ECOSOCC Connect?

ECOSOCC Connect is the African Union’s digital platform designed for:

• Civil society registration
• Accreditation management
• Policy participation
• Continental networking
• Organizational visibility

The platform allows eligible organizations to:

• Create official profiles
• Register organizations online
• Track accreditation processes
• Access African Union opportunities
• Participate in consultations and programmes

The initiative represents a major step toward improving transparency, accessibility, and inclusion in African Union civic engagement processes.

Why ECOSOCC Connect Matters for African Civil Society

Civil society organizations play a critical role in advancing democracy, human rights, youth empowerment, development, gender equality, education, public health, and governance across Africa.

However, many organizations face barriers when attempting to engage directly with continental institutions and policymaking spaces.

ECOSOCC Connect addresses this challenge by creating a centralized and officially recognized platform through which organizations can interact with the African Union.

The platform gives organizations:

• Visibility
• Recognition
• Participation opportunities
• Policy engagement channels
• Access to continental networks

Key Benefits of Registering on ECOSOCC Connect

Organizations that register on the platform gain multiple strategic advantages.

1. Continental Recognition

Registered organizations receive formal recognition within the African Union ecosystem.

This recognition strengthens:

• Organizational credibility
• Institutional legitimacy
• Regional visibility
• Partnership opportunities

It also demonstrates that the organization is actively engaged in continental development and civic participation.

2. Participation in African Union Activities

Accredited organizations can apply to participate in:

• Consultations
• Policy dialogues
• Programmes
• AU-led initiatives
• Continental events
• Development discussions

This creates direct opportunities for organizations to influence policymaking processes at the continental level.

3. Inclusion in the Official Continental CSO Database

Registered organizations are listed in the official African Union civil society database.

This improves visibility among:

• African Union organs
• AU member states
• Development agencies
• Regional institutions
• Potential collaborators and partners

4. Streamlined Online Accreditation

ECOSOCC Connect modernizes and simplifies the accreditation process.

Organizations can:

• Submit applications online
• Upload required documents digitally
• Track application progress
• Receive guided submission support

This removes many administrative barriers traditionally associated with accreditation processes.

5. Voice in African Union Policy Processes

One of the most important benefits of ECOSOCC accreditation is policy engagement.

Organizations can contribute expertise and recommendations through:

• Sectoral Cluster Committees
• Policy consultations
• Continental discussions
• Advocacy platforms

This ensures that civil society perspectives are integrated into African Union decision-making processes.

Who Can Register on ECOSOCC Connect?

The platform is open to a broad range of African civil society and diaspora organizations.

Eligible Organizations Include:

1. African Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

Organizations operating within African Union member states can apply for registration and accreditation.

Examples include:

• Nonprofits
• Advocacy organizations
• Community groups
• NGOs
• Research organizations
• Youth organizations
• Women-led organizations
• Human rights groups

2. African Diaspora Organizations

Organizations representing African diaspora communities worldwide are also eligible.

This allows Africans living outside the continent to participate in AU policy conversations and development initiatives.

3. Organizations Operating in AU Member States

Eligible organizations must be:

• Registered
• Operational
• Active within one or more of the 55 African Union member states or the diaspora

African Union Member States Covered

ECOSOCC Connect serves organizations across all 55 African Union member states, including:

• Algeria
• Angola
• Benin
• Botswana
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cabo Verde
• Cameroon
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Comoros
• Congo
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Eswatini
• Ethiopia
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Libya
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• Sahrawi Republic
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Senegal
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Tanzania
• Togo
• Tunisia
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

About the 5th Permanent General Assembly (5PGA)

One of the major opportunities currently available through ECOSOCC Connect is participation in the 5th Permanent General Assembly (5PGA).

The 5PGA serves as:

• A continental civil society engagement platform
• A governance and representation mechanism
• A framework for structured AU-CSO collaboration

The application cycle is aligned with:

• The ECOSOCC Statute
• Official application requirements
• AU governance standards

Organizations interested in deeper continental participation are encouraged to apply.

Languages Available on the Platform

To ensure inclusivity and accessibility across Africa and the diaspora, ECOSOCC Connect is available in multiple languages, including:

• English
• French
• Arabic
• Kiswahili
• Portuguese
• Spanish

This multilingual approach helps organizations from diverse regions participate more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions About ECOSOCC Connect

Does My Organization Need to Be Based in Africa?

No. African diaspora organizations outside the continent are also eligible.

Can Organizations Less Than Three Years Old Apply?

The platform includes eligibility guidance regarding organizational maturity and accreditation requirements. Applicants are encouraged to review the official criteria carefully.

Can Applications Be Edited After Submission?

The platform includes online tracking and guided submission systems that support organizations throughout the process.

What Documents Are Required?

Organizations will typically need:

• Registration certificates
• Organizational profiles
• Governance documents
• Supporting institutional information

Applicants should consult the official ECOSOCC guidelines for complete requirements.

Why Organizations Should Join ECOSOCC Connect

Joining ECOSOCC Connect provides organizations with:

• Continental visibility
• African Union recognition
• Access to policy discussions
• Networking opportunities
• Governance participation
• Advocacy platforms
• Institutional credibility

For organizations committed to shaping Africa’s future, ECOSOCC Connect offers a direct pathway into continental dialogue and decision-making.

Official Registration and Application Links

Organizations can register and apply through the official ECOSOCC Connect platform.

Official Website: ECOSOCC Connect Platform

Create Profile: ECOSOCC Registration Portal

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