Morocco wins presidency of the UN Economic Commission for Africa

Morocco won the presidency of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in an event that highlights the Kingdom’s clout and leadership within the continent.

The one-year-term presidency will feature the chairmanship by Morocco’s industrial minister Ryad Mezzour of the Confederation of African Ministers for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

Algeria, as was expected, attempted in vain to block Morocco’s chairmanship by lobbying for a renewal of the mandate of Zimbabwe’s outgoing chair.

Morocco’s bid was later endorsed by Zimbabwe itself, much to the disappointment of Algeria.

Blinded by enmity to Morocco, Algeria has previously failed to impose the membership of the Polisario separatists in the ECA.

The ECA plays a crucial role in promoting economic and social development across the African continent. It conducts research and provides policy recommendations to member states on economic and social issues. It also offers technical support to countries in areas such as economic planning, statistical analysis, and public administration.

The commission also aims to help strengthen the capacities of African institutions and governments through training and development programs, promotes regional cooperation and integration to enhance economic growth and development and collects, analyzes, and disseminates economic and social data to support informed decision-making.