Apply for African Union ECOSOCC 5th Permanent General Assembly – Call for African-Based and Diaspora CSOs

Application Deadline: June 16, 2026

About the Assembly

Applications are now open for the African Union ECOSOCC 5th Permanent General Assembly. ECOSOCC is constituting its 5th Permanent General Assembly. 209 CSOs will be elected. This call is open to CSOs working at national, regional, continental, and African diaspora levels. If your organization is African-led, has been operational for at least three years, and is formally registered, you’re likely eligible. ECOSOCC (Economic, Social and Cultural Council) is an advisory organ of the African Union that provides a platform for African civil society organizations to participate in AU policy processes and decision-making. The Permanent General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of ECOSOCC. Being elected to the Assembly means your organization will have a seat at the table where African civil society’s voice is shaped and presented to the African Union.

Benefits of Accreditation

Accredited organizations can:

• Participate in ECOSOCC General Assembly sessions
• Contribute to AU policy dialogue
• Access continental networks
• Represent civil society at the African Union level

Eligibility Requirements

Any African civil society organization that meets the eligibility criteria under Article 9 of the ECOSOCC Statute can apply. This includes:

• NGOs
• Community-based organizations
• Professional associations
• Other non-governmental entities

Key Eligibility Criteria:

• Your organization must have at least 50% African ownership and management
• At least 50% of its basic resources must be sourced nationally or from Africa
• Must have been operational for at least three years
• Must be formally registered
• Must be African-led

Why This Call Matters

Civil society organizations play a critical role in African development, advocating for human rights, service delivery, democratic governance, and social justice. Yet their voices are often excluded from continental policy processes. ECOSOCC was created to address this gap by providing a formal platform for civil society participation in the African Union.

The 5th Permanent General Assembly will elect 209 CSOs to represent African civil society. This is a rare opportunity for African-led CSOs to:

• Gain a seat at the AU table – participating in policy dialogue and decision-making
• Access continental networks – connecting with civil society across Africa and the diaspora
• Represent civil society at the highest levels of African governance
• Shape AU policies from a civil society perspective
• Amplify the voices of the communities they serve

For African CSOs that are formally registered, African-led, and have been operating for at least three years, accreditation to ECOSOCC’s General Assembly offers a pathway to influence continental policy.

Application Procedure

Step 1: Create your individual profile on ECOSOCC Connect

Step 2: Register your organization on the platform

Step 3: Submit the application for the 5th Permanent General Assembly (PGA)

Required Documents

You will need:

• Your organization’s registration certificate
• Most recent audit statements (within the last 2 years)
• Proof of membership in your National ECOSOCC Chapter

How to Apply

Click on the link to the application website to apply.

Application Link: Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official AU ECOSOCC Webpage