The Executive Council

Composed of Ministers or Authorities designated by the Governments of Members States. The Executive Council coordinates and takes decisions on policies in areas of common interest to the Member States. It is responsible to the Assembly. It shall consider issues referred to it and monitor the implementation of policies formulated by the Assembly.

Functions of the Executive Council

a) Prepare the sessions of the Assembly;
b) Determine the issues to be submitted to the Assembly for decision;
c) Coordinate and harmonize the policies, activities and initiatives of the Union in the areas of common interest to Member States;
d) Monitor the implementation of the policies, decisions and Agreements adopted by the Assembly;
e) Elect the Commissioners to be appointed by the Assembly, as well as members of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child;
f) Promote cooperation and coordination with the RECs, the African Development Bank (ADB), other African Institutions and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA);
g) Determine policies for cooperation between the Union and Africa’s partners, and ensure that all activities and initiatives regarding Africa are in line with the objectives of the Union;
h) Consider the structure, functions and Statutes of the Commission and make recommendations thereon to the Assembly;
i) Ensure the promotion of gender equality in all programmes of the Union