The adoption of the Economic Social And Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) as one of the advisory organs of the African Union is a landmark achievement for civil society movements in Africa. It has paved way in an unprecedented manner for civil society organizations (CSOs) to participate actively in the issue of African governance. This is more so because African governments have realized the critical need to involve civil society in tackling the challenges of restructuring the continents numerous woes. The records and performance of African governments thoroughly attest against leaving the destiny of the people of Africa to their governments alone 

With the establishment of the CSSDCA Unit in the African Union (AU) Secretariat as responsible for mainstreaming and consolidating partnership with African CSOs and the AU as contained in the Constitutive Act;  

Late into the year, ALF played host to, again in collaboration with the Africa Union, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from West, Central and North Africa at ALF International Conference Center. The Tri-regional consultative meeting, aptly dubbed, the Ota Tri-Regional conference, was to be the last of the series of consultative forums on the draft statutes of the Economic Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) to help produce the much-needed protocol for ECOSOCC. The main objectives of that meeting were to  

• Review the draft statute of ECOSOCC and examine other models such as the UN-ECOSOCC and the EU Social and Economic Committee for effective recommendations
• Familiarize participants with ECOSOCC and facilitate intensive discussion on its nature, importance and operationalization
• Review the structure and composition of ECOSOCC
• Review and deliberate on governance issues of ECOSOCC
• Facilitate development of a code of ethics for CSOs affiliated to ECOSOCC
• Review selection criteria and other membership issues of ECOSOCC

The Economic, Social and Cultural Council is the advisory organ of the African Union consisting of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), representing the African people, that are involved in a wide range of activities at all levels relevant to the objectives and goals of the Africa Union.

 The council when it finally takes off will consist of, but not limited to social groups such as those representing women, children, the youth, the elderly and the disabled, professional groups such as associations of artists, engineers, medical doctors, journalists, teachers, lawyers, economists, business organizations (Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Voluntary Organizations, workers and Employers Organizations, and organizations of traditional leaders, the academia, and religious and cultural associations.

 Prior to the operationalization of the Conference for Security, Stability, Development and Cooperation in Africa (CSSDCA) into the working programme of the OAU/AU in DEC. of 2001, the role of CSOs was virtually none existence in the OAU/AU scheme of things

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