Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN's five regional commissions, ECA's mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. Made up of 54 Mmember States, and playing a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape, ECA is well positioned to make unique contributions to address the Continent’s development challenges.

In 2018-19, DE was contracted to evaluate the UNECA’s Support to Boosting Intra-Africa Trade (ATPC III) program. UNECA’s African Trade Policy Center aims to strengthen the human and institutional capacities of African governments and regional economic communities to formulate and implement sound trade policies and participate more effectively in trade negotiations. The evaluation identified project results and made recommendations for the remainder of the project period. It included an assessment of the project’s multiple partnerships and the extent to which gender and human rights had been incorporated into ATPC’s work. Missions were conducted to 8 countries.