The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) was established in 2004 as an advisory body of the AU composed of civil society organizations (CSOs). The principle of the Council is that civil society organizes itself to work in partnership with the AU.

Its objectives are to contribute to the effective translation of AU objectives, principles and policies into concrete programs, as well as to the evaluation of such programs, to undertake studies and make recommendations, to contribute to the promotion and realization of the AU’s vision, and to contribute to the promotion of human rights, the rule of law, good governance, democratic principles, equality of the sexes and the rights of the child.

It also aims to promote and support the efforts of institutions engaged in the revision of the future of Africa and the building of pan-African values ​​to improve an African social model and way of life, to foster and consolidate the partnership between the AU and CSOs and to assume the functions referred to it by other organs of the AU.