ECA Library

ECA Library

About the ECA Library

The ECA Library is the knowledge gateway of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. We preserve and provide access to authoritative information on Africa development—spanning economics, governance, trade, statistics, gender, climate, technology, and more. Our collections bring together rare Africana, UN and ECA flagship publications, working papers and policy briefs, datasets and statistical yearbooks, journals and e-books, as well as curated research guides and training resources.

Beyond collections, the Library is a service: our librarians partner with UN staff, member states, researchers, and students to sharpen research questions, design search strategies, validate sources, and translate evidence into action. Whether you need a quiet seat for deep work or a collaborative space for a team briefing, we are here to support evidence-based decision-making across the continent.

Explore Our Journey
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Our Services

Empower you to lead

  • Unlimited Search & Access Capabilities

  • Membership & Remote Access

    Connect and explore our services and products at any location.

  • OpenAthens (Remote Access)

    Sign in anywhere to access licensed e-journals, articles, and databases.

  • Reading Rooms, Pods & Lockers

    Quiet study areas, collaboration spaces, and smart lockers.

  • Photocopying & Scanning

    Digitization support aligned with copyright and library policies.

  • Research Support & Knowledge Discovery

  • Research Support

    End-to-end help with data, journals, and ECA publications.

  • One-on-One Support

    Appointments for search strategy, source evaluation, and citations.

  • Orientation & Workshops

    Hands-on sessions for practical skill-building and knowledge sharing.

  • Embedded Librarianship

    Embedded research support for ECA programmes and sub-programmes.

  • Current Awareness & Personalized Alerts

  • Current Awareness Services (CAS)

    Alerts on the latest news, events, publications, and developments.

  • Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI)

    Customized updates and curated research matched to your profile.

  • Inclusion & Accessibility

  • Accessibility & Inclusive Services

    Alternate formats, assistive tech, and tailored accommodations—just ask.

Knowledge Gateways

Search with precision and discover endless possibilities

  • Library Catalogue (LIBCAT)

    Library Catalogue (LIBCAT) & Knowledge Discovery 

    Search bibliographic references, identify, and consult an extensive collection of information resources.

    Explore
  • Institutional Repository

    Institutional Repository

    Access a unique collection of digital contents generated by the Commission as the premier think tank in Africa.

    Search
  • Multimedia Repository

    Multimedia Repository

    Access a unique source of information resources captured in their original formats, providing historical evidence and insights.

    Search
  • ASKIA

    Access to Scientific and Socio-economic Information in Africa

    Online interactive portal providing Access to Scientific and Socio-economic Information in Africa , based on SDG taxonomies.

    Search
  • Archives & Records Repository

    Archives & Records Repository

    Access ECA records, generated in the course of its actions, captured and preserved for their evidential value.

    Search
  • ECA Pubs at a Glance

    ECA Pubs @ a Glance

    A monthly outlook providing insights and metrics on the latest ECA publications.

    Explore
  • Knowledge Management Digest

    Knowledge Management Digest

    Stay informed on recent developments in the practice of Knowledge Management and the provision of Library services by the Commission.

    Subscribe
  • LibAlerts

    LibAlerts

    A monthly Current Awareness bulletin to keep you abreast of new developments in ECA’s thematic areas.

    Get Alerts
  • LibGuides

    LibGuides

    Knowledge search and discovery tools presenting curated content, organized by class and subject.

    Open LibGuides

E-Learning & Collaboration

Knowledge without boundaries

  • IDEP E-Learning Platform

    IDEP E-Learning Platform

    Visit our e-learning platform and register for demand-driven training and retooling courses on emerging issues.

    Enroll
  • Community of Practice

    Community of Practice

    A peer-to-peer discussion forum for thematic knowledge sharing, facilitation, and cross-fertilization to achieve the SDGs in Africa.

    Join
  • Document Collaboration Portal

    Document Collaboration Portal

    A digital space for the management of document flows, knowledge co-production, co-authorship, and co-delivery.

    Access
  • Events Calendar

    Events Calendar

    Consult our Knowledge Management Events calendar and get engaged in upcoming meetings, conferences, workshops/training, expert group meetings, etc.

    Engaged

Reserve a Space

Choose a space and submit a quick request. We’ll confirm by email

  • Lecture · Seminar · Meeting

    Projector/PA, displays, video conferencing; hybrid-ready rooms.

    Apply

  • Collaboration Pods

    Small rooms with screens/HDMI for quick teamwork.

    Apply

  • Training Lab & Auditorium

    Computer lab for workshops; large venue with stage/streaming.

    Apply

  • Lockers

    Secure short-term storage while you study or attend sessions.

    Apply