How big is the UN and what does it do in Africa?
How the United Nations supports Africa, from Nairobi HQ to agencies, funds, and programs promoting peace, rights, and development.
The United Nations in Africa: Agencies, Funds, and Programs
Updated September 2025 — The United Nations (UN) is the world’s most representative organization. Across Africa, the UN works to uphold international law, deliver humanitarian aid, protect human rights, promote sustainable development, and maintain international peace and security. This guide explains the UN’s presence on the continent, its major offices, and the specialized agencies, funds, and programs that support African nations.
Table of Contents
- UN Overview in Africa
- How the UN is Organized
- Five Core Purposes of the UN
- Specialized Agencies Operating in Africa
- Funds and Programs in Africa
- Other UN Entities
- Why the UN Serves Africa
UN Overview in Africa
The United Nations maintains two major offices on the continent: the UN Office at Nairobi, Kenya, and the UN Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Nairobi serves as the UN Headquarters in Africa, hosting UNEP, UN-Habitat, and many other offices that coordinate humanitarian, environmental, and development work across the region.
How the UN is Organized
The UN system in Africa includes:
- 17 specialized agencies (legally independent organizations that work with the UN through agreements).
- 12 funds and programs, created by the UN General Assembly and funded mainly by voluntary contributions.
- Jointly financed bodies, research institutes, and other UN entities.
Specialized agencies have their own budgets and staff, while funds and programs operate under the UN’s umbrella with focused mandates.
Five Core Purposes of the United Nations
- Uphold international law.
- Deliver humanitarian aid.
- Protect human rights.
- Promote sustainable development.
- Maintain international peace and security.
Specialized Agencies Operating in Africa
- ILO – International Labour Organization: improves working conditions and promotes fair employment.
- FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization: combats hunger and supports sustainable farming.
- UNESCO – Education, Science, and Culture initiatives.
- WHO – World Health Organization: coordinates global health efforts.
- World Bank Group – Development financing and poverty reduction.
- IMF – International Monetary Fund: supports economic stability and growth.
- UPU – Universal Postal Union: strengthens international mail services.
- ITU – International Telecommunication Union: expands communication networks.
- WMO – World Meteorological Organization: advances weather and climate science.
- IMO – International Maritime Organization: improves shipping safety and marine protection.
- WIPO – World Intellectual Property Organization: protects and promotes intellectual property.
- IFAD – International Fund for Agricultural Development: fights rural poverty.
- UNIDO – Industrial Development Organization: promotes sustainable industry.
- UNWTO – Tourism Organization: fosters sustainable tourism.
UN Funds and Programs in Africa
These funds and programs implement projects on health, education, refugees, food security, and more:
- UNDP – Development Programme.
- UNEP – Environment Programme (HQ in Nairobi).
- UNHCR – Refugee Agency.
- UNICEF – Children’s Fund.
- UNFPA – Population Fund.
- WFP – World Food Programme.
- UNODC – Office on Drugs and Crime.
- UN-Habitat – Human Settlements Programme.
- UN Women – Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.
- UNOPS – Office for Project Services.
- UNRWA – Palestine Refugee Support.
Other UN Entities
- United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR).
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
- Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Why the UN Serves Africa
Across peacekeeping missions, humanitarian relief, and development initiatives, the United Nations continues to shape Africa’s future. From its headquarters in Nairobi to field offices across the continent, the UN works with African governments and civil society to support stability, human rights, and sustainable progress.
