The technical and institutional design of CEREEAC is the outcome of a comprehensive consultative process led by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) between 2020 and 2021. This process assessed the added value and feasibility of the centre, while also shaping its technical and institutional framework.

It included the development of a baseline study and needs assessment, and was closely aligned with the efforts of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to design a Renewable Energy Roadmap for the Central African region.

The establishment of CEREEAC was endorsed by the Energy Ministers on 8 June 2021 and formally approved through Decision No. 04/CEEAC/CCEG/XIX/21, adopted at the 19th Conference of Heads of State and Government in Brazzaville on 30 July 2021.

CEREEAC obtained full legal identity following the signing of the host country agreement between ECCAS and the Government of Angola on 3 November 2021, confirming Angola as the host of its headquarters. The centre was officially inaugurated in Luanda on 10 March 2023.

Its first operational phase is supported by UNIDO with funding from the Austrian Development Cooperation. CEREEAC also collaborates closely with other members of the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC).