The technical and institutional design of CEREEAC is the result of an extensive consultative process led by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) between 2020 and 2021. This process assessed the added value and feasibility of the center, while 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 creation of CEREEAC was endorsed by the energy ministers on June 8, 2021, and formally approved by Decision No. 04/CEEAC/CCEG/XIX/21, adopted at the 19th Conference of Heads of State and Government held in Brazzaville on July 30, 2021.

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

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