[3] It was created through the efforts of Émile-Ghislain Laurent of the Faculté Universitaire des Sciences Agronomiques de Gembloux.

Due to its size, location and biological diversity Eala was considered one of the most important of the world's tropical gardens.

[4] The main purpose became trials of exotic species of plants and trees introduced to Africa, particularly those with economic potential.

[4] Today the Eala Botanical Garden has almost 3,200 species of trees and herbaceous plants used for food or medicine.

[3] The European Union's ECOFAC program has been sponsoring renovation of the garden since 2009 with the goal of reviving its research activity and its role in raising environmental awareness.