United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed seasoned Nigerian diplomat and development expert, Ahunna Eziakonwa, as his new Special Adviser on Africa.
The appointment, announced on Friday, sees Eziakonwa succeed Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde, whose service to the global organisation was commended by the UN chief.
In a statement issued by the United Nations, Guterres expressed appreciation to Duarte for her contributions and dedication during her tenure, while welcoming Eziakonwa to her new role.
Eziakonwa brings nearly 30 years of experience within the United Nations system, having served in several strategic leadership positions across Africa and at the organisation’s headquarters.
She currently serves as Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Assistant Administrator, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme.
In that capacity, she oversees UNDP programmes across 46 African countries, supporting efforts aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals under the 2030 Agenda, as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 development framework.
According to the UN, Eziakonwa has played a key role in shaping development strategies and policies across the continent since assuming leadership of the bureau in 2018.
Her extensive career has seen her serve as United Nations Resident Coordinator, Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in countries including Ethiopia, Uganda and Lesotho, where she coordinated humanitarian interventions, development programmes and political engagement initiatives.
She also previously headed the Africa Section of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in New York, where she supervised humanitarian operations across multiple African nations.
In addition, Eziakonwa held senior assignments in Liberia and Sierra Leone during critical periods in the countries’ post-conflict recovery efforts.
At the UN headquarters, she contributed to peacekeeping operations, political affairs and strategic communications, working closely with several departments involved in Africa-related initiatives.
Before joining the United Nations, she worked with a number of civil society organisations across the continent.
Eziakonwa holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University, New York, with specialisation in African political and economic development. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Pedagogy, English and Literary Studies from the University of Benin.
A multilingual diplomat, she is fluent in English, Igbo and Yoruba, and also possesses working knowledge of French.
Her appointment is expected to strengthen the UN’s engagement with African governments and institutions as the continent continues to pursue sustainable development, peace and economic transformation.
