The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has appointed Nigerian diplomat Ahunna Eziakonwa as his new Special Adviser on Africa.
The appointment, announced on Friday, sees Eziakonwa take over from Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde, who recently concluded her tenure in the role.
According to a statement from the United Nations, Guterres expressed appreciation to Duarte for her commitment and dedicated service to the organisation.
Eziakonwa brings nearly three decades of experience within the UN system to her new position. She currently serves as Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme, where she oversees development initiatives across 46 African countries.
“Ms. Eziakonwa has played a significant role in shaping the UNDP’s strategic approach to economic and political development across Africa since 2018,” the statement said.
In her current role, she has supported African nations in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals under Agenda 2030, while also promoting the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Her extensive experience spans humanitarian affairs, development planning, and political engagement across the continent. She previously served as UN Resident Coordinator, Humanitarian Coordinator, and UNDP Resident Representative in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Lesotho.
“Her leadership experience reflects a deep understanding of Africa’s development priorities and the United Nations’ engagement across the continent,” the statement added.
Eziakonwa also held the position of Chief of the Africa Section at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in New York, where she coordinated humanitarian operations in 15 African countries.
She further served in senior capacities in Liberia and Sierra Leone during critical periods in both nations’ histories.
At the UN Headquarters, she contributed to peacekeeping operations, political analysis, and strategic communications related to Africa, working with various UN departments responsible for peacekeeping, political affairs, and public information.
Before joining the United Nations, Eziakonwa worked with several civil society organisations across Africa.
A graduate of the University of Benin, Eziakonwa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy, English and Literary Studies. She also earned a Master’s degree in International Affairs, specialising in African economic and political development, from Columbia University.
In addition to speaking English and Igbo, she is fluent in Yoruba and has a working knowledge of French.
The appointment is expected to strengthen the UN’s engagement with Africa at a time when the continent continues to pursue sustainable development, peacebuilding, and economic transformation goals.
