Nigerian development expert Ahunna Eziakonwa has been appointed as the new United Nations Special Adviser on Africa by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, marking another major milestone for Nigeria on the global stage.
The appointment, announced by the United Nations on Friday, sees Eziakonwa succeed Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde, whose tenure in the position has ended. Guterres also expressed appreciation for Duarte’s contributions and dedicated service to the organisation.
Eziakonwa brings nearly three decades of experience within the United Nations system to her new role, having served in several leadership positions across Africa and at the UN headquarters.
Currently serving as Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), she oversees development programmes across 46 African countries. Her work focuses on supporting governments in implementing the UN’s Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Since assuming the position in 2018, Eziakonwa has played a critical role in advancing economic transformation, governance reforms, and sustainable development initiatives across the continent.
According to the United Nations, her appointment reflects her extensive experience and long-standing commitment to Africa’s development.
Over the years, Eziakonwa has held several key positions, including serving as United Nations Resident Coordinator, Humanitarian Coordinator, and UNDP Resident Representative in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Lesotho. In those roles, she spearheaded humanitarian interventions, development programmes, and political engagement efforts.
She also served as Chief of the Africa Section at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in New York, where she supervised humanitarian operations covering 15 African countries.
Her career also took her to Liberia and Sierra Leone, where she played important roles during crucial periods of post-conflict recovery and national development.
At the UN headquarters, she contributed to peacekeeping operations, political affairs, and strategic communications, working closely with the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations, Political Affairs, and Public Information on issues affecting Africa.
Before joining the United Nations, Eziakonwa worked with several civil society organisations across the continent, gaining extensive experience in grassroots development and advocacy.
Academically, she holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University in New York, specializing in African economic and political development. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Pedagogy, English, and Literary Studies from the University of Benin, Nigeria.
In addition to speaking English and her native Igbo language, Eziakonwa is fluent in Yoruba and possesses a working knowledge of French.
Her appointment comes at a crucial period as the United Nations intensifies efforts to address major challenges confronting Africa, including humanitarian crises, climate change, economic development, and public health emergencies.
Recently, the United Nations approved up to $60 million from its emergency response fund to combat the Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain in Central Africa. The World Health Organization has also classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to the absence of an approved vaccine and specific treatment.
Analysts say Eziakonwa’s vast experience and understanding of Africa’s development challenges position her to play a significant role in shaping the continent’s future engagement with the United Nations.
