United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has named Nigerian development expert Ahunna Eziakonwa as his new Special Adviser on Africa.
The UN announced the appointment on Friday via its official website. Eziakonwa takes over from Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde.
She comes into the role with deep UN experience. Since 2018, Eziakonwa has been the UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator, leading the Regional Bureau for Africa.
Her career also includes stints as UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, plus UNDP Resident Representative in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Lesotho. At UNOCHA, she headed the Africa Section and oversaw humanitarian operations in 15 countries across the continent.
Before joining the UN, Eziakonwa worked with several African civil society organizations.
Academically, she holds a Master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University in New York, focusing on African economic and political development. She earned her Bachelor’s in English and Literary Studies from the University of Benin in Nigeria.
