António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, has appointed Ahunna Eziakonwa as his special adviser on Africa. The Nigerian development expert now holds one of the organisation's most crucial positions on the continent.
UN officials announced the appointment on Friday. Eziakonwa replaces Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde in the role.
She brings decades of experience in humanitarian work and African leadership to the position. Her background spans development policy and multilateral engagement across the continent.
Since 2018, Eziakonwa has served as UN assistant secretary general and director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at UNDP. In that capacity, she oversaw the agency's poverty reduction and sustainable development initiatives across African nations.
Her UN career includes stints as resident coordinator and humanitarian coordinator in Ethiopia, Uganda and Lesotho. She previously headed the Africa section at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
In that humanitarian role, she directed operations spanning 15 African countries. Her work touched governance, community development and coordination with civil society groups.
The UN emphasised her track record in development and humanitarian response during the announcement. Officials noted her strong relationships with African governments and grassroots organisations.
Before joining the UN system, Eziakonwa worked with various African civil society organisations. She built considerable expertise in governance and community-level development work.
She holds a master's degree in international affairs from Columbia University in New York. Her specialisation focused on African economic and political development.
Her undergraduate education came from the University of Benin in Nigeria. There, she studied Education in English and Literary Studies.
Africa currently grapples with economic pressures, climate threats and security challenges. UN leadership hopes stronger partnerships will advance peace and sustainable development across the region.
