Eziakonwa Appointed UN Special Adviser on Africa

The United Nations Chief has appointed Nigeria’s Eziakonwa as the Special Adviser on Africa, succeeding Cristina Duarte. Eziakonwa brings nearly 30 years of experience within the United Nations system, having served in various capacities including as the UN Assistant Secretary-General and the Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

She oversees development support across 46 African countries, contributing to the UN's Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063. Eziakonwa has played a key role in shaping UNDP’s strategies for economic transformation and sustainable development across the continent.

Her distinguished UN career includes serving as the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Lesotho, where she led humanitarian response efforts and political coordination. She holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Pedagogy and English Literary Studies from the University of Benin.