UN Names Nigerian Diplomat Eziakonwa as Africa Special Adviser

The United Nations has appointed Nigeria's Ahunna Eziakonwa to the role of Special Adviser on Africa, the organisation announced this week. UN Secretary-General António Guterres made the appointment, according to reports from multiple Nigerian news outlets.

Eziakonwa replaces Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde in the position. Eziakonwa currently holds the rank of UN Assistant Secretary-General and serves as Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for the Africa Bureau within the UN Development Programme.

In this capacity, she oversees the organisation's work across 46 African nations. Her appointment recognises nearly three decades spent working within UN systems, building substantial expertise in development, humanitarian work, and political engagement across the continent.

Since 2018, Eziakonwa has played a central role in shaping the UNDP's strategic direction on economic transformation, political development, and governance across Africa. Her previous roles included serving as UN Resident Coordinator and humanitarian coordinator.

The appointment positions her to support African nations in pursuing the UN's Agenda 2030 sustainable development goals alongside the African Union's Agenda 2063 development framework. UN Secretary-General Guterres acknowledged outgoing adviser Duarte's commitment and service to the organisation in a statement.

Eziakonwa's new responsibilities will encompass advising on development priorities and strategic initiatives across the African continent within the UN system's broader mandate.