The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has appointed Nigerian development expert Ahunna Eziakonwa as his new Special Adviser on Africa, marking a key leadership change within the global body’s Africa-focused operations.

She takes over from Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde, who previously held the position.

Eziakonwa currently serves as a senior official at the United Nations Development Programme, where she leads support for dozens of African countries working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s long-term development agenda, known as Agenda 2063.

In her new advisory role, she is expected to contribute to shaping UN policy and coordination on Africa-wide development, peace, and governance issues. Her appointment reflects nearly three decades of experience working across different UN missions and programmes on the continent.

Over the years, she has held several leadership roles, including coordinating humanitarian and development efforts in countries such as Ethiopia, Uganda, and Lesotho. She has also worked with the UN humanitarian coordination office, overseeing responses across multiple African nations during crises.

At UN headquarters, she has contributed to policy planning and strategic communications connected to peacekeeping and political affairs, helping guide the organisation’s engagement across Africa.

Before joining the UN system, Eziakonwa was active in civil society work within Africa. She holds degrees from the University of Benin in Nigeria and Columbia University in the United States, specialising in international affairs and development studies.

The UN noted that she speaks multiple languages, including Igbo, English, Yoruba, and French, reflecting her broad regional experience and cultural familiarity.

Her appointment has been viewed as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Africa’s voice and representation in global decision-making structures.