The United Nations has appointed a Nigerian to its top advisory role on African affairs.

Ahunna Eziakonwa, a development expert and UN Assistant Secretary-General, is the new Special Adviser on Africa. UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment on Friday, June 13, 2026.

Eziakonwa takes over from Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde. The UN said Guterres is grateful for Duarte's commitment and dedicated service.

Eziakonwa currently serves as Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme. In that role, she oversees support to 46 African countries working toward the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063.

She's been with UNDP since 2018, helping shape the agency's strategic approach to economic and political development across Africa, according to the UN.

Eziakonwa brings nearly three decades of UN leadership experience to her new job. She's worked across humanitarian, development, and political portfolios on the continent.

Her career includes stints as UN Resident Coordinator, Humanitarian Coordinator, and UNDP Resident Representative in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Lesotho. In those countries, she led the UN's work on development planning, humanitarian response, and political coordination.

She also served as Chief of the Africa Section at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in New York. There, she oversaw humanitarian operations in 15 African countries.

Earlier, Eziakonwa held senior positions in Liberia and Sierra Leone during critical periods in both countries. She later contributed to peacekeeping, political analysis, and strategic communications at UN Headquarters in New York.

Before joining the United Nations, she worked with several civil society organisations across Africa.

Eziakonwa holds a Master's degree in International Affairs from Columbia University in New York, focusing on African economic and political development. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Pedagogy, English and Literary Studies from the University of Benin in Nigeria.

Her appointment is a major diplomatic win for Nigeria. It places a Nigerian in a key position shaping the UN's engagement with African nations on development, peace, and governance issues.

  • Ahunna Eziakonwa is Nigerian, a UN Assistant Secretary-General, and former UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa Director
  • She succeeds Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde as UN Special Adviser on Africa
  • She has nearly 30 years of UN experience in humanitarian, development, and political roles
  • She served as UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Lesotho
  • She holds a Master's from Columbia University and a Bachelor's from the University of Benin