Nominated Minister of Foreign Affairs and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, has welcomed the appointment of Ahunna Eziakonwa as the United Nations Special Adviser on Africa, describing it as a strong and strategic choice for the continent.
In his remarks following the announcement, Ayebare congratulated Eziakonwa on her elevation to the high-level UN position, which carries the rank of Under-Secretary-General and places her at the centre of shaping Africa-related policy within the global body.
“Congratulations my sister Ahunna Eziakonwa on being appointed as the United Nations Special Advisor for Africa with a rank of Under Secretary General,” Ayebare said.
“You bring to the job a wealth of experience, I should also mention your Ugandan roots. We look forward to continued collaboration. I thank António Guterres and Amina Mohammed for this excellent choice.”
Eziakonwa, a senior United Nations development official of Nigerian origin, was appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to succeed Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde.
In her new role, she is expected to advise the UN leadership on Africa’s political, economic and development priorities while coordinating system-wide responses to the continent’s challenges.
Her appointment comes as the United Nations continues to deepen its engagement with Africa on issues including sustainable development, governance reforms, climate change adaptation, and peace and security.
She is also expected to strengthen coordination between the UN system and African Union institutions.
Prior to this appointment, Eziakonwa served as Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UN Development Programme’s Regional Bureau for Africa, where she oversaw operations in 46 countries.
She has also held senior humanitarian and coordination roles across several African states, including Uganda, Ethiopia, Liberia and Sierra Leone, giving her extensive field experience in both development and crisis response settings.
Ayebare’s remarks highlighted not only Eziakonwa’s professional credentials but also her personal and regional connections, noting her Ugandan heritage as a point of continental linkage and cooperation.
His statement reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts within African leadership circles to strengthen representation and influence within multilateral institutions.
The endorsement also signals Uganda’s continued engagement with senior UN processes, particularly on Africa-focused policy direction.
Ayebare expressed confidence that Eziakonwa’s experience would enhance collaboration between African states and the United Nations at a time when the continent is navigating complex economic and security transitions.
Eziakonwa’s appointment is widely viewed as a strategic move by the UN leadership to reinforce experienced, Africa-based leadership in shaping development policy and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals across the continent.