The Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA), Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, will conduct an official mission to the Kingdom of Eswatini from 22 to 26 March. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the mission will be fully held online.

During her visit, Ms. Eziakonwa, who also holds the positions of the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Assistant Administrator for UNDP, is expected to meet with Senior Government Officials, including the Acting Prime Minister, Senator Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku, towards a reinforcement of UNDP’s offer and partnerships in the country. She will also discuss disaster resilience, current development actions and the post-COVID-19 recovery with key development partners, UN agencies, the private sector and representatives of civil society organizations.

Ms. Eziakonwa’s visit is a testimony of UNDP’s commitment to support the Kingdom of Eswatini in recovering forward better and getting back on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The mission comes at a time when the lower middle-income country is dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Tropical Cyclone Eloise. Eswatini is largely affected by both crises as the majority of the country’s employment is provided by its agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Development gains made over the past decade are now at risk.

There will be a press conference on Thursday, March 25, 2021 to give the press an opportunity to interact with her and hold interviews.