BUSINESS REPORTER
The United Nations has appointed Antonio Pedro as acting executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
The appointment is with effect from September 1.
He takes over from Vera Songwe who stepped down at the end of last month after five years at the helm.
Until his appointment, Pedro was deputy executive secretary (Programme Support).
His appointment is until further notice.
Songwe announced her decision to leave the ECA at a townhall meeting on August 22 and thanked the ECA staff for their team spirit and support during her tenure.
“It has been a privilege to work with you and serve the whole UN system. I cannot express enough my appreciation for the support, encouragement, guidance, patience, and friendship I received throughout these years from you,” Songwe said.
Under her leadership, ECA played a key role in promoting the African Continental Free Trade Area at national, subregional and continental levels; advocating for adequate resources to finance Africa’s Covid-19 recovery initiatives; fostering public-private partnerships; and promoting local manufacturing to ensure sustainable economic growth and reduce growth volatility in Africa.
