Date: 20 February 2024
After an extensive global search, The ONE Campaign’s board has announced the appointment of Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli as its President and CEO. With over 25 years of international development experience, Nwuneli brings profound expertise in agriculture, nutrition, social innovation, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and youth development in Africa to her new role. A Nigerian/American citizen, she will succeed Gayle Smith and commence her duties on April 2, 2024.
Joining ONE, a non-partisan global advocacy organization, Nwuneli steps in at a crucial juncture as the organization celebrates its 20th year and embarks on strategic shifts to modernize its operations. These shifts aim to address the intertwined challenges of economic crises, climate change, and conflict, which exacerbate poverty and health issues in Africa. Nwuneli’s leadership will focus on enhancing connectivity between African nations and essential financing sources, while intensifying efforts to formulate policies supporting their agency, foster political advocacy, and mobilize activists.
Commenting on Nwuneli’s appointment, Tom Freston, Chair of ONE’s Board, expressed utmost enthusiasm, highlighting her remarkable accomplishments and unwavering dedication to advocating for the world’s impoverished populations. He emphasized her exceptional communication skills, extensive global experience, and influential network as pivotal assets for ONE’s advancement in tackling contemporary poverty challenges.
Echoing this sentiment, ONE’s co-founder Bono celebrated Nwuneli’s appointment, emphasizing the significance of having an African leader at the helm of an organization dedicated to Africa. He praised Nwuneli’s versatility across languages, geographies, and sectors, describing her as an entrepreneur, policy expert, activist, and business leader poised to steer ONE towards innovative solutions in collaboration with policymakers and stakeholders.
In her response, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli expressed her commitment to collaborating with ONE’s dynamic team to lead the organization during a critical period in Africa’s history. She outlined her vision, which includes forging new partnerships, mobilizing innovative financing, promoting sustainable growth, and ensuring transparency in resource allocation. Nwuneli acknowledged ONE’s enduring mission and the importance of its work, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to spearhead its growth and impact in the years ahead.
Background:
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli is a renowned expert in food ecosystems, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and philanthropy, with extensive experience in international development, particularly focused on Africa. She has held leadership positions in various organizations, including McKinsey & Company, FATE Foundation, LEAP Africa, Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Ltd., and AACE Foods Processing & Distribution Ltd. Nwuneli serves on several prestigious boards, including the Rockefeller Foundation, AGRA, and the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and has received numerous accolades for her contributions to entrepreneurship and social impact in Africa.
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli’s appointment heralds a new chapter for The ONE Campaign, signaling a renewed commitment to advancing Africa’s development agenda under her visionary leadership.