Charles Abani
Charles Abani | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 17, 1960 Afikpo North, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian and British |
| Occupation(s) | Diplomat, International development expert |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Known for | United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana |
Charles Abani (born 17 May 1960) is a diplomat and expert in international development with Nigerian and British nationality, currently holding the position of United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana. Before this role, he was the Director responsible for West and Central Africa as well as Haiti at Chemonics International and acted as Chief of Party for the United States Agency for International Development Civil Society Project in Nigeria.
Early life and education
Abani was born in Afikpo North, Nigeria, to a father of the Igbo ethnic group and an English mother. He obtained a bachelor's degree in History and Archaeology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, followed by a master's degree in political science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Additionally, he pursued studies in Business Administration and Management at the Saïd Business School of Oxford University.
Career
Between 1995 and 1999, Abani served as Nigeria Country Director for Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), where he was responsible for development planning and volunteer coordination. In 1999, he assumed the role of Nigeria Country Director at ActionAid, later advancing to Africa Regional Operations Manager. In 2007, he took on the position of South Africa Regional Director at Oxfam. His career also includes leadership as managing director of ARK International, Chief of Party for USAID’s Nigeria Civil Society Project, and Director overseeing West, Central Africa, and Haiti at Chemonics. His broad expertise encompasses development networks across Africa, international development sectors, and positions within the UK private sector and government.
United Nations Resident Coordinator
In May 2020, Charles Abani was appointed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to serve as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana.