ECA and partners bid farewell to outgoing Executive Secretary

Abstract

ECA and partners bid farewell to outgoing Executive Secretary. During a farewell event organized at the ECA compound in Addis Ababa on 14 September, Acting Executive Secretary, Antonio Pedro, highlighted Ms. Songwe’s historical role as the first – and only – woman to have led the ECA. Mr. Pedro noted Ms. Songwe’s transformative work at the organization stating, “In the five years of Dr. Songwe’s tenure, the Economic Commission for Africa has strengthened its position as Africa’s voice on the global landscape.” The farewell celebrations included video statements from leadership voices across the continent and friends of the ECA, including UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-lweala, IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, US Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Health Diplomacy, Dr. John Nkemgasong, and more. Ms. Songwe stepped down on 1 September 2022 after five years of dedicated service to the ECA and Africa.