ONE Campaign, a global advocacy organization championing the fight against extreme poverty and preventable diseases, has appointed Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli as its new President and CEO. This momentous announcement marks a significant shift for the organization, positioning Nwuneli, a renowned expert in African development, to lead ONE into its 20th year with a renewed focus on tackling complex challenges faced by the continent.

The Nigerian-American citizen succeeds Gayle Smith as CEO and will start with the organization on April 2, 2024.

Nwuneli’s extensive experience and deep understanding of Africa’s needs make her an ideal candidate for this critical role. With over 25 years dedicated to international development, she brings a wealth of expertise in agriculture and nutrition, social innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth development. Her proven track record as a leader and advocate for positive change across various sectors positions her to effectively navigate the interwoven complexities of economic crises, climate change, and conflict that continue to hinder Africa’s progress.

Nwuneli’s appointment is celebrated as a significant step towards ONE’s commitment to amplifying African voices and agency, as emphasized by ONE Campaign co-founder, Bono.

“ONE could not be getting a better present for its 20th birthday than Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli taking charge as its next President and CEO. An organization that focuses on Africa should be led by an African, that’s always been our dream, and Ndidi is the right person to take ONE into the future,” said the music legend and lead vocalist of the iconic rock band U2.

Bono, a globally renowned activist and philanthropist, added: “She’s multilingual in the broadest sense; it’s not just languages she speaks across, but geographies and sectors too. She’s an entrepreneur and a policy wonk, an activist and a business leader who knows governments and business need to work together if we’re going to solve the biggest challenges facing our planet. I can’t wait to see what she and ONE’s brilliant policy wonks and political arm twisters are able to accomplish. In a world battling multiple fires, figuratively and literally, we need them now more than ever.”

It’s an optimism that’s equally shared by ONE Campaign’s board chair, Tom Freston.

Freston, in a statement posted on ONE’s website, said: “I’m most thrilled to welcome Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli to The ONE Campaign. Ndidi is an incredibly accomplished professional, a passionate and successful leader with over 25 years of international development and advocacy experience.”

Freston, an American media executive and investor, added: “Throughout her life and career, Ndidi has been a steadfast advocate for the world’s poor, bringing great passion and expertise to everything she’s done. Her powerful communication skills, broad global experience and strong personal network make her a perfect leader for ONE at this pivotal moment. With Ndidi at the helm, I couldn’t be more confident that ONE will be leading the way in innovative new approaches to tackle the complex issues behind extreme poverty today.”

Nwuneli, who started her career at McKinsey & Company’s Chicago office and returned to Nigeria in 2000 to serve as the pioneer Executive Director of the FATE Foundation, will be bringing her expertise on food ecosystems, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and philanthropy to ONE Campaign.

The founder of African Food Changemakers, which provides support for African entrepreneurs to start and scale resilient and sustainable agribusinesses, and LEAP Africa, a non-profit committed to developing dynamic, innovative and principled African leaders, said: “I am committed to working with ONE’s dynamic team to lead the organization at this critical time in Africa’s history.

“This will require that we forge new local and global partnerships, galvanize catalytical and innovative financing to ensure healthy livelihoods for the most vulnerable, drive sustainable and equitable growth in Africa, and ensure transparency and accountability in the deployment of resources at every level.”

The TED speaker, who serves on the boards of the Rockefeller Foundation, AGRA, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. India, Stanbic IBTC Group, the Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum, and the Bridgespan Group, added: “ONE’s cofounders, staff, and board have worked tirelessly over the past 20 years, and its mission has never been more important. I am honored to lead the organization in this next chapter of growth and impact.”