New Leadership for the UN Economic Commission for Africa
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has announced the appointment of Claver Gatete of Rwanda as the next Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), effective upon his assumption of duties. The Secretary-General expressed deep gratitude to outgoing Executive Secretary Vera Songwe of Cameroon for her dedicated service. He also acknowledged the continued leadership of Antonio M. A. Pedro of Mozambique, who will serve as Acting Executive Secretary until Mr. Gatete takes office.
Mr. Gatete currently serves as Rwanda’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in new York.he is a highly experienced economist with a proven track record in strategic leadership and a thorough understanding of the African political and financial landscape.
Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Gatete has held key positions within the Rwandan government, including Minister of Infrastructure (2018-2022) and Minister of finance and Economic Planning (2013-2018).Prior to these roles, he served as Governor and Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, overseeing the nation’s central bank. He also held positions as Secretary General and Secretary to the Treasury,and as Director General for Economic and Social Affairs in the Office of the President,were he represented the President in the New Partnership for Africa’s Development and coordinated the national African Peer Review Mechanism.
Mr. Gatete’s diplomatic experience includes serving as Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, ireland, and Iceland from 2005 to 2009. Earlier in his career, he contributed his expertise as a National Economist with the United nations Development Program in Kigali and as an Economist with Agriculture and Agri-Food and Statistics Canada.
Holding both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of British Columbia, Canada, Mr. Gatete is fluent in English and possesses a working knowledge of French. His extensive background and expertise position him to effectively led the ECA in it’s vital work supporting economic and social development across the African continent.
