Ambassador Martin Kimani appointed CEO of The Africa Center
Jendayi Frazer and Chelsea Clinton, Co-Chairs of the Board of Trustees of The Africa Center, New York, has announced the appointment of Kenya’s Ambassador Martin Kimani as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The Africa Center focuses on promoting African culture, policy, and business. The Center aims to provide a platform for Africans and those interested in Africa to connect, learn, and engage with each other. Ambassador Kimani joins the organization from the Center on International Cooperation (CIC) at New York University, where he served as Executive Director.
He succeeds Nigeria’s Uzodinma Iweala, M.D., who stepped down from his position in December 2024 after seven years in leadership.
“I am thrilled Ambassador Kimani will be joining The Africa Center as CEO. Ambassador Kimani brings to the role deep experience, passion, and a bold vision for the future of The Africa Center. I look forward to working with and learning from Ambassador Kimani as he works to bring that vision to life,” said Chelsea Clinton, Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Ambassador Kimani brings to The Africa Center a distinguished career as one of Kenya’s most respected diplomats and public servants. From 2021 to 2024, Ambassador Kimani served as the Permanent Representative and Head of Kenya’s Mission to the United Nations (UN), representing Kenya on the Security Council and holding its Presidency in October 2021.
In 2023, Ambassador Kimani served as President of the Executive Board of the UN Development Programme, the UN Population Fund, and the UN Office for Project Services. Prior to these roles, Ambassador Kimani served as Kenya’s Special Envoy for Countering Violent Extremism and as the Director of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, contributing to peace and security efforts throughout the Horn of Africa and East Africa regions.
“After over a dozen years in public service focusing on security, political mediation, and diplomacy, I am honoured to take on this role at The Africa Center. The chance to build and shape a major New York institution is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that comes at a decisive moment to amplify Africa’s stories, opportunities, and global influence,” said Ambassador Kimani.
“Together, we will position The Africa Center as a hub for transformative ideas, partnerships, and action, bridging Africa and its global diaspora to elevate their standing and catalyse progress. Our work will honour Africa’s rich histories while boldly shaping the continent’s dynamic future,” he added.
Ambassador Kimani has championed Africa and diaspora causes throughout his career. He is a member of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent and authored and negotiated a landmark African Union Heads of State and Government Resolution during the 400th anniversary of the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans aimed at strengthening the bonds between continental Africa and its global diaspora. Before serving at the United Nations, he held the positions of Permanent Representative to the UN Environment Programme and UN-Habitat.
Earlier in his career, he led the Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), spearheading cross-border conflict prevention in the Horn of Africa. His professional background also includes experience in political risk analysis and bond and currency sales and trading.
Ambassador Kimani holds both a Master of Arts and a PhD in War Studies from King’s College London, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from the University of New Hampshire. His service to Kenya has been recognized by two of the nation’s highest honours—Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) and Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS).
Ambassador Kimani was awarded the German Africa Foundation’s Honorary Award in 2022, is a fellow of the African Leadership Initiative, and is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. By leading The Africa Center, Ambassador Kimani ushers in a new era of forward-looking engagement, connecting the continent of Africa with Harlem, New York City, and the global community on cultural, policy, and business fronts. His appointment reflects The Africa Center’s ongoing commitment to convening voices, ideas, and innovations that shape the future of the African continent and its diaspora.
“Africa is at a pivotal moment, facing both extraordinary challenges and tremendous opportunities that demand a nuanced cultural understanding, political astuteness, and the ability to forge strategic alliances to transform ideas into tangible impact. Ambassador Kimani brings exactly that blend of experience, navigating the highest levels of global diplomacy and governance, leading civic institutions in academia, and supporting the creative arts,” said Jendayi Frazer, Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees.
“His record uniting diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals makes him uniquely poised to lead The Africa Center toward a future of inclusive growth, partnership, and service to the New York City cultural community and to the global community concerned with Africa’s centrality to the future of our world.”
Source: Eleventhirtysix
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