Mr. Fakhruddin Azizi assumed office as the new United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Representative for Southern Africa at the beginning of August 2026. Mr. Azizi formally presented his credentials to the Government of South Africa on 1 September 2026.

Bringing more than three decades of experience in international development, humanitarian assistance and United Nations cooperation, Mr. Azizi has a distinguished track record of leadership across Africa, Asia and headquarters functions within UNIDO. Prior to his current assignment, he served in senior UNIDO positions, including Senior Officer in the Regional Bureaus for Africa and for Asia and the Pacific, UNIDO Representative in Ghana and Liberia, UNIDO Representative in the Philippines, and Head of UNIDO operations in Afghanistan. Before joining UNIDO, he held senior programme management positions with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations-funded Mine Action Programme for Afghanistan.

As UNIDO Representative for Southern Africa, Mr. Azizi will lead UNIDO’s efforts to support inclusive and sustainable industrial development across the region, working closely with governments, development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders to advance industrialization, job creation, climate resilience and economic transformation.

The presentation of credentials to South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation marks an important step in further strengthening cooperation between UNIDO and the Government of South Africa.  Through its regional and national programmes, UNIDO supports member states in promoting sustainable industrial development, advancing the energy transition, fostering innovation and competitiveness, and building resilient value chains.

Mr. Azizi assumes his new role at a time when countries across Southern Africa are seeking to accelerate industrial growth while responding to climate, energy and development challenges. UNIDO continues to support these efforts through programmes that promote green industrialisation, sustainable energy systems, digital transformation, trade capacity and investment opportunities.

Speaking from the UNIDO Regional Office, hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition at its campus in Pretoria, Mr. Azizi said: "I am honoured to assume the responsibilities of UNIDO Representative for Southern Africa at a time of significant opportunity for the region. I look forward to deepening our partnerships and working closely with the Government of South Africa and governments across the countries covered by the Regional Office, as well as development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders to advance inclusive and sustainable industrial development and contribute to a greener and more resilient future for Southern Africa."