Professor Kamil Kayode Kamaludeen, the outgoing Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Chad, continues to receive accolades for his distinguished career and remarkable contributions to development, both within the United Nations and in Chad.
Popularly known as ‘KK,’ Kamaludeen, a Nigerian-born technocrat, has shaped economic and social policies across multiple countries.
His professional journey spans several leadership roles, including National Economist in Nigeria, Economic Adviser, and later Country Director in Ghana and Liberia.
He also served as Country Director and Resident Representative in South Sudan before assuming his most recent position as the UNDP Resident Representative in Chad.
Beyond his official postings, Kamaludeen has led and facilitated numerous knowledge-sharing and country-support missions across Africa, Asia, and beyond, with engagements in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Laos, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mozambique, Panama, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Zambia along others.
In a goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and Head of Mission for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, described Kamaluddeen as “a man of passion and integrity who has used his vast experience to transform Chad.”
He added: “KK is a committed and level-headed partner, an outstanding performer whose leadership has guided the UNDP mission in Chad with integrity and compassion. His dedication to addressing critical challenges—from poverty reduction to climate resilience—has left an indelible mark. Under his guidance, Chad has witnessed transformative projects that have empowered communities, strengthened institutions, advanced gender equality, and supported national priorities.”
Throughout his career, Kamaludeen has advised several governments on designing and implementing policies to foster inclusive economic growth, accountable governance, peace, and stability.
Described as “an embodiment of patience, perseverance, and humility”, he is widely admired for his unwavering commitment to selfless service, generosity, and the nurturing of others.
Under Kamaludeen’s leadership, UNDP solidified its status as Chad’s premier development partner, supporting key areas such as:
Political Transition & Governance: Mobilizing partnerships and resources for a peaceful and inclusive transition.
Economic Diversification: Strengthening Chad’s mining sector and promoting governance reforms.
Local Development: Spearheading financial inclusion, socioeconomic infrastructure projects, such as rural markets and integrated farms.
Private Sector Growth: Collaborating with business associations to drive entrepreneurship and socio-economic development.
Youth Employment: Launching a pilot project that deployed 1,000 young volunteers across education, health, banking, telecommunications, and NGOs.
Energy Access: Funding a 78.5KW mini solar power plant benefiting 4,500 people in Mandélia.
Climate & Environmental Sustainability: Supporting policy development through the Climate Promise initiative.
Refugee Crisis Response: Securing a $30 million joint project (UNDP-Government-AfDB) to enhance resilience in communities affected by displacement in Eastern Chad.
With an annual budget delivery of $45–50 million, his efforts have touched virtually every region of Chad—Central, East, Lac, North, and South—benefiting both urban and rural populations.
In December 2024, Kamaludeen was decorated by the HEC University, Chad with the prestigious Excellence Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sustainable development in Chad.
In another, special farewell event organized by Chad’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Agency for Volunteers (ANVOLT), Kamaludeen was celebrated by Chadian Youths for his innovative initiatives and landmark achievements that have opened doors of opportunity to several young men and women.
In the series of farewell messages and events to celebrate his work and accomplishments, KK has received glowing tributes and certificates of appreciation from senior ministers (in charge of Presidential Affairs, Finance and Economy, women and Children); ministers (environment, youth, digital economy, and social action and humanitarian affairs); and, a host of heads of agencies and institutions.
At a Gala event on 24/01, Prof Kamaluddeen was eulogised by national and international partners as a “consummate professional”, and “partner par excellence “, with amazing combination of intellectual depth and “unparalleled humility”. The former Prime Minister, now the Mediator of the Republic, Mr Saleh Kebzabo hosted a special, well attended, reception at his residence on 25/01 in honour of KK, to celebrate his achievements and acknowledge a “truly remarkable person and professional”.
Within the UN System, KK continues to receive messages of appreciation and goodwill peers, colleagues and superiors alike with the recurring epithets being leadership, perspicacity, humility and integrity.
KK gave all the credit to Almighty Allah. He thanked the host government, the partners and people of Chad for the outstanding cooperation and support that paved the way for the outstanding achievements recorded. He gave “ … a
heartfelt thank … the amazing @PNUD_Tchad team for the wonderful ..and … unwavering support during these 4+ years … and the dedication, teamwork, & spirit have made the journey unforgettable.
As Kamaludeen bids farewell to his role at UNDP, his legacy of leadership, innovation, and service continues to inspire many. His impact on Chad’s political transition and development agenda remains a testament to his dedication to fostering sustainable growth and improving lives and livelihoods, particularly for the population in need.
Meanwhile, The Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, Achim Steiner has commended the exceptional ability of Kamaludeen following his over 25 years of service with the organization.
“Your distinguished career is a testament to the values and mission of the United Nations, characterized by leadership, dedication and transformative impact across regions you have served. On behalf of of the entire UNDP family, we would like to extend heartfelt appreciation for your service and enduring contributions to our shared mission. May the next chapter of your life be fulfilling and richly rewarding.”
And, the Prime Minister, Mr. Allah Maye ….. who received Representative Kamaluddeen on 30/01, his final day in the country, commended Prof. Kamaluddeen for his outstanding and selfless service to Chad, especially through the very. Important transition processes. He lauded KK for the highest quality support to the national dialogue, constitutional referendum and the presidential and local elections. He welcomes KK to Chad as he keeps the solid friendship and goodwill he has established during his tour of service.
