Manji Wilson: Rising Through Global Development Diplomacy

Manji Wilson is rated among one of the rising figures in Nigeria’s development diplomacy and international cooperation space.

Apart from his previous engagements, his recent selection by the French Government for the 2026 Future Leaders Invitation Programme, also known as Programme d’Invitation des Personnalités d’Avenir (PIPA), has added to his growing fame as a policy and development expert.

Activities on his verified Facebook account and other media platforms in Nigeria show that Wilson is a development specialist, consultant and senior trainer who currently serves as chief technical adviser on Development Partnerships, Strategic Linkages and Diaspora Engagements to the Plateau State Governor.

He is Plateau State’s point of contact for the Open Government Partnership Programme, where he coordinates the government’s effort toward deepening transparency, accountability and responsiveness to citizens’ demands.

Before this role, he served as deputy project coordinator for Component 1 of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme as well as deputy project coordinator for the EU-funded Project in Support to Mitigation and Prevention of Electoral Conflicts in Kenya (Pro Peace Kenya Project).

Wilson also served as special assistant to the Chief Observer and Deputy Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria 2023.

He also worked as political party administration and management expert with The Kukah Centre where he supported the design and implementation of the EU Political Parties programme within the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) phase 2 programme.

The Future Leaders Programme is organised by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and brings together emerging leaders from Africa and France who are shaping governance, enterprise innovation and public policy.

Wilson currently serves as chief technical adviser on Development Partnerships, Strategic Linkages and Diaspora Engagements to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang. His selection as the only Nigerian participant for the 2026 programme has drawn attention to his growing role in international development engagements and subnational diplomacy.

His professional profile reflects strong grounding in governance, development policy, stakeholder management and international cooperation frameworks developed over more than a decade of public and development sector experience.

His transition into government advisory work marked a major phase in his career. As chief technical adviser to Governor Mutfwang, he coordinates strategic engagements aimed at attracting development investments, strengthening diaspora participation and building institutional partnerships capable of supporting the state’s economic transformation agenda.

Wilson has also been involved in facilitating engagements between the state government and bilateral and multilateral development institutions across Africa and Europe. These engagements focus on governance reforms, enterprise development, agriculture, innovation ecosystems, youth empowerment, digital economy initiatives and sustainable development.

At the national level, Wilson has contributed to efforts aimed at positioning Plateau State as a destination for development partnerships and investment opportunities. His advisory role has strengthened cooperation frameworks involving education, agriculture, enterprise support and governance reforms.

Internationally, his growing profile is linked to his work in development cooperation and strategic partnerships. His participation in the French Future Leaders Invitation Programme is expected to deepen Nigeria’s and Plateau State’s engagement with European diplomatic and investment circles.

His admirers view his selection as recognition of Plateau State’s expanding international visibility and its push to establish credible global partnerships capable of driving inclusive economic growth and institutional development.

Wilson’s work has largely centred on development-oriented initiatives, particularly in youth development, governance support and enterprise growth. Through his advisory responsibilities, he has contributed to programmes designed to expand opportunities for young people, improve institutional collaboration and attract sustainable development partnerships.