Timi Frank emerges GFCA’s Senior Advisor to boost Africa–USA city partnerships

The Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), a U.S.-based international cooperation body, has appointed Nigerian politician and diplomat, Ambassador Timi Frank, as Senior Advisor in a move aimed at strengthening Africa–USA relations through city-to-city diplomacy, youth empowerment and cultural exchange initiatives.

The appointment, announced in San Francisco, California, on November 25, underscores GFCA’s growing commitment to advancing sustainable partnerships between African cities and communities across the United States.

GFCA Executive Director, Jonathan Ginsberg, described Frank as a strategic addition to the organisation’s leadership, citing his political experience, diplomatic exposure and advocacy for accountable governance.

“Ambassador Timi Frank’s experience across African political and diplomatic circles makes him an invaluable addition to GFCA,” Ginsberg said. “His leadership will significantly strengthen our mission to expand Africa–USA friendship city partnerships, empower young people, and create meaningful cross-cultural exchange.”

Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has long been involved in governance advocacy and civic participation.

On the international front, he serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, where he supports global outreach and engagement initiatives.

In his new role, Frank will provide strategic guidance for GFCA’s global partnership development, particularly in building long-term links between African and American cities.

He is also expected to play a key role in expanding programmes in education, culture, innovation, public service and youth leadership.

Reacting to his appointment, Frank said he was honoured to join the organisation at a time when Africa–USA relations are increasingly driven by people-to-people diplomacy.

“I am deeply honored to accept the appointment,” he said.

“Connecting African cities and U.S. communities, and building sustainable bridges across continents, is both a profound responsibility and a privilege.”

He expressed enthusiasm about supporting GFCA’s efforts to expand friendship city partnerships and empowering young people across both regions.

GFCA is an independent, non-profit cultural and educational organisation based in the Bay Area of California.

Its mission is to connect cities, businesses and individuals to promote global cooperation through dialogue, exchange and collaborative development.

With Frank’s appointment, the association says it is positioning itself to accelerate cross-regional collaboration and deepen its footprint in Africa.