Makinwa has more than 35 years experience on issues of socio-economic development, global health, international development, political leadership and governance.

He was a senior official of the United Nations, international organizations and national institutions across the world of which over 50 countries were in Africa. He represented international organizations, including three key agencies of the United Nations, in various parts of Africa.

Makinwa has served as the Africa Regional Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA; Director of UNAIDS New York Office; Director and Representative of UNAIDS to the African Union Commission and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Addis Ababa; and head of UNAIDS Regional Office for East and Southern Africa.

He was head of communication for Africa at Family Health International (FHI)/ Programme for Appropriate Technology for Health (PATH); and head of information at the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa.

In 2010, he was one of the finalists as candidates for the post of UNFPA Executive Director.

He is a writer, analyst and commentator on politics and public affairs. He writes regularly columns and opinions for publications, media and online.

Makinwa serves on the Boards of several businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

He has degrees from University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and Harvard University, USA. He has diplomas from United Nations System Staff College, and academic institutions in Germany and South Africa. He is a researcher at University of South Africa. (UNISA)