In a new achievement for Egyptian women, the ‘Avance Media’ organization has selected Dr. Amani Abou Zeid, the African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, as one of the most prominent and influential African women for the twelfth consecutive year in its annual ranking.
This is in an effort to inspire the next generation of African women to lead change, challenge the status quo, and empower girls. The list of prominent African women includes, but is not limited to, presidents, diplomats, CEOs, scientists, advisors, politicians, and members of African parliaments, all of whom must be distinguished figures in their respective fields.
The selection criteria according to the organization included the following: excellence in leadership and performance, personal achievements, commitment to knowledge sharing, challenging the status quo, and being an outstanding African woman.
Abou Zeid was previously selected as one of the most famous and reputable African personalities in the list issued by the ‘Reputation Poll International’ (RPI) for the 100 most famous and reputable Africans. She was also chosen by the University of Manchester as one of the top 200 graduates in its 200-year history as a global leader in development and was awarded an honorary doctorate.
In addition to other international and African honors and awards. It is worth noting that Abou Zeid was elected twice by an overwhelming majority of the member states of the African Union as Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalization since 2017. And for a second time in 2011.
For over 35 years, Abou Zeid has held various leadership positions in international organizations, most notably as the African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy. She launched the Single African Electricity Market for the entire continent, where renewable energy constitutes 70%. She also launched the African continental strategies for green hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel, as well as the continental air transport market, which now includes 38 African countries. She also developed the African Infrastructure Program 2021-2030, which has been implemented by 40% in the sectors of roads, aviation, energy production, electrical interconnection, and high-speed digital connectivity, as well as expanding irrigation and drinking water networks.
Abou Zeid, in her role as Commissioner for Energy and Infrastructure at the African Union, is developing the Single African Electricity Market to bridge the electricity gap in Africa, aiming to achieve 100% access to electricity by 2040.
She also launched the digital transformation strategy for Africa, artificial intelligence, and Africa’s digital identity and data frameworks to achieve a leap and accelerate the pace of the digital economy on the continent. The Commissioner for Energy and Infrastructure at the African Union has implemented numerous infrastructure projects, national and regional transcontinental programs, and has adopted a number of continental projects in the fields of information technology and climate change adaptation.
Abou Zeid has led the unified African position on energy, calling for Africa’s right to universal access to energy and a just transition, as well as the African position.
Prior to her role at the African Union, Abou Zeid held senior positions at prestigious institutions including the African Development Bank, UNDP, and USAID. Her work has centered around infrastructure, energy, and natural resource management.
She has successfully managed and implemented large-scale projects, such as the Noor solar power plant, one of the world’s largest. Her extensive experience and expertise in these areas have been instrumental in her role as the African Union Commissioner.
Abou Zeid has become a role model for Egyptian and African women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as in leadership and decision-making. She has long been recognized as a champion of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
She has received numerous international awards and honors, including the “Order of the Lion” from the President of Senegal and the “Alaouite Order” from the King of Morocco. She has also been awarded an honorary doctorate in social sciences from the University of Manchester and has been named a “Personality of the Future” by the French government.
Additionally, she has been appointed as a Commissioner for the Global Commission on Information and Sustainability, a Commissioner for the Global Commission on Energy Efficiency, and a member of the World Economic Forum’s International Council on the Future of Energy, among other prestigious global positions.
Abou-Zeid is the co-chair of the Steering Committee of the Smart Africa Initiative, as well as the high-level working groups of the African Union and the European Union on Africa’s digital economy, energy, and transport.
She graduated from the Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, majoring in Electrical Engineering. She also holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration in Project Management for African Development from the French University for African Development (Université Senghor), a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Harvard Kennedy School, and a Ph.D. in Social and Economic Development from the University of Manchester, UK. She also holds a DES degree in Arts from the Sorbonne University in Paris.
