News around Africa - February 15, 2021

Meet the First Woman Selected to Head the African Union Reform

February 15, 2021

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The African Union (AU) has appointed Rwanda’s Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa as chief operating officer of the AU Commission making her the first woman to hold this position. She will be responsible for the financial and administrative management of the commission, a role that requires a mix of in-depth economic experience and political insight.

Dr Monique is an economist, politician and diplomat who has served in various positions over the years. She is the current Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda. Before that, she was the Minister of Trade and Industry between 2008 and 2011, and the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

Dr Monique holds a PhD in Economics and an honorary Doctorate degree in Commerce both from the Stellenbosch University, South Africa. She is a respected voice in women economic empowerment and financial inclusion in her country Rwanda, and in the global space.

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Dr. Monique is also a member of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion’s Gender Inclusive Finance Committee, an alumna of Women’s World Banking African Advisory Council, and Founding Member & Chairperson of New Faces New Voices Rwanda.

According to a post by QZ Africa Dr Monique was appointed in the recently held 34th summit of the AU which was aimed at selecting six commissioners to the union’s secretariat, a vital part of the Africa-focused organisation. The AU Commission works with various bodies in the union to support and accomplish its goals. It reports to the executive council, which formulates policies and supervises activities of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

The outcome of the submit show the AU’s dedication to building a strong team for implementing institutional reforms and it’s commitment to ensuring gender equality, especially at a time when several African leaders are pushing for gender equality on the continent.