H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid
Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, African Union Commission
Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid is the African Union Commissioner in charge of Infrastructure, Energy, ICT and Tourism. For more than 30 years, Dr Abou-Zeid has served in leadership positions in international organisations and has amassed a remarkable mix of experience from across continents and stakeholders.
She has managed AfDB largest operational portfolio and implemented national and continental multi-sectoral development programmes, including implementing the world’s largest solar power plant. In 2018, she launched the Single African Air Transport Market, delivering on the first flagship project for African Integration under African Union Agenda 2063. This year, she launched Africa’s digital transformation strategy and many other continental initiatives and projects.
An Egyptian national, Dr Abou-Zeid has a multi-disciplinary education: Electrical Engineering, Cairo University; MBA, Université Senghor; MPA, Harvard University; and Ph.D. Social and Economic Development, The University of Manchester.
Dr. Abou-Zeid was selected twice, in 2012 and again in 2019, one of "The 50 Most Influential Women in Africa; and was decorated the Wissam Alaouite from Morocco; she was named “Personalité d'avenir" from France; and received the "Outstanding Alumni Award" from the University of Manchester, UK — some of numerous international awards and recognitions.
Dr Abou-Zeid is member of the prestigious Global Leaders Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, and the Global Commission for Urgent Action on Energy Efficiency, the Stewardship Board for System Initiative on Shaping the Future of Energy as well as of the high-level panel on road safety.
Dr. Abou-Zeid sets the example for women in STEM and in leadership and decision making positions and is long named and recognized as champion of gender equality and women empowerment.
Dr. Abou-Zeid is passionate about classical music, plays piano, is a certified alpinist and competes to top positions in desert car rallies - among other interests and activities.