Amani Abou-Zeid

Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid is the twice-elected African Union Commissioner in charge of Infrastructure, Energy & Digitalization. For more than 30 years, Dr Abou-Zeid has served in leadership positions in international organizations and has amassed a remarkable mix of experience from across continents and stakeholders.

Dr Abou-Zeid led and launched numerous African continental programs and initiatives including: Single African Air Transport Market, African Single Electricity Market, First African Digital Transformation Strategy as well as developed the second 10-year Programs for Infrastructure Development in Africa - thus, delivering on African Union Agenda 2063.

Prior to her current office, she has managed AfDB largest operational portfolio and implemented national and continental multi-sectoral development programs, including implementing the world’s largest solar power plant.

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 multiple times one of the Most Influential African Women, and one of the Most Reputable Africans; She was decorated the Wissam Alaouite from HM King of Morocco; she was named “Personalité d'avenir" by 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, the Global Commission for Urgent Action on Energy Efficiency as well as of the Stewardship Board for System Initiative on Shaping the Future of Energy.

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.