The initiative launched on March 23, 2022, at the Africa.com virtual summit –
Women
Heads of State
Initiative
Through a range of programs, the Women Heads of State Initiative will lean on the experience of current and former leaders for the good of Africa. Their input to critical discussions could result in more inclusive outcomes across the continent. A key dimension of the initiative is to build the capacity of emerging female leaders. To this end, Africa.com delivers free online training workshops to inspire African women and girls to pursue a career in civil service.
The 2022 List of Women Heads of State
Africa.com defines Women Heads of State as women who have served as president or prime minister, including Heads of State and Heads of Government. The women must have been elected or appointed since 1970 and served for a minimum of three months. Female monarchs are not included. Africa.com’s research identified 22 women who meet this criteria and listed them in order based on the length of time in office as of 23 March 2022.
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- President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia, January 2006 – January 2018
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- Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Namibia, March 2015 – present
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- Prime Minister Luísa Dias Diogo, Mozambique, August 2004 – January 2010
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- President Sahle-Work Zewde, Ethiopia, October 2018- present
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- President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Mauritius, June 2015 – March 2018
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- President Catherine Samba-Panza, Central African Republic, January 2014 – March 2016
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- President Joyce Hilda Banda, Malawi, April 2012 – May 2014
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- Prime Minister Maria das Neves Ceita Baptista de Sousa, São Tomé and Príncipe, October 2002 – September 2004
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- Prime Minister Mame Madior Boye, Senegal, March 2001 – November 2002
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- Prime Minister Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda, Gabon, July 2020 – present
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- Prime Minister Victoire Sidémého Dzidudu Dogbé Tomegah, Togo, September 2020 – present
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- Prime Minister Elizabeth Domitien, Central African Republic, January 1975 – April 1976
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- Prime Minister Cissé Mariam Kaïdama Sidibé, Mali, April 2011 – March 2012
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- President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania, March 2021 – present
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- Prime Minister Aminata Touré, Senegal, September 2013 – July 2014
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- Prime Minister Maria do Carmo Trovoada Pires de Carvalho Silveira, São Tomé and Príncipe, June 2005 – April 2006
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- Prime Minister and President Agathe Uwilingiyimana, Rwanda, July 1993 – April 1994
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- Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Uganda, June 2021 – present
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- Prime Minister and President Sylvie Kinigi, Burundi, Prime Minister from July 1993 – October 1993 and President from October 1993 – February 1994
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- President Agnès Monique Ohsan Bellepeau, Mauritius, March 2012 – July 2012 and May 2015 – June 2015
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- Prime Minister Najla Bouden Romdhane, Tunisia, October 2021 – present
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- President Rose Francine Rogombé, Gabon, June 2009 – October 2009
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Africa.com
{Africa Dot Com}
Showcasing Africa in support of a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Africa.com is a women-led digital media company with an extensive array of platforms that reach a global audience interested in African content and community. Africa.com is committed to changing the narrative of Africa through the power of unparalleled storytelling.
In line with its mission, Africa.com seeks to inspire women & girls by recognizing Africa’s most accomplished and dynamic female leaders. Africa.com intends to encourage African women & girls to pursue the highest levels of the private sector and to be part of the decision-making process in the public sector. Africa.com’s webinars, summits, and training workshops provide free access to world-class professors, facilitators, speakers, and business leaders from across the continent and the world.