AU commissioner Amani Abou-Zeid selected among 100 Influential Women in Africa

CAIRO – 6 August 2019: African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid was chosen to be one of the 100 Most Influential African Women (100MIAW) in 2019 by the leading PR and Rating firm Advance Media.

Dr. Abou-Zeid is considered the only Egyptian and one of two North African women selected in the inaugural list. Advance Media’s list features distinguished women whose work considered an inspiration to the next generation of women in Africa.


Advance Media's 100 Most Influential African Women list

Speaking about the list, Prince Akpah, MD of Avance Media, noted that, the list has a representation of 100 women from 35 African countries who are changing the feminine narrative and challenging the status quo of women on the continent.

He also cited that, some of the honorees have expressed interest in offering mentorship opportunities to young women from across the continent through the Be A Girl Mentorship program which is being launched to upsurge the impact of the publication.

The list encompasses presidents, diplomats, board chairs, CEOs, commissioners, scholars, politicians and philanthropists, notable among them are: Ethiopia’s President H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, Liberia’s Vice President H.E. Jewel Taylor, Namibia’s Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, United Nations Deputy Secretary General H.E. Amina J. Mohammed and former presidents, H.E. Ellen Sirleaf Johnson and H.E. Catherine Samba-Panza.

The list also features young women activists such as AU Youth Envoy Aya Chebbi, Farida Bemba Nabourema and Ilwad Elman. A biography of each honouree is published on 100women.advancemedia.org.


Who is Commissioner Amani Abou-Zeid?

Abou-Zeid is the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union Commission (AUC). She is in charge of sectors covering Energy, Transport, Tourism and ICT.

In an exclusive interview, last year with Business Today Egypt, she weighs in on what needs to be done to unlock untapped potentials in Africa, as well as Egypt’s new leadership of the African Union.

A Renew-energetic Beginning

CAIRO - 7 December 2018: Energy is a major enabler and accelerator of growth in any nation, yet despite its enormous, albeit non utilized natural sources, more than 600 million Africans are lacking of access to electricity and energy efficiency. This is the top concerns holding back development on the Continent.

Prior to joining the AUC, Dr. Abou-Zeid has served for more than 30 years in leadership roles at top-tier international organizations, such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), UNDP and USAID, with a focus on infrastructure and energy programmes.

She has a Masters of Public Administration from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Social and Economic Development from University of Manchester, UK. She also has a degree in Arts from Université Sorbonne-Paris IV.


AU Commissioner Dr. Amani Abou Zeid during an interview with Egypt Today - Photo by Hossam Atef/Egypt Today


Dr. Abou-Zeid has received numerous international awards and recognition for her leadership and excellence, including the medal of Wissam Alaouite de l’Ordre Officier from His Majesty King Mohamed VI of Morocco and being recognized as a World Young Leader by the European Union.

Abou-Zeid was also selected among the 50 Most Influential Women in Africa in 2012 by the Langaa Research and Publishing Common Initiative Group.