Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), completed her four-year mandate on Feb. 17 and received a recognition award from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for her service.
The former Rwandan Minister of Trade and Industry oversaw administration and finance at the AU and assisted the chairperson in ensuring the smooth operation of the commission.
Nsanzabaganwa was elected to the position in February 2021. “It has been a true privilege to serve as Deputy Chairperson under the able leadership of H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat,” she said in a LinkedIn post. “I sincerely thank Africa’s Heads of State and Government for entrusting me with the noble responsibility of contributing to our continent’s development and integration.”
She also expressed gratitude to the people of Ethiopia for their hospitality and friendship.
Nsanzabaganwa made history as the first woman to hold the position of Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, following her election by the 34th African Union Assembly.
With more than 20 years of experience in developing and leading programs that drive financial inclusion and economic prosperity, she previously held senior roles in the Rwandan government, including Minister of State in charge of Economic Planning, Minister of Trade and Industry, and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank.
Nsanzabaganwa has supported gender empowerment initiatives through her memberships in the Alliance for Financial Inclusion Gender Committee, Women’s World Banking African Advisory Council, the Graça Machel Trust Expert Group on women’s financial inclusion and the digital economy in Africa, New Faces New Voices Rwanda chapter, Unity Club, and other organizations.