Her Excellency Lerato Dorothy Mataboge has officially taken the oath of office as the new African Union (AU) Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy. In her new role, she is entrusted with advancing the AU's steadfast commitment to sustainable infrastructure development, equitable energy access, and seamless digital connectivity of the continent.

The momentous ceremony, held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, also saw the inauguration of distinguished AU leaders, including the newly appointed Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the Deputy Chairperson, H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi. Other Commissioners who took the oath of office included Amb. Bankole Adeoye for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security; Mr. Moses Vilakati for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment; and Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development.

H.E. Lerato Mataboge, a South African national, takes the baton from H.E. Amani Abou-Zeid who served the Commission from 2017-2025. During her predecessor's tenure, the AU achieved significant milestones, including the successful launch of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the establishment of the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), and the implementation of the ambitious Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa. These accomplishments have set the stage for continued progress, with Commissioner Mataboge now ready to build upon these transformative achievements as well as introduce new initiatives to advance Africa’s infrastructure development.

Infrastructure development is one of the top priorities of the African Union. The President of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union, His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, underscored the importance of leveraging cooperation for infrastructure, signalling the new leadership’s keen interest in securing more investments to drive Africa’s infrastructure development. "We should strive to convince bilateral, and multilateral cooperation partners the importance and benefits of investing in continental interconnection infrastructure, directly participating in the growth and development process in Africa,” the President emphasized, linking it to the theme of the year, "The Year of Reparation". He highlighted the need for significant investments in infrastructure such as roads, highways, railways, ports, airports, and electricity transmission lines to ensure energy access across the continent.

During a brief meeting with staff of the department, Commissioner Mataboge emphasized the shared responsibility to chart a course toward a more sustainable and resilient Africa. "The aspirations of our 1.4 billion citizens are high, and the trust placed in us by our leaders demands that we rise to the occasion with renewed vigour, unity, and commitment," she remarked. She underscored the need for hard work and determination to address the challenges ahead.

Commissioner Mataboge also outlined some of the core priorities for her tenure, which are closely aligned with the mandates of the Infrastructure and Energy Department and the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of the AU’s Agenda 2063. "Ensuring universal access to electricity, positioning Africa as a strong global player in digital transformation and enhancing road, air and rail interconnections between African Union Member States are essential to our continent’s success," she said.

With a strong commitment to regional cooperation, Commissioner Mataboge underlined the importance of building a robust energy and infrastructure network that supports equitable economic growth, strengthens connectivity, and ensures affordable services for every African citizen. She further highlighted that energy is not only a driver of economic growth but also a critical enabler of other key objectives outlined in Agenda 2063, such as the free movement of people, the development of a pan-African digital economy, and the strengthening of climate resilience across the continent.

The newly sworn-in leadership is now set to guide the African Union Commission for the next four years, with a strong focus on advancing the AU’s collective vision for sustainable development, regional integration, and Africa’s empowerment on the global stage.

Editor's Note: The Infrastructure and Energy Department is one of the key departments within the African Union. It is composed of three divisions: Energy, Information Society, and Transport and Mobility, along with one coordination office, the PIDA Coordination Unit. The department plays a crucial role in overseeing the African Union’s infrastructure development programs. Read more at: https://au.int/ie

For further information please contact:

1. Ms. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division, Communication Adviser, Permanent Observer Mission of the AU to the UN | Information and Communications Directorate | E- mail: yamboue@africa-uinon.org , Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp)
2. Ms. Bezayit Eyoel| Department of Infrastructure and Energy| African Union Commission| E-mail:

bezayite@africa-union.org |
3. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication

Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I 


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