Bio

Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, Egyptian, is an intal economic development expert with 35+ years experience, mainly in IFIs & MDBs. She initiated and is implementing major African initiatives and flagship projects. She is the twice elected Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy & Digitalisation at the African Union Commission. Previously, she served as Director for Natural Resources Management, Resident Representative in Morocco and as Lead Expert for Infrastructure, Private Sector Development and Regional Integration at the African Development Bank. Dr Abou-Zeid leads continental initiatives, develops continental strategies, forges strategic partnerships, implements mega projects and manages large portfolios for infrastructure. She is a recognised champion, promotes social inclusion, green transformations and digitalisation. She is fluent in French, English and Arabic and has a multi-disciplinary academic and professional background. Formerly and Electrical engineer (BSc, Cairo University), she earned her MBA from Senghor University, her MPA from Harvard University and her PhD in Social and Economic Development from the University of Manchester, in addition to a degree in Arts from Université Sorbonne-Paris IV. Her skills and style are characterized by proactivity, strategic thinking, demonstrated communication and negotiation skills as well as learning agility and dependability. She is recipient of international awards and honors for leadership and excellence: Doctorate Honoris Causa from the University of Manchester; multiple times one of Most Influential Women in Africa and Most Reputable Africans; member of global commissions & committees on transport, energy or digitalisation; decorated by HM King Mohamed VI of Morocco and by HE President Macky Sall of Senegal; awarded Distinguished Alumni from University of Manchester. A certified Alpinist, she also has a passion for piano and running. Not least, she competes regularly in and wins desert car rallies.