Lerato Dorothy Mataboge’s historic election as the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy is a testament to her unwavering dedication to Africa’s economic development. As a visionary leader with a track record of driving transformative change, she now steps into a pivotal role that will shape the continent’s future. Her appointment is not just a personal achievement but a moment of celebration for women in leadership, African economic integration, and infrastructure development.

Before this milestone, Ms. Mataboge served as the Deputy Director-General in South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), where she played a crucial role in shaping trade policies and fostering investment. She is widely recognized for founding Trade Invest Africa, a groundbreaking initiative that promotes sustainable partnerships between governments and the private sector. Under her leadership, the initiative mobilized over $300 million for critical infrastructure and energy projects, particularly in rural electrification.

Ms. Mataboge’s contributions extend beyond infrastructure. She was instrumental in advancing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which aims to unify Africa’s markets and boost intra-African trade. As a seasoned diplomat, she also served as South Africa’s Chief Trade and Investment Representative to the United States, where she successfully advocated for Africa’s economic interests, including securing an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Armed with a BA in Law and International Relations, an Honours degree in International Relations from the University of the Witwatersrand, and a Master’s in International Political Economy from the University of Warwick, Ms. Mataboge is well-equipped for this new challenge. She has also completed executive training at Harvard Kennedy School, specializing in infrastructure project execution.

With her appointment, Africa gains a leader committed to bridging infrastructure gaps, enhancing energy security, and driving sustainable development. South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, lauded her election, stating, “We are confident that Ms. Mataboge will play a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure development and enhancing energy security across our continent.”

In her own words, Ms. Mataboge captured the significance of this moment: “Thank you, Africa, for electing me as your Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy. The hard work begins now. We will integrate the continent in our lifetime.”

As we celebrate this trailblazing woman of the week, we recognize not just her achievements, but the countless women she inspires across the continent. Her leadership marks a new era for African infrastructure, energy, and economic unity—one that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.