By Baboloki Semele: 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 will spearhead initiatives to advance sustainable infrastructure development, equitable energy access, and seamless digital connectivity across the continent.
The swearing-in ceremony, held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, marked a significant moment for the AU as several high-ranking officials also assumed office. The newly inaugurated AU leaders include Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Deputy Chairperson, H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi. Additionally, Amb. Bankole Adeoye was sworn in as Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security; Mr. Moses Vilakati took office as Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment; and Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah was appointed Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development.
H.E. Mataboge, a South African national, succeeds H.E. Amani Abou-Zeid, who served from 2017 to 2025. Under Abou-Zeid’s leadership, the AU achieved key milestones, including the launch of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the establishment of the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), and the implementation of the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa. With this strong foundation, Mataboge is poised to build upon these achievements while introducing new strategies to further Africa’s infrastructure development.
Infrastructure remains a top priority for the African Union. H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union, emphasized the critical role of international partnerships in financing infrastructure projects. “We should strive to convince bilateral and multilateral cooperation partners of the importance and benefits of investing in continental interconnection infrastructure,” President Lourenço stated. He linked these efforts to the AU’s 2025 theme, “The Year of Reparation,” and called for significant investments in key infrastructure areas such as roads, highways, railways, ports, airports, and energy transmission networks to enhance electricity access across Africa.
In a meeting with her department’s staff, Commissioner Mataboge highlighted the shared responsibility of AU leaders in driving sustainable and resilient growth across the continent. “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 stated. She stressed the need for hard work and determination in addressing the challenges ahead.
Mataboge outlined her strategic priorities, aligning them with the AU’s Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) under Agenda 2063. She emphasized the need for universal electricity access, Africa’s strengthened role in the global digital transformation agenda, and enhanced road, air, and rail interconnections among AU Member States. “Ensuring seamless connectivity and an integrated energy network is essential to our continent’s success,” she noted.
She further stressed the importance of energy as a catalyst for economic growth and regional integration, reinforcing its role in enabling key Agenda 2063 objectives, including free movement of people, the development of a pan-African digital economy, and improved climate resilience.
With the new leadership in place, the African Union Commission is set to embark on a transformative four-year term, focusing on regional integration, sustainable development, and Africa’s empowerment on the global stage.
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.