2010 Tutu Fellow Lerato Mataboge has been elected the African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy. The AU Commission elections were held during the ongoing AU summit in February 2025 where leaders from member states convened to discuss pressing issues facing the continent. The commission plays a crucial role in implementing policies that promote economic growth, stability and integration among African nations. AU Commissioners serve for four years.

Lerato has an extensive background in infrastructure and trade. She founded and led Trade Invest Africa, an initiative aimed at strengthening partnerships between governments and the private sector to promote intra-African trade and investment in infrastructure and energy.

On LinkedIn, Lerato posted, “The hard work begins now. We will integrate the continent in our lifetime.”

As AU Commissioner, Lerato says she plans to accelerate Africa’s industrialization by expanding critical infrastructure, promoting renewable energy solutions, and strengthening regional integration. She said she is committed to boosting intra-African investments and ensuring that infrastructure development support economic self-sufficiency. Additionally, she aims to drive digital transformation across the continent, positioning Africa as a leader in innovation and sustainable development.

Prior to this appointment, she served as Deputy Director-General for Trade and Investment South Africa at the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC), where she played a key role in advancing regional and continental trade policies. Her appointment was met enthusiastically by the South African government, which expressed confidence in her ability to implement her agenda for change.

Intro and header image: Lerato Mataboge, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy. Image from Lerato's LinkedIn page