Our Co-Initiators

H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is the 6th President of the Republic of Mauritius who stands as one of the world’s distinguished scientific minds and Africa’s most influential stateswomen, embodying the convergence of intellectual excellence, principled leadership, and global diplomatic engagement. A high internationally renowned biodiversity scientist, Dr. Ameenah rose from academia to the highest office of the Republic of Mauritius, serving as its President from 2015 to 2018. In this capacity, she stood as the first woman to hold this position in the nation’s history. Her trajectory reflects a rare synthesis of science, transformative governance, women leadership, and forward-looking diplomacy. With a distinguished academic background in organic chemistry and specializations in natural product research, H.E. Gurib-Fakim has made seminal contributions to the valorization of Africa’s biodiversity as a strategic economic and scientific asset. Her work has consistently emphasized the untapped potential of indigenous knowledge systems and bio-resources in driving sustainable development, scientific innovation, and inclusive economic growth across the continent. As keynote speaker, Dr. Ameenah champions the interface between science, industry, and policy—an approach that resonates profoundly with bridging knowledge, capital, and governance in shaping Africa’s economic renaissance.

Dr. Fakim’s presidential tenure was marked by a steadfast commitment to positioning Mauritius as a hub of innovation, education, and strategic connectivity between Africa and the wider world. She actively advocated for stronger South–South cooperation, enhanced investment in science and technology, and the integration of African economies into global value chains and competitiveness. Over years, her leadership style earned her respect across multilateral platforms and reinforced her standing as a credible voice in global development discourse.

Beyond her presidential mandate, H.E. Gurib-Fakim has continued to exert influence as an international advocate for sustainable development, women’s leadership in science, and the ethical stewardship of natural resources. She has collaborated with numerous global institutions, contributing to policy dialogues on climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and innovation ecosystems. Yet recently, since March 2026, Dr. Ameenah has been elected to serve as Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Global Center on Adaptation, succeeding H.E. Macky Sall, former president of the Republic of Senegal.

Her leadership and personality aligns seamlessly with GECCA’s aspiration to advance a new paradigm of multilateral transition and multipolar Afrocentric cooperation, where she stands as a respected elder and member of its high presidential and diplomatic board. Within the envisioned architecture of GECCA, H.E. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim represents a uniquely qualified figure to contribute to high-level advisory, scientific, and diplomatic functions. Her leadership and cross-sectoral expertise position her as a strategic asset to GECCA’s mission and strategic bodies such as the CPRC, the BoM, BIRM, CCPS, CASTS, and specialized commissions.

Her global stature is further reinforced by numerous international recognitions and honorary distinctions, reflecting her enduring commitment to excellence and service. She exemplifies the emergence of a new generation of African leadership grounded in knowledge, driven by purpose for human dignity, and attuned to the complexities of a multipolar world.