Dr. Nsanzabaganwa, 50, replaces Ghanaian, Quartey Thomas Kwesi who held office since 2017.

Following the election, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulated Dr. Nsanzabaganwa for the victory.

“Congratulations to Rwanda’s candidate, Monique Nsanzabaganwa on her election as Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, elected by 42 votes out of 55 member states,” reads the message posted on Twitter handle.

Dr. Nsanzabaganwa has also expressed gratitude for bestowing trust upon her and reiterated commitment to serve with utmost efficiency.

“My very sincere gratitude and appreciation for the trust and honor that the Heads of States and Government of the African Union have bestowed on my country and in my person. I commit to serve with dedication and to the best of my ability under your wise guidance,” she said via Twitter handle.

Dr Nsanzabaganwa was seconded to the position by the Government of Rwanda in December last year.

She was competing with other candidates including Hasna Barkat Daoud from Djibuti who once served as the Minister of Youth, Sports and Tourism; Pamela Kasabiiti Mbabazi , the Chairperson of the National Planning Authority of Uganda.

Like the Chairperson of the African Union, the deputy holds the office for four-year term, renewable once.

The Deputy Chairperson of the AUC assists the Chairperson in the execution of his or her functions to ensure the smooth running of the Commission and is in charge of administration and finance.

Dr Nsanzabaganwa has longstanding experience qualifying her to fit for the position.

She holds honorary doctorate received from Stellenbosch University in South Africa for her contribution to Rwanda’s development.

Dr Nsanzabaganwa is the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda since May 2011. Prior to that, she served as Minister of Trade and Industry (2008-2011) and Minister of State in charge of Economic Planning in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (2003-2008).

She is a holder of a PhD in Economics, and a Doctorate of Commerce Honoris Causa, both obtained from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. She is an influential voice in financial inclusion in Rwanda and on international scene as well as a passionate actor in women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion.

Among others, she is also a member of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion’s Gender Inclusive Finance Committee, an alumna of Women’s World Banking African Advisory Council, and Founding Member and Chairperson of New Faces New Voices Rwanda.

She is a wife and mother.