Lerato Mataboge Appointed as AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy

The newly appointed Commissioner expressed gratitude on LinkedIn, posting, “The hard work begins now. We will integrate the continent in our lifetime.”

The South African government has congratulated Lerato Mataboge on her historic election as Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy of the African Union (AU).

Mataboge, currently serving as the Deputy Director-General at the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic), has built an impressive career championing African trade and development. She is widely recognized for her work as the founder and former leader of Trade Invest Africa, an initiative that promotes sustainable public-private partnerships to bolster intra-African trade and investment, with a focus on infrastructure and energy.

Her academic credentials are equally notable. According to her LinkedIn profile, Mataboge holds a BA Honours in Law and International Relations from the University of Witwatersrand. She further obtained a Master's Degree in International Political Economy from the University of Warwick and completed a program in Infrastructure in a Market Economy from Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education.

Upon assuming her new role, Mataboge reaffirmed her commitment to advancing infrastructure development and embracing technological innovations, such as biotechnologies, digitisation, and artificial intelligence. She emphasized the strategic importance of Africa's mineral resources in supporting global technological advancements.

Highlighting her policy priorities, Mataboge stated, "I will prioritise rail and the required policy instruments for harmonising our rail links; because rail is a key integrative infrastructure and presents manufacturing potential for Africa as a producer of rail components and maintenance services."

The newly appointed Commissioner expressed gratitude on LinkedIn, posting, "The hard work begins now. We will integrate the continent in our lifetime."

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola expressed South Africa's confidence in Mataboge's leadership, noting that she is poised to play a pivotal role in driving infrastructure development and enhancing energy security across the African continent.

Mataboge's election is seen as a significant milestone for both South Africa and the AU, marking a new chapter in efforts to advance sustainable development, regional integration, and economic growth across the continent.