Lerato Mataboge has been appointed as the new Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy of the African Union, marking a significant milestone for South Africa.
Currently serving as Deputy Director-General at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Mataboge 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.
Thank you Africa for electing me as your new African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy.
The hard work begins now. We will integrate the continent in our lifetime.#AU #PICI #PIDA pic.twitter.com/sOHNBEoXbU
— Lerato D. Mataboge (@LDMataboge) February 13, 2025Mataboge holds a BA Honours in Law and International Relations from the University of Witwatersrand, a Master’s in International Political Economy from the University of Warwick, and a qualification in Infrastructure in a Market Economy from Harvard Kennedy School.
In her new role, she has pledged to focus on emerging technologies like biotechnology, digitisation, and artificial intelligence, while also recognizing Africa’s essential mineral resources for global technology. Mataboge also plans to prioritize rail infrastructure, seeing it as key to integrating Africa and fostering economic growth.
