The five female senate presidents in Africa are making their mark in leadership roles once dominated by men. These women currently preside over senates across the continent.
These trailblazers not only represent their countries at the highest legislative levels but also embody the progress being made toward gender equity in African politics.
Here are five remarkable female Senate Presidents currently serving across the continent:
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Paulette Missambo– 76 Years (Gabon)
At 76, Paulette Missambo stands as one of Gabon’s most seasoned and respected political figures. Her career spans decades of public service, marked by many firsts. Educated in France at Charles de Gaulle University–Lille III, she holds multiple degrees in French linguistics. Returning home, she shattered norms in 1982 by becoming the first woman to head Port-Gentil National High School as principal.
Missambo entered the National Assembly in 1991, representing Libreville under the banner of the Gabonese Democratic Party, where she served until 2009. Her ministerial career is both vast and historic: she was the first woman to hold the title of Minister of State and held various cabinet roles, including Minister of National Education, Labour, Transport, and Health. In 2021, she became the first woman to lead a political party in Gabon. Her appointment as President of the Senate on September 18, 2023—following the country’s military coup—cemented her legacy as a pillar of political continuity and reform.
María Teresa Efua Asangono— 68 Years (Equatorial Guinea)
María Teresa Efua Asangono made history in 2013 as the first woman to lead the Senate in Equatorial Guinea. Since then, she has been a steady hand through a country navigating significant political and social changes. Re-elected in 2018, Efua Asangono has become known for her diplomatic finesse and legislative acumen.
Mabel Chinomona– 67 Years (Zimbabwe)
In Zimbabwe, Mabel Chinomona has climbed the ranks of public office with quiet determination. After being elected to Parliament in 2013 for the Mutoko North constituency, she served as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly. Her re-election in 2018 affirmed her popularity, but she soon transitioned into a new role—President of the Senate.
Chinomona is a widow with four children.
Kandia Kamissoko Camara— 66 Years (Côte d’Ivoire)
From Handball Champion to Senate President. Ivory Coast’s Kandia Camara brings a unique blend of sportsmanship and statesmanship to her role. Before entering politics, Camara was a high-level professional handball player, winning national championships in 1974 and 1980, and the prestigious African Cup of Champion Clubs in 1981 with ASC Bouaké.
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With a degree in English from the University of Abidjan and advanced studies in education from Lancaster University in the UK, Camara transitioned from education into politics. She served as Minister of Foreign Affairs before being elected President of the Senate in October 2023.
Lindiwe Dlamini— 60 Years (Eswatini)
Lindiwe Dlamini, President of the Senate of Eswatini, has long been a central figure in her country’s governance. Having served as Minister of Public Works and Transport, and previously as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, she brings extensive experience in public infrastructure and urban planning.
As a senator during Eswatini’s 10th Parliament, Dlamini became known for her active role in shaping education policy.
