By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a momentous ceremony held at the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) Secretariat on April 8, 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone was officially inaugurated as President of OAFLAD. She will serve alongside Her Excellency Mrs. Ana Dias Lourenço, First Lady of Angola, who was also installed as Vice President of the organization.
The inauguration marks a new chapter in the collective efforts of African First Ladies to champion the rights and welfare of women and children across the continent. Warmly welcomed by the OAFLAD Secretariat and its Executive Secretary, Dr. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, the new leadership was introduced to staff and taken on a tour of the premises where key strategies and goals were discussed.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio described her new position as “a role far greater than myself,” affirming her commitment to serve not only as First Lady of Sierra Leone but also “as a daughter of Africa, ready to stand in solidarity with women and children across our beloved continent.”
“This is more than a title,” she emphasized. “It is a call to purpose. A commitment to champion the issues that shape our lives and our future—especially the urgent crises of climate change, peace and human security.”
As part of the official engagements surrounding the inauguration, Dr. Fatima Bio hosted and participated in several high-level meetings and events, including a symbolic tour of the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum with Mrs. Ana Dias Lourenço. The historic site, which honors Ethiopia’s victory over colonial forces in 1896, served as a powerful reminder of African resilience and unity.
“Our visit to the Adwa Victory Memorial reminded us of the strength of our ancestors and the enduring spirit of our people,” Dr. Fatima Bio said. “As we take on this leadership role, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and pride in our heritage.”
Later that evening, Dr. Fatima Bio delivered a stirring keynote address during a working dinner hosted at the Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa, organized by the OAFLAD Secretariat to celebrate the new leadership and launch the OAFLAD Strategic Framework 2025–2030. The dinner was attended by dignitaries from the African Union, United Nations, diplomatic corps, NGOs and philanthropic institutions.
In her address, Dr. Fatima Bio praised OAFLAD’s partners for their continued support and highlighted the importance of unity, innovation and collaborative action. “This evening celebrates the partnerships that have brought us this far and the shared responsibility we carry to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Africa’s most vulnerable,” she declared.
The newly launched Strategic Framework outlines bold goals in four key areas—Health, Education, Gender-Based Violence and Women’s Economic Empowerment—alongside cross-cutting themes of climate change, peace and security. Dr. Nardos Bekele-Thomas presented the plan, calling on stakeholders to stay committed to its collaborative implementation.
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who also attended the dinner and delivered a keynote, congratulated the new OAFLAD leadership. “This collaboration is not a favor; it is a recognition of the extraordinary service First Ladies provide to our people,” he said, declaring himself a proud feminist and a committed supporter of OAFLAD’s mission.
In her closing remarks, Vice President Mrs. Ana Dias Lourenço expressed gratitude to her sister Dr. Fatima Bio, calling her speech “inspiring” and pledged her full support during their joint tenure. “We are confident that through unity, partnership and dedication, the goals we have set will become a reality,” she affirmed.
Dr. Fatima Bio’s first official engagement as President of OAFLAD continued with a strategic meeting at the African Union Headquarters, where she and her delegation, including Mrs. Ana Dias Lourenço, were received by AU Chairperson Youssouf. The AU Chair hailed OAFLAD’s alignment with AU priorities and pledged open collaboration going forward.
“We believe that the inclusion of African First Ladies in high-level policy discussions is essential for promoting peace, justice and sustainable development,” Dr. Fatima Bio stated during the meeting, urging the AU to recognize OAFLAD as a key strategic partner.
The meeting concluded on a light note, with Chairperson Youssouf humorously acknowledging the power of First Ladies: “The First Ladies are our bosses,” he quipped, promising to act on OAFLAD’s recommendations with urgency.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s inauguration and her early engagements as OAFLAD President have set a promising tone for a future of impactful leadership, unity and transformation. Her passion, vision and unwavering commitment signal a renewed era for OAFLAD; one grounded in purpose and driven by the belief that Africa’s women and children deserve nothing less than a brighter, more inclusive future.
