The Chairperson of the Commission is the Chief Executive Officer, legal representative of the AU and the Commission’s Accounting Officer (Commission Statutes, article 7). The Chairperson is directly responsible to the Executive Council for the discharge of her duties. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, South Africa (elected by the AU Assembly in July 2012 for a four-year term). Article 8 of the Commission Statutes outlines the Chairperson’s functions...

H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini Zuma is an undisputable trailblazer in the upliftment and empowerment of women across the African continent. Her career as a struggle activist and politician is testimony to her indestructible and courageous spirit. She was born on 27 January 1949 in KwaZulu-Natal, a time when black women’s career expectations did not go beyond domestic work. She, however, was not to be limited.

Headed and managed by the Chief of Staff, the Bureau supports the Chairperson in the execution of her responsibilities. Key functions include: ensuring coordination and liaison among directorates and departments directly and indirectly under the Chairperson’s supervision; providing advisory services to the Chairperson; and managing tasks, correspondence and statements by the Chairperson. In addition to the Cabinet and advisers, the Bureau is composed of office, unit, directorate, committee and division heads.
Chief of Staff: Jennifer Susan Chiriga, Zimbabwe

Tel. +251-115-51-77-00, Ext. 2804
Direct. +251-115-18-28-04
Email: chairperson@africa-union.org