Mara Quiosa Highlights Angola’s Role in African Union and Pushes for Female Leadership in Governance

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 Speaking to Lusa on the sidelines of the Ibrahim Governance Forum in Marrakesh, Mara Quiosa shared insights into Angola’s growing responsibilities under President João Lourenço’s leadership of the African Union. Participants from various African countries, she said, are “highly expectant” about Lourenço’s presidency, especially as the continent continues to grapple with unresolved conflicts.

“Angola assumes a heightened responsibility,” Quiosa noted, adding that while resolving these conflicts entirely may not be feasible, significant progress could still be achieved. Lourenço assumed the AU’s rotating, largely symbolic presidency in February, prioritising conflict resolution. However, he stepped down as a mediator in the Democratic Republic of Congo–Rwanda crisis in March, citing external pressures and the breakdown of talks with the M23 rebel group.

Quiosa mentioned she had reached out to a delegation from Sudan, currently facing Africa’s most severe conflict, to request AU presidential attention on the issue. “We will bring this concern to President Lourenço,” she affirmed.

At the Ibrahim Forum, themed “Leveraging Africa’s Resources to Bridge the Financial Gap,” Quiosa also emphasised the importance of women’s leadership. “As a woman, it’s a subject close to my heart,” she said, pointing to shared African experiences and the need to recognise women’s contributions to public policy and political leadership.

With a political career spanning multiple provincial governorships and vice-presidential roles in Luanda’s municipal administration, Quiosa now serves as the vice-president of Angola’s ruling party. Her extensive background, she says, gives her a grounded perspective: “I know the country, I know the communities, and I know what people aspire to.”

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Seen as a potential successor to President Lourenço, whose second term ends in 2027, Quiosa emphasised the increasing presence of women in Angolan politics. Women now hold key leadership roles, including the Vice Presidency and the Presidency of the National Assembly, and make up roughly 40% of parliament. “We are proving our capability every day. Leadership is not easy, but women have met the challenge with resilience and skill,” she asserted.

The IGW 2025 Conference, which began Sunday in Marrakesh, brings together political leaders, scholars, and activists to explore how Africa can accelerate development amid diminishing foreign aid.