Our Leadership Council
The Elephant Protection Initiative and its secretariat benefit from the advice and experience of a group of eminent African politicians and conservationists. Drawn from across the continent, the Leadership Council provides invaluable, balanced guidance in the furtherance of the Elephant Protection Initiative's aims.
Ian Khama
Former President
Republic of Botswana
Lieutenant-General Khama, Botswana’s fourth president (2008-2018), was one of the five African leaders which founded the Elephant Protection Initiative in 2014, and served as the Chair for the Leadership Council for 10 years. He helped establish Botswana as a world leader in conservation and sustainable tourism.
Margaret Kenyatta
Former First Lady
Republic of Kenya
Margaret Kenyatta was the First Lady of Kenya for nearly a decade, from 2013 to 2022. She is a supporter of conservation, education and health charities. Her Beyond Zero initiative is dedicated to improving maternal and child health. She has often spoken out on the need to protect endangered species whilst involving communities in conservation.
Hailemariam Desalegn
Former Prime Minister
Federal Republic of Ethiopia
Hailemariam Desalegn served as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia between 2012 and 2018 and was the first leader in that country’s modern history to have voluntarily relinquished power. He was chairperson of the African Union (2013-2014) and sits on the board of several international organisations such as the Alliance For a Green Revolution in Africa and the Brenthurst Foundation, and has campaigned for the protection of Ethiopia’s natural resources.
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