EPI FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

MARGARET KENYATTA

Margaret Kenyatta has been the First Lady of Kenya since 2013. 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.

First Lady of Kenya

IAN KHAMA

Lt-Gen Khama, Botswana’s fourth president, (2008-2018) was one of the five founding African leaders of the EPI in 2014.  He helped establish Botswana as a world leader in conservation and sustainable tourism. As Chair of the Council, Khama represents the EPI globally; working with the international community and EPI member countries to forge a sustainable development path for Africa. 

Fomer President of Botswana

Chair of the Council

FATIMA MAADA BIO

Fatima Maada Bio has been First Lady of Sierra Leone since 2018. She is an award-winning actress, screenwriter and film producer. She graduated in the UK, has campaigned for child welfare and is a passionate defender of wildlife.

First Lady of Sierra Leone

LEE WHITE

Professor Lee White was appointed Gabon’s Minister of Forests and the Environment in 2019. He was previously in charge of Gabon’s national parks. Lee was born in the UK, but raised in Uganda. He has lived in Gabon for 30 years and became a Gabonese citizen in 2008. Lee had previously worked as a conservationist in Sierra Leone and Nigeria. 

Gabon's Minister of Forests & Environment

HAILEMARIAM DESALEGN

Hailemariam Desalegn was the Prime Minister of Ethiopia (2012-2018), 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). He 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. 

Former Prime Minister

of Ethiopia