EPI FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

The EPI benefits from the advice and experience of a group of eminent African politicians and conservationists.

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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.

Former First Lady of Kenya

MARGARET KENYATTA

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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.

Former President of Botswana

IAN KHAMA

Honourable Sharon Ikeazor is Nigeria’s Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs and has worked as a lawyer and management consultant. She also previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of State for the Environment.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs

SHARON IKEAZOR

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 and 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

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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

FATIMA MAADA BIO