Egyptian economist seeks deputy chairperson role at African Union Commission

Hanan Morsy, a distinguished Egyptian economist, has officially launched her candidacy for the position of Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), a pivotal institution driving integration and development across the African continent. Her candidacy reflects Egypt's determination to provide strategic solutions to Africa's challenges and underscores her personal commitment to advancing the continent's economic and social progress.

Hanan Morsy has built an illustrious career as a leading figure in economic policy and sustainable development. She holds a Master's degree from the University of California and a PhD in Economics from George Washington University, two renowned institutions that shaped her expertise in global economic trends and policies.

Currently, she serves as the Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), where she is at the forefront of shaping policies that foster sustainable development and economic resilience across the continent.

Prior to this, she was a Director at the African Development Bank (AfDB), where she played a vital role in advancing key economic reforms and promoting inclusive growth initiatives that have positively impacted numerous African nations.

As a candidate for Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Hanan Morsy has laid out a bold and ambitious vision for Africa, structured around four key pillars:

1. Economic Resilience: Strengthening Africa’s ability to withstand and recover from global economic shocks.
2. Continental Integration: Accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade and economic collaboration.
3. Empowering Youth and Women: Unlocking the potential of Africa’s younger generations and championing gender equity.
4. Digital and Energy Transformation: Leveraging technology and renewable energy to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.

The role of Deputy Chairperson is critical for advancing Agenda 2063, Africa’s strategic blueprint for inclusive and sustainable development. With her wealth of experience in development financing and economic transformation, Hanan Morsy brings the technical and leadership skills needed to translate these goals into tangible results.

Egyptian Support and Continental Engagement

Hanan Morsy’s candidacy has the full backing of Egypt, a prominent player in African affairs. As a representative of a pivotal nation on the continent, she offers a unique blend of technical expertise and political commitment to fostering a more unified and resilient Africa.

"Africa needs visionary leadership and practical solutions to tackle its complex challenges. I am committed to building a brighter, more prosperous future for our continent," Morsy stated.

To secure support for her candidacy, Hanan Morsy has embarked on a tour of African nations, beginning in Togo on Monday. She is set to visit other countries across the continent in the coming weeks, engaging directly with leaders and stakeholders to promote her vision for the African Union Commission.

A Catalyst for Africa’s Development

Hanan Morsy’s candidacy represents a forward-looking vision for Africa—one that emphasizes resilience, inclusivity, and collaboration. With her extensive experience in economic policy and development, she is uniquely positioned to bring innovative solutions to the challenges facing the continent.

As Africa strives to achieve its ambitious development goals, Morsy’s leadership could act as a catalyst for progress, making her a strong and compelling choice for the position of Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission.