By Isaiah Andanje
Zipporah Maubane has officially been named the new head of communication and advocacy at the high-ranking African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). In a press release dated October 14, 2024, issued in Johannesburg, South Africa, the continental union confirmed her appointment unanimously.
With over 29 years of expertise in marketing and communication, Mrs. Maubane brings a wealth of hands-on experience from global and African firms. Her extensive knowledge is expected to make a significant impact on AUDA-NEPAD’s mission to advance Africa’s development agenda. A highly accomplished executive, Mrs. Maubane has held senior positions in renowned organizations such as The Coca-Cola Company (Southern and East Africa), Altron, BP, Sasol, DPD, Zutari, and within the public sector. Her roles have been pivotal in revitalizing and transforming these entities by driving organizational turnaround and growth.
She has successfully led complex, multi-country brand and communications initiatives, focusing on culture transformation, brand repositioning, reputation management, and building investor confidence. These efforts have guided organizations through strategic changes, earning her a distinguished reputation in the industry.
Upon assuming her new role, Mrs. Maubane expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for contributing to the agency’s transformative work across the continent. “I am excited to join AUDA-NEPAD at such a critical time in Africa’s growth journey. Working alongside the team, I look forward to raising awareness of the transformative programs and policies AUDA-NEPAD is championing and supporting resource mobilization efforts to continue advancing Africa’s potential,” she said.
Her Excellency Mrs. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of AUDA-NEPAD, warmly welcomed Mrs. Maubane’s appointment, highlighting its timeliness as the agency leads Africa’s development journey. “As the technical body of the African Union tasked with driving development, we are dedicated to advancing the coordination and execution of priority projects across the continent, in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” said Bekele-Thomas. She expressed confidence in Mrs. Maubane’s expertise, noting that her experience will be invaluable in shaping a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for Africa.
At AUDA-NEPAD, Mrs. Maubane will be responsible for steering communications and advocacy strategies that enhance the visibility of the agency’s initiatives, as well as fostering partnerships with stakeholders and funding partners both within Africa and internationally.
Mrs. Maubane holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from the University of Limpopo and an Advanced Diploma in Marketing Communications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. She is also an MBA candidate with the Institute of International Business Relations (IBR) in Berlin, Germany.
AUDA-NEPAD is the development arm of the African Union, mandated by heads of state and government to coordinate and implement priority regional and continental projects that promote regional integration and accelerate the realization of Agenda 2063. The agency strengthens the capacity of AU member states and regional bodies, providing advisory support and mobilizing resources to drive sustainable development across the continent.
