First Lady of the Republic of Burundi
Her Excellency Angeline Ndayishimiye is the distinguished holder of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Management, conferred by the esteemed Université de la Sagesse in Burundi in 2014. Her professional trajectory is marked by an impressive ascent through the ranks of the renowned public company, SOBUGEA (Société Burundaise de Gestion des Entrepôts et d’Assistance des Avions en Escale). Her initial role as Freight Manager transitioned into the leadership of the Administration and Human Resources Department, where she demonstrated exceptional acumen from 2005 to 2010.
Financial Acumen and Administrative Expertise
Her Excellency Angeline Ndayishimiye’s exceptional capabilities were further recognized through her subsequent promotion to the position of Administrative and Financial Director of SOBUGEA, a role she held with distinction from 2012 to 2014 and again from 2015 to 2018. Her expertise extended to the aviation sector, where she served as Administrative and Financial Director of Air Burundi from 2014 to 2015.
A Beacon of Social Responsibility
Driven by an unwavering commitment to social upliftment, Her Excellency Angeline Ndayishimiye established the Bonne Action UMUGIRANEZA Foundation in July 2019. This philanthropic endeavor is dedicated to empowering the most vulnerable segments of society and fostering advancements in Burundi’s healthcare and education sectors.
Championing Women and Peacebuilding
Her Excellency’s dedication to social impact extends to her leadership of the Association Femmes INTWARI (Women Champions), founded in 2017. This organization unites women veterans and the spouses of former combatants, promoting peace and democracy in the wake of the social crisis that commenced in 1993. A veteran herself, Her Excellency was demobilized with the rank of Lieutenant in 2004.
A Leader of Profound Empathy and Compassion
Her Excellency Angeline Ndayishimiye embodies the qualities of an exceptional leader, recognizing the paramount importance of active listening. Her values of love and compassion, cultivated from a young age, fuel her unwavering commitment to supporting children and women facing challenging social circumstances.
Institutionalizing Impact: The Office of the First Lady for Development in Burundi
Since November 2021, Her Excellency has served as the esteemed Chair of the Office of the First Lady for Development in Burundi (OPDD-Burundi). This entity serves to institutionalize the impactful interventions of the First Lady through various organizations under her leadership or membership.
A Champion on the Global Stage
Her Excellency Angeline Ndayishimiye’s leadership extends to the international arena. She is a valued member of the Steering Committee of OPDAD, an organization of African First Ladies for Development. Additionally, she has served as Chair of AFLPM, the Africa First Ladies Peace Mission, since May 8, 2023. Her dedication to global issues was recognized through the prestigious 2023 UN Award on population matters.
A Family Rooted in Faith and Values
Adherents of the Roman Catholic Church, Burundi’s presidential couple is blessed with six children, four daughters, and two sons. Their family exemplifies the values of faith, compassion, and service that underpin their leadership.