A lifetime of service and impact
Peace Parks Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Luísa Dias Diogo to its Board of Directors.
A distinguished economist, business leader, and former Prime Minister of Mozambique, Dr. Diogo brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors, along with a lifelong dedication to sustainable development and sound governance.
A career defined by leadership and reform
In 2004, Dr Diogo was appointed as Mozambique’s first female Prime Minister, a position she held with distinction until 2010. During her tenure, she earned international recognition for her leadership in national reconstruction, economic transformation, and social development. She led Mozambique’s negotiations for debt relief under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries and Multilateral Debt Relief initiatives, securing long-term economic stability and advancing national poverty-reduction programmes.
Earlier in her career, as Minister of Planning and Finance, she spearheaded major public-sector and economic reforms that strengthened Mozambique’s resilience and promoted shared prosperity.
Global influence and recognition
Dr. Diogo’s influence extends well beyond national borders. She has served on High-Level Panels convened by the United Nations, African Union, and African Development Bank, contributing to continental dialogue on sustainable growth and governance. She has been recognised by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World and by Forbes Magazine as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women Globally.
Commitment to sustainability and governance
In the private sector, Dr. Diogo continues to demonstrate excellence. She currently serves as Independent Non-Executive Director of Absa Group Limited and Non-Executive Director of Total Energies Mozambique. She also sits on the Advisory Boards of the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program (as Deputy Chair) and Big Win Philanthropy, among other international institutions.
As Chair of Absa Bank Mozambique, she guided the bank through a period of expansion that tripled profits within three years.
Academic achievements and continued impact
Her academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in economics from Eduardo Mondlane University (1983) and a master’s degree in financial economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. She holds an Honorary Doctorate, awarded by the University of London in 2010, in recognition of her contributions to global sustainable development.
Advancing Peace Parks’ mission
Dr. Diogo’s appointment brings valuable experience in finance, governance, and sustainability, areas that are central to Peace Parks Foundation’s mission to revive and reconnect ecosystems while supporting the communities who depend on them.
We are deeply honoured to welcome Dr. Luísa Diogo to our Board and look forward to her insights and leadership as we continue building a future where people and nature thrive together.
