By Ghazali Ibrahim
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, the former President of Mauritius and an internationally acclaimed scientist, has emerged as the only woman featured on a widely circulated list of Africa’s “Top 15 Notable Mathematics Professors and Mathematical Scientists.”
Her inclusion on the list has renewed attention to a career that spans scientific research, academia, public service and global advocacy for science education.
Born on October 17, 1959, in Surinam, Mauritius, Gurib-Fakim built her reputation as one of Africa’s foremost scientists long before entering politics. She studied chemistry at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, earning a doctorate in organic chemistry before returning to Mauritius to pursue a career in teaching and research.
Her work later expanded into biodiversity, medicinal plants and natural-product chemistry, fields in which she gained international recognition.
Although she is best known as a scientist rather than a pure mathematician, Gurib-Fakim’s contributions to science and higher education have earned her recognition across multiple disciplines.
She spent much of her academic career at the University of Mauritius, where she rose through the ranks to become Dean of the Faculty of Science and later served in senior leadership positions. Her research focused on documenting Africa’s rich biodiversity and exploring the medicinal properties of indigenous plants.
Over the years, she authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications and books, becoming one of the most cited female scientists from Africa.
Her work helped place Mauritius on the global scientific map and earned her several international awards and fellowships. She became a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences and was recognized by scientific institutions in Europe, Africa and Asia for her contributions to research and innovation.
In 2015, Gurib-Fakim made history when she was elected the seventh President of Mauritius, becoming the first woman to hold the office.
Her election was celebrated across Africa as a milestone for women in science and politics. During her presidency, she frequently advocated greater investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and called for increased participation of women and girls in scientific fields.
Her tenure, however, ended in 2018 following controversy surrounding the use of a credit card linked to a non-governmental organisation. While the issue generated significant political debate in Mauritius, Gurib-Fakim maintained that she had not personally benefited from the transactions and eventually stepped down from office.
Since leaving politics, she has remained active in international science policy, innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives. She has continued to advocate for scientific research, sustainable development and the empowerment of young African scientists.
Her appearance as the sole female figure on the continental list highlights both her remarkable achievements and the continuing gender gap in Africa’s mathematical and scientific communities. Experts have long argued that increasing female participation in STEM disciplines remains critical to the continent’s scientific development.
While the social-media ranking that featured her is not an official academic assessment, Gurib-Fakim’s credentials as a scientist, educator and former head of state are widely acknowledged. Her career stands as one of Africa’s most prominent examples of how scientific excellence can translate into national and international leadership.
For many young African women pursuing careers in mathematics, science and technology, Gurib-Fakim’s journey from laboratory researcher to president remains a powerful symbol of what is possible.
