Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

Introduction: A Historic Figure in Mauritian Politics & Government

Professor Ameenah Gurib-Fakim stands as a unique and inspirational figure in the annals of Mauritius and global history, seamlessly bridging the worlds of rigorous scientific inquiry and high-level Executive Leadership. She made history on June 5, 2015, when she was inaugurated as the first female President of the Republic of Mauritius, a role she held until her resignation in March 2018. Beyond her political office, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is an internationally acclaimed biodiversity scientist, renowned for her pioneering research on the medicinal and nutritive properties of the native plants of Mauritius and the Mascarene Islands. Her career embodies a powerful synthesis of knowledge, advocating for evidence-based policy and positioning science as a cornerstone for sustainable development in Africa and small island states.

Early Life & Education: Foundations of a Scientific Mind

Born on October 17, 1959, in the village of Plaine Magnien in Mauritius, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim was raised in a large family, an experience she credits with teaching her resilience and the value of hard work. Her early fascination with the natural world, particularly the plants around her, planted the seeds for her future career. She pursued her higher education with determination, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom in 1983.

Her academic prowess led her to further prestigious studies. She obtained a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Exeter in 1987, focusing her doctoral research on the essential oils of Mauritius. This formative work ignited her lifelong passion for ethnobotany—the study of how people use plants—and set her on a path to systematically document and analyze the island's flora. These early experiences were crucial, shaping her understanding of the intricate link between biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and modern science, a theme that would define her life's work both in the laboratory and in the public sphere.

Career & Major Achievements: From Laboratory to Presidency

The professional journey of Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is a testament to her multifaceted expertise and leadership. Her scientific career is marked by groundbreaking contributions.

A Distinguished Scientific Career

For over two decades, she served as a professor at the University of Mauritius, where she also managed the Centre for Phytotherapy Research. Her research portfolio is extensive, involving the chemical analysis and biological testing of hundreds of plant species. Key achievements include:

• Authoring and editing over 28 books and numerous peer-reviewed articles on the medicinal plants of Mauritius, Africa, and the Indian Ocean islands.
• Playing an instrumental role in the African Herbal Pharmacopoeia, a critical project standardizing and validating African medicinal plants.
• Receiving international recognition, including the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award in 2007 and being elected a Fellow of prestigious academies like the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the African Academy of Sciences.
• Serving as the Managing Director of the Centre for Phytotherapy Research (CEPHYR) and as a business developer for the CIDP Research & Innovation group.

Historic Tenure as President of Mauritius

In 2015, her distinguished profile led to a unanimous nomination by the National Assembly for the largely ceremonial role of President. As the Ex-President & Scientist, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim brought a unique perspective to Executive Leadership. She used her platform to champion causes close to her heart:

• Advocating strongly for science, technology, and innovation (STI) as drivers for economic transformation.
• Promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in STEM fields.
• Highlighting the vulnerabilities and opportunities for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Mauritius in the face of climate change.
• Emphasizing sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity as national priorities.

Post-Presidency and Continued Advocacy

Following her time in office, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim returned to her scientific and advocacy roots with renewed vigor. She remains a sought-after speaker at global forums on sustainability, biodiversity, and leadership. She has held advisory roles with international organizations and continues to write and consult, focusing on how African nations can leverage their natural capital for inclusive and sustainable growth. Her voice remains influential in discussions on public health, particularly regarding the potential of plant-based pharmacopoeias.

Personal Life, Legacy, and Lasting Impact

Outside her public roles, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is a mother and has often spoken about the challenge and importance of balancing a demanding career with family life. Her personal story of rising from a village in Mauritius to the highest office in the land and global scientific stages is a profound source of inspiration for young people, especially girls across Africa and the Indian Ocean region.

Her legacy is dual-faceted and deeply impactful. In science, she has created an invaluable repository of knowledge on Mauritian and African medicinal plants, work that has potential implications for pharmacology, nutrition, and climate resilience. In Politics & Government, she broke a significant glass ceiling and redefined the soft power of the Mauritian presidency by infusing it with scientific credibility and a forward-looking, developmental agenda. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is ultimately remembered as a pioneer who demonstrated that expertise in one field can enrich and inform leadership in another, advocating tirelessly for a future where policy is guided by evidence and innovation.

Recognition, Net Worth, and Business Engagements

While the exact details of her personal net worth are not publicly disclosed, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim's financial profile is built upon a distinguished career spanning academia, international consulting, and public service. Her income sources have included:

• Salaries from her long tenure as a university professor and senior academic administrator.
• Honoraria and consulting fees from her work with international bodies like the United Nations, the World Bank, and various research institutions.
• Royalties from her extensive publications and books.
• Speaking engagements at global conferences and summits.
• Her presidential salary during her term from 2015 to 2018.

Her business engagements are closely tied to her scientific expertise. She has been involved in business development for research and innovation groups, such as CIDP, focusing on translating scientific discovery into commercial and socially beneficial applications. This work, particularly in phytotherapy and natural products, represents the practical application of her research, aiming to create economic value from biodiversity—a principle she has consistently championed throughout her career as both a scientist and a leader.