Amina Priscille Longoh, Central Africa’s first female Minister of State
From humanitarian work to government: born in Sarh, she embodies a new generation of leaders devoted to women and children.
Translated from French. Lire en français
Amina Priscille Longoh is the first woman to become a Minister of State in Central Africa. Known for her humanitarian commitment and remarkable political rise, and born in Sarh, capital of the Moyen-Chari province, she embodies a new generation of African leaders devoted to women and children.
She studied business administration, earning a bachelor’s degree from Wintech Professional Institute in Ghana and then a master’s at Sup’Management. She began her career in 2013 in the oil sector at Glencore, where she worked until 2018. But a deep desire to serve her community led her to humanitarian work.
Humanitarian commitment
In 2016 she founded “Tchad Helping Hands”, a charity supporting Chadian women and girls. It was born of a defining personal experience: a fundraiser she had organised for a two-year-old girl with eye cancer failed to save the child because of delays. Determined to respond more effectively to future crises, she created the foundation to provide fast, practical help to the most vulnerable.
Recognising her dedication and effectiveness, President Idriss Deby Itno appointed her director of the National Women’s House in 2019. She also became education commissioner of the Pan-African Youth Union. In July 2020, aged just 29, she was appointed Minister for Women and Early Childhood Protection, becoming one of the youngest members of the Chadian government.
Ministerial action
As minister, Amina Priscille Longoh has championed the fight against the social and economic marginalisation of women. She has launched programmes promoting girls’ education, women’s economic empowerment and the protection of vulnerable children.
Recognition
In September 2023, her career was crowned by her appointment as Minister of State, making her the first Chadian woman to reach that rank.
Married and a mother of two, she balances family life with her professional responsibilities. Her journey — marked by determination, altruism and leadership — shows the immense potential of women in Africa’s socio-economic development.
- Published on:
- Tuesday, 1 April 2025
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