Dr. Joyce Banda

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Dr. Joyce Banda

Former President of Malawi
Umi100 HonoureeUmi100 Honouree 2026
Malawi

Profile

Dr. Joyce Banda is a Malawian politician, diplomat, and philanthropist who made history as the first female President of Malawi, serving from 2012 to 2014. Before her presidency, she held roles including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice President of Malawi, championing education, women’s rights, and social welfare programs across the nation. Her administration focused on economic reform, anti-corruption measures, and expanding access to education and healthcare, particularly for women and children.

Beyond politics, Joyce Banda is a mother, mentor, and global advocate for women and girls, founding the Joyce Banda Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, and empowerment programs across Malawi. She continues to inspire African women to pursue leadership roles, drive social change, and balance professional impact with family and community responsibilities.