About
Sahle-Work Zewde is an Ethiopian diplomat who served as the President of Ethiopia from 2018 to 2024, making her the first woman to hold the office. She was unanimously elected by the members of the Federal Parliamentary Assembly. Prior to her presidency, she held various diplomatic positions, representing Ethiopia in different international organizations.
Career Timeline
Appointed Ethiopian Ambassador to France
Sahle-Work Zewde served as Ethiopia's ambassador to France, beginning her distinguished diplomatic career. This posting established her credentials in international relations and European affairs.
Director-General of UN Office Nairobi
She was appointed Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, a senior UN position. This role elevated her international profile and demonstrated her diplomatic capabilities.
Elected First Female Ethiopian President
Sahle-Work Zewde was unanimously elected as Ethiopia's first female president, a historic milestone. Though largely ceremonial, the position made her a symbol of progress and women's empowerment in Africa.
Presidency During Tigray Conflict
Zewde served as president during the devastating Tigray War, though her largely ceremonial role limited her influence. She called for peace and reconciliation but had little executive power to affect outcomes.
Term Ends, Leaves Office
Sahle-Work Zewde's presidential term ended and she left office, returning to a lower public profile. While respected for breaking barriers, her ceremonial role limited her lasting political impact.
Post-Presidency Diplomatic Elder
Zewde remains a respected figure in Ethiopian and African diplomatic circles as a pioneering female leader. She has moderate recognition in Ethiopia and among international organizations but limited mainstream global fame.
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Last updated: February 23, 2026