Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is a renowned biodiversity scientist and the first female President of Mauritius, serving from 2015 to 2018. She holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry and is celebrated for her work on African medicinal plants. She transitioned from a top university professor to a global advocate for science, sustainability, and education.

In 2015, the Mauritian parliament unanimously elected Gurib-Fakim as the country's sixth president, making her the first woman to hold the office. During her term, she focused on promoting science and technology, gender equality, and sustainable development across Africa. She also worked to help developing countries build their science and innovation economies.