Ambassador Hilda Suka-Mafudze is the Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United States of America. Her mandate includes enhancing bilateral ties to strengthen democratic institutions, advance trade and investment, promote knowledge sharing, peace and security, and foster mutual relationships between the U.S. and AU member countries. A seasoned diplomat, Ambassador Suka-Mafudze has over two decades of experience in various top government positions in Zimbabwe. She assumed her current role on November 2, 2020. Known as a "quiet champion of democracy," she has held ambassadorial positions in Sudan, South Sudan, and Malawi. Ambassador Suka-Mafudze is committed to promoting democracy and democratic elections across Africa. She chaired the group of regional ambassadors representing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and coordinated efforts to address contested national elections. Her previous roles include leading high-level political processes in Sudan and South Sudan, and serving as Executive Director of Community Development, interfacing with government, civil society, and the private sector. From 2000 to 2005, she was an elected member of Zimbabwe’s Parliament, advocating for laws that served marginalized groups. Ambassador Suka-Mafudze holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Leicester and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Gender Development from the Women’s University in Africa. Her training includes courses in leadership, diplomacy, mediation, and conflict transformation. She is fluent in English, has working knowledge of French, and speaks several Southern African languages. Ambassador Suka-Mafudze is married and has four children.