Mariama Camara (1958-2025), known as "Mariama SOGUIPAH", was an exceptional Guinean stateswoman and leader who dedicated her career to agricultural development and rural empowerment. A biochemistry graduate, she climbed the ranks at the Guinean Palm Oil and Rubber Company (SOGUIPAH) from 1989 until her appointment as general director, before becoming Minister of Agriculture and Commerce.
Recognized for her visionary leadership, determination, and generosity, she modernized Guinea's agricultural sector, created jobs, and inspired numerous women. Mariama Camara was also a deeply human woman, known for her unconditional support to her family and colleagues. She passed away on January 13, 2025, in Morocco, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of economic and social transformation.
Introduction
Mariama Camara, often referred to as "Mariama SOGUIPAH", was an emblematic figure in Guinean agriculture and a remarkable stateswoman. Her exceptional journey illustrates determination, leadership, and commitment to rural development in Guinea.
Education
Born in 1958, Mariama Camara completed her university studies at the Gamal Abdel Nasser campus, specializing in biochemistry. This solid scientific background would quickly become a valuable asset for her future career in the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors.
Professional Career
Mariama Camara began her career in 1989 at the Guinean Palm Oil and Rubber Company (SOGUIPAH). Driven by a passion for agricultural development, she quickly climbed the corporate ladder. Between 1989 and 1990, she held the position of fatty acids sector manager, distinguishing herself through her expertise and dedication.
Subsequently, Mariama Camara successively occupied the roles of coordinator, deputy general director, and then general director of SOGUIPAH. During her tenure, she played a key role in transforming the company, positioning it as a true pillar of the national economy. Under her leadership, SOGUIPAH contributed to job creation and strengthened the agricultural value chain, thereby affirming its strategic importance for Guinea's economic development.
Ministerial Career
Mariama Camara, backed by her expertise and reputation, was appointed Minister of Agriculture (. In this role, she played a decisive part in modernizing Guinea's agricultural sector. She introduced innovative reforms that transformed agricultural practices, thus promoting increased local production. Her action also emphasized the empowerment of rural communities, offering them sustainable development opportunities and strengthening their contribution to the national economy.
After her successful tenure at the Ministry of Agriculture, Mariama Camara continued her commitment to Guinea's economic development by serving as Minister of Commerce. Through this role, she worked to strengthen trade exchanges and promote initiatives fostering a competitive and inclusive economy.
Personal Life
Mariama Camara was married to Camille Fernandez, an airline pilot. Together, they had three children: Jean Louis, Marie Angelique, and Gérard.
Her brother in heart, Malick Sankhon, highlighted her exceptional generosity and humanity. She was known for her warm welcome and unconditional support to her family and close ones.
Awards and recognitions
Recipient of the Medal of Honor of labor.
Death
On January 13, 2025, Mariama Camara passed away in Morocco, where she was on a medical stay. Her death profoundly moved Guinea, leaving an enormous void in the country's political and agricultural world.
Her funeral, organized on January 20, 2025, in Forécariah, gathered numerous government members, testifying to the significant impact of her career.
Conclusion
Mariama Camara will remain in history as an exceptional woman who transformed challenges into opportunities for Guinea's development. Her leadership, determination, and dedication inspired many generations of Guinean women.
Her legacy at SOGUIPAH and in the national agricultural sector remains a model of success and public commitment. She embodied excellence, patriotism, and generosity, leaving an indelible mark in the history of Guinean agricultural development.
