Sanaba Kaba is a Guinean political figure who made her mark during the 2010-2020 period through her commitment to social action and economic development. An engineer by training with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, she began her career in the financial sector before entering politics. She served as Presidential Advisor and then as Minister of Social Action, Women's Advancement, and Children's Affairs across three successive governments (Said Fofana 2, Youla, and Kassory), where she distinguished herself through her commitment to women's rights, the fight against gender-based violence, and the protection of vulnerable people. In May 2019, she was appointed Director General of the National Agency for Economic and Social Inclusion (ANIES), a position she held until January 2022, where she worked to implement support programs for citizens living in extreme poverty.
Introduction
Sanaba Kaba is a Guinean political figure who has distinguished herself through her social activism and service across several governments. As a former Minister of Social Action, Women's Advancement, and Children's Affairs, she has left her mark on Guinea's political landscape through her dedication to social causes and commitment to the rights of women and vulnerable populations.
Education and Training
Sanaba Kaba's academic journey reflects a strong scientific and technical foundation. She completed her secondary education at Lycée Almamy Samory Touré and Lycée 3 Avril in Kankan, specializing in mathematics and obtaining both parts of her baccalaureate. Prior to this, she earned her BEPC at Collège Alpha Yaya Diallo in Kankan.
Her university studies took her to the Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, where she studied at the Polytechnic Institute. There, she earned an engineering degree in Chemical Engineering in 1996, demonstrating her technical and analytical capabilities. This versatile education enabled her to develop a rigorous and methodical approach that she would later apply to her political and administrative roles.
Professional Career
Sanaba Kaba's professional career began in the financial sector, where she gained significant experience in management and microfinance. From 1998 to 2011, she held various positions at PRIDE-FINANCE, starting as a credit officer before advancing to become a cashier in different regions of the country.
Her tenure at PRIDE-FINANCE took her through several regions of Guinea:
- Guéckédou (1999-2000)
- Kamsar (2000-2004)
- Fria (2004)
- Matoto and Dixinn (2004)
She later joined BSIC (Banque Sahel-Sahélienne pour l'Investissement et le Commerce) as a cashier from 2010 to 2011, expanding her expertise in the banking sector. Her career took a decisive turn in March 2011 when she became Presidential Advisor, responsible for matters relating to education, health, youth employment, and women's advancement.
Ministerial Tenure
January 20, 2014, marked a turning point in Sanaba Kaba's career when she was appointed Minister of Social Action, Women's Advancement, and Children's Affairs. In this role, which she held across three successive governments (Said Fofana 2, Youla, and Kassory), she was particularly invested in several major social causes.
Her main achievements as minister included:
- Launching projects to combat gender-based violence (GBV)
- Organizing Guinea's first international awareness day for albinism
- Advocating for gender equality through the "Planet FIFTY-FIFTY by 2030" initiative
- Promoting free cesarean sections
- Fighting against early marriage
Leadership of ANIES
On May 20, 2019, Sanaba Kaba was appointed head of the National Agency for Economic and Social Inclusion (ANIES), marking another important step in her career. In this position, she oversaw the implementation of an ambitious program aimed at supporting citizens living in extreme poverty.
Under her leadership, ANIES developed several initiatives:
- Implementing a system of monthly monetary transfers of 250,000 Guinean francs to vulnerable families
- Establishing conditions for beneficiaries, including children's schooling and adherence to medical consultations
- Developing village electrification projects and assistance for entrepreneurs
Her mandate at ANIES ended on January 22, 2022, following a change in government.
Personal Life
A polyglot, Sanaba Kaba is fluent in several languages including French, English, Pular, and Susu, demonstrating her ability to communicate with various communities in Guinea. She is known as a hands-on leader, closely connected to social realities and politically engaged through the RPG Arc-en-ciel party, where she served as Assistant to the National Coordinator.
Conclusion
Sanaba Kaba's journey illustrates that of an engaged Guinean female politician who has successfully applied her technical skills and experience to her country's social development. From her engineering background to her ministerial functions and leadership of ANIES, she has demonstrated an ability to handle increasing responsibilities while maintaining a strong commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable populations. Her work advancing women's rights, child protection, and social inclusion has left an indelible mark on Guinean social policy from 2010-2020.
