Oulimata Sarr, an expert with over 25 years in finance and development, has been appointed as the Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation in Senegal.

Sarr, who previously served as the UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa, is the first woman to occupy this position in the country. She has participated in several initiatives that empower women worldwide, such as Africa2.0, African Leadership Network, Vital Voices, Cartier Women's Initiative, and UnitLife.

Sarr began her career at Ernst & Young in audit in Senegal, then spent ten years at the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, before joining the UN in January 2016 as the regional advisor on Women's Economic Empowerment for West and Central Africa.

After two years on the job, she became the deputy regional director for West and Central Africa and took over as regional director in December 2019.

Sarr's ministerial appointment has triggered a flurry of congratulations from some prominent people who believe her appointment is deserving. One of those to congratulate her was Sima Bahous, the executive director of UN Women. Bahous said the new minister will use her new leadership role to champion the rights of women and girls.

Similarly, Tonye Patrick Cole, a Nigerian politician, described Sarr as a shining example to women. "Congratulations to a bright and shining example of service, class and intelligence to women in the younger generation," he says.