Who is Afrah al-Zouba, Yemen’s first female foreign minister?
Afrah al-Zouba has been appointed as Yemen's first female foreign minister, marking a historic milestone for the country's cabinet. Her appointment follows a long career in development, peacebuilding, and government reform.
Why it matters
This appointment represents a significant shift in gender representation within Yemeni politics amidst an ongoing war.
In a historic first, Afrah al-Zouba was appointed Yemeni foreign minister on July 23, as the country’s war continues.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Afrah al-Zouba is Yemen's first female foreign minister [File: via social media] By Al Jazeera Staff Published On 24 Jul 2026 24 Jul 2026 Afrah al-Zouba’s appointment as Yemen’s foreign minister on Thursday is attracting attention – she’s the first woman to be appointed to that role, or any of the country’s most prominent cabinet posts.
But al-Zouba’s rise has been decades in the making, shaped by a career spanning development, diplomacy, and some of the most consequential political negotiations in Yemen’s recent history.
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