Our hearts are heavy as we share the news of the passing of Madam Luísa Dias Diogo, former Prime Minister of Mozambique, Board Member and Advisor to the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program, and a valued member of our community. She was an important part of our Program and someone we were truly grateful to work with. Every interaction with her left a positive mark on us.

Madam Luísa was a leader of strength and integrity. An economist by profession, she believed strongly in development that benefits everyone. As the first woman Prime Minister of Mozambique, and earlier as Minister of Planning and Finance, she played a central role in shaping national reforms and strengthening her country’s economy. Her leadership made a real difference in the lives of many people.

Within the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program community, Madam Luísa was known for her experience, humility, generosity, and the open way she shared her knowledge. Over the years we worked together, she was a key panelist at our Forums, and the ministers, the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program team, fellow advisors, and everyone involved in the Program were always eager to learn from her. She listened with care, responded thoughtfully to questions, and shared her insights openly. As a mentor and peer advisor, she was generous, respectful, and deeply committed to helping ministers in the Program lead with wisdom, responsibility, and a strong sense of public service. She really could connect with people from all backgrounds, always with warmth, humility, and sincerity.

Madam Luísa’s impact will continue through the leaders she guided, the many institutions she helped strengthen, and the many people she inspired across Mozambique, Africa, and around the world.

We have lost a dear friend. We extend our condolences to her beloved family, friends, and all who have been touched by her work and her kindness.

May Madam Luísa’s life and legacy continue to inspire transformative leadership in our programs, our cities, our countries, and our continents.