Chantal Biya is the First Lady of Cameroon, a position she has held since marrying President Paul Biya in 1994. She was born Chantal Pulchérie Vigouroux on December 4, 1970, in Dimako, East Province, Cameroon. Her father, Georges Vigouroux, was a French expatriate, and her mother, Rosette Ndongo Mengolo, was a former beauty queen who later became a mayor.

She married Paul Biya on April 23, 1994, becoming the third First Lady of Cameroon. She is 36 years his junior. She has two children with President Biya, Paul Jr. and Brenda. She also has twin sons from a previous marriage.

Fondly called Chantou, Chantal Biya is widely known for her elaborate hairstyles, particularly her signature “banane” or bouffant wig, and her high-end, colorful designer wardrobe. Her style is often referred to as “the Chantal Biya”.

Alongside her husband, she has faced allegations of corruption and involvement in the embezzlement of state assets.  Despite not holding an official political office, she is believed to influence some political decisions and appointments in Cameroon, partly due to her role within the powerful CERAC.

Net Worth:

Chantal Biya has an estimated net worth of $50 million US dollars that’s about 28 billion francs CFA. Both Paul Biya and Chantal Biya have been documented as being involved in the theft of national assets of Cameroon. U.S. diplomatic cables have reportedly confirmed endemic corruption, with one source alleging the Biya family’s enrichment occurred during a period where millions were funneled out of state funds.

Public life and humanitarian work:

A notable public figure, she is known for her humanitarian work and distinctive personal style. In 1994, she established the Fondation Chantal Biya, which focuses on assisting vulnerable populations and addressing issues like poverty and disease.

A significant portion of her humanitarian efforts targets the fight against HIV/AIDS. She is the founder of African Synergies Against AIDS and Suffering and established the International Reference Centre Chantal Biya (CIRCB), which researches HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Her efforts have earned her international recognition, including an appointment as UNAIDS Special Ambassador. She was appointed a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Social Inclusion.

She is the founding president of this charitable association Circle of Friends of Cameroon (CERAC), which provides assistance to vulnerable groups and supports humanitarian projects. 

In November 2016, the University of Yaoundé II conferred an honorary doctorate (Doctorate Honoris Causa) upon her for her humanitarian and social work. This is an honorary title and not an academic degree.

Through the Chantal Biya Foundation, she has constructed and equipped “Les Champions-FCB” primary schools in Cameroon.

Fashion style:

Chantal Biya’s fashion style is characterized by a mix of high-end European designer wear and vibrant, often exotic, African-inspired dresses, all set off by her signature elaborate hairstyle, which is sometimes referred to as “the Chantal Biya”. Chantal Biya’s look is distinctive and has made her a recognizable figure in Cameroon and on the international stage.

A cornerstone of her look is her voluminous, often bouffant, hairstyles, which are instantly identifiable. She frequently chooses outfits featuring bright and vivid colors, which are often used in African fashion. For example, she wore a chic red outfit to crown the winner of Miss Cameroon 2025.

Chantal Biya’s outfits are often accompanied by striking accessories. Some observers have noted that her accessories, hair, and clothing can sometimes be seen as over the top, but they are a consistent part of her style.

For formal events and international appearances, she is known to favor luxury European labels, such as Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. For instance, one outfit was famously paired with a £3,200 Lady Dior bag.

Alongside her designer clothing, she shows support for Cameroonian and African fashion by wearing outfits made from traditional fabrics like Ankara and by attending local fashion events. In November 2024, she attended the 15th Fashion Professions Summit in Cameroon to support young designers.