Women at the Forefront of Africa’s Development?

Over the years, we have shed light on female trailblazers in the energy sector through our exclusive events, various networking exercises, gatherings, mentorship programs, recruitment platforms and career and business growth opportunities.  

With the energy sector representing a predominantly male dominated industry, it has become clear that women have an increasingly important role to play in Africa’s energy future.  

Women have a critical role to play in advancing Africa’s oil and gas industry. By fostering increased inclusivity across every level in the entire energy value chain, Africa’s development can not only be ensured, but accelerated. By addressing issues of inclusivity, inequality, and barriers to entry, Africa can realize its developmental goals.  

Despite recent progress towards equality, women still only represent 1% of CEOs in the energy field, as discussed at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2022, where we hosted a “Women in Energy” lunch.  

Shiva McMahon, Executive Vice President of International Operations at Woodside Energy shared her thoughts on the issue: “In our sector, only 52 women are promoted to the higher levels of leadership for every 100 men versus. That’s a shockingly low figure, rising to 86 in other fields. And yet, companies that have gender-diverse leadership teams are 48% more likely to outperform other companies which do not.” 

As H.E. Sophie Gladima, Minister of Petroleum and Energies for the Republic of Senegal remarked, “Here, only 14% of women are holding positions of responsibility in the sector. It’s a sector that frightens people, that is dominated by men and so keeps women at a distance. The key to bridging this gender gap is in helping women understand that energy is in fact a cornucopia of opportunities, and to create more opportunities to help women come into these roles.” 

With women already driving the energy transition as 1/3 of the renewable energy workforce and today comprising 17% of power sector company boards versus a mere 2% five years ago the future is looking bright. In the Minister’s words, “When young women become aware of the issue, they’re able to act to solve it. It’s women working with communities, building solar farms, trying to change the status quo and create a new future for energy. More and more in Senegal, we’re seeing young women who dare to create their own firms and businesses and that alone is cause for hope.”  

We look forward to highlighting more in the Women in Energy space as we continue our trajectory of investment promotion in the energy sector.  

*If you’d like to chat to us about partnering with us to help uplift your initiatives in this regard, please email us at [email protected].