Breaking New Ground: How Flexibility and Mindset Changes Are Reshaping Female Participation in Africa’s Energy Sector
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The future of women in Africa’s energy sector took centre stage at the African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 in Cape Town, where industry leaders gathered to discuss transformative strategies for enhancing female participation in the energy sector. The Women in Energy Roundtable, hosted by The African Women Business Energy Network (AWBEN), revealed how workplace flexibility and fundamental mindset shifts are crucial for both attracting and retaining women in the industry.
Reimagining Education and Industry Partnership
At the heart of the discussion was the critical need to reshape energy education. Uche Anajemba, Senior Manager of Business Partnering, Diversity Inclusion at Seplat Energy Plc., emphasized that meaningful change must begin at the educational level. “Women are looking for roles that allow flexibility and have social impact,” Anajemba noted, highlighting the importance of developing curricula that address contemporary energy challenges, including clean energy initiatives and transition strategies.
The role of public-private partnerships emerged as a crucial component of this educational transformation. Major industry players like SLB, Eni, and Seplat were called upon to forge stronger relationships with educational institutions, providing female students with practical industry exposure before graduation. This approach, according to Anajemba, would help build a more robust pipeline of female talent while ensuring better retention rates.
Industry Leaders Taking Action
Several major energy companies are already implementing programs to boost female participation. SLB’s initiatives stand out as particularly impactful, as highlighted by Sheri Adoghe, Production Systems Division Manager for West Africa. “Since 2004, SLB has been providing fellowships to women to advance their research in STEM-related fields,” Adoghe reported. The program’s success is evident in its numbers: over 900 women supported globally, with 426 across 41 African nations.
In Angola, the National Oil, Gas & Biofels Agency (ANPG) has launched innovative programs through their Muhatu Energy platform. Maura Nunes, Local Content Manager at ANPG, detailed their two-pronged approach: “We’ve implemented a cross-sector mentorship program that has broken down barriers in terms of access and visibility, alongside internship programs providing crucial first job opportunities for female graduates.”
Beyond Policy: Creating Lasting Change
While policy frameworks are essential, industry leaders emphasized that true transformation requires deeper change. Nokwanda Khumalo, General Manager of Mobility & Convenience at bp Southern Africa, stressed that “it’s not just about having the right policies and legislation, it’s about going beyond that and shifting the mindset to practically implement that legislation.”
The nuclear energy sector is also embracing this challenge. King Lee, Head of Policy and Industry Engagement at the World Nuclear Association, emphasized innovation and human-centered approaches: “The future is not shaped by technology but driven by people.”
The Power of Mentorship
Mentorship emerged as a critical theme throughout the discussions. Alba Oliveira, Head of East Africa Upstream & Exploration Commercial Negotiations at Eni, highlighted its particular importance in addressing industry disparities. “Mentorship provides women with a safe space to develop their own identity as leaders and their place in the industry workforce,” Oliveira explained.
Looking Forward
The roundtable discussions at AEW 2024 mark a significant step forward in addressing gender disparities in Africa’s energy sector. By focusing on education, workplace flexibility, mentorship, and fundamental mindset changes, industry leaders are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and diverse energy sector.
The consensus among participants was clear: creating lasting change requires a holistic approach that combines policy reforms, educational innovations, and cultural shifts. As Africa’s energy sector continues to evolve, the increased participation of women will be crucial for driving innovation and sustainable growth in the industry.
