African Energy Week (AEW) 2024, the continent’s premier energy event, will take place from November 4 to 8 in Cape Town, South Africa. Organised under the theme “Invest in African Energy,” this event aims to eradicate energy poverty across Africa by 2030. It will serve as a critical platform for driving investment across the energy sector, focusing on integrating innovative and sustainable solutions into the continent’s energy landscape.
Highlighting Gender Inclusion in Africa’s Energy Future
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, AEW 2024 stands out by showcasing the leadership and contributions of women in energy. Women-led organisations and networks are at the forefront of pioneering collaboration and developing low-carbon solutions, which are critical to Africa’s energy transition.
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Female speakers from diverse sectors, including national oil companies (NOCs), international oil companies (IOCs), and financial institutions will share insights and strategies driving the continent’s energy agenda. The event recognises women’s vital role in shaping Africa’s energy future and positions them as central figures in the discussions and decisions that will determine the continent’s path forward.
Women Pioneering in Africa’s Oil and Gas Sector
During AEW 2024, prominent women in NOC and regulatory leadership roles will share their perspectives on investment opportunities and collaboration in the sector. Key speakers include Gadibolae Dihlabi, Managing Director of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of South Africa; Fatoumata Sanogo, CEO of Petroci; Marilyn Logan, Director General of the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority; Proscovia Nabbanje, CEO of the Uganda National Oil Company; Teresa Isabel Nnang Avomo, Managing Director of GEPetrol; and Cany Jobe, Director of Exploration and Production at Gambia National Petroleum Corporation. Their insights will provide valuable guidance on how Africa can capitalise on its resources while advancing its energy transition goals.
Women in leadership positions within International Oil Companies (IOCs) and independent oil and gas firms will discuss their plans for investment and collaboration during AEW 2024.
Notable speakers include Anabela Marcos, CEO of SONILS Angola; Anastasia Deulina, CFO of Afentra; Katrina Fisher, Lead Country Manager and Managing Director at ExxonMobil; Khady Ndiaye, VP and Country Manager at Kosmos Energy; Liz Schwarze, Vice President of Global Exploration at Chevron; Marica Calabrese, Managing Director and General Manager of Eni Rovuma Basin in Mozambique; and Taelo Mojapelo, CEO of bp South Africa. These women are leading efforts to fast-track projects, bringing much-needed innovation and efficiency to the sector.
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Legal and Financial Innovations Driven by Women
Female leaders who contribute significantly to the legal, intelligence, and financial sectors, facilitating mergers and acquisitions, supporting contracts, and advancing energy projects across Africa, will explore strategies for accelerating energy projects and fostering inclusive growth.
Speakers such as Analene Enslin, Upstream Strategy Lead for Africa at S&P Global Commodity Insight; Ismini Katsimpardi, Technical Researcher and Analysis Lead at S&P Global Commodity Insight; Jennifer Riveiro Ilende, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Ilende and Partners; and Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, CEO of Rich Africa, will share their expertise on how to leverage data-driven insights and market information to support the energy sector’s growth.
The Transformative Impact of Women in Energy
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, underscores the importance of women’s involvement in Africa’s energy future. He warns that excluding women from the conversation would perpetuate inequality and hinder the continent’s progress toward eradicating energy poverty by 2030. Women bring essential innovation, determination, skills, and leadership for sustainable energy sector growth.
A unique forum on the transformative impact of women in energy, hosted by the African Women Business Energy Network on November 7, will further highlight the role of women in the sector. This forum will serve as a platform for enhanced engagement and collaboration among industry stakeholders, driving collective change and positioning women at the forefront of Africa’s energy dialogue and decision-making processes.