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Mentorship, Communication, Safe Spaces Drive Women’s Leadership in Energy
Strengthening pathways for women to rise into leadership roles is becoming a defining priority in Africa’s energy industry. Mentorship, communication and the creation of safe spaces have emerged as priorities for advancing women’s participation and leadership in Africa’s energy industry. These themes were the focus of the Women in Energy Power Circle, a session hosted by the African Women Business Energy Network (AWBEN) at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, dedicated to shaping a more inclusive energy sector.
AWBEN, a platform dedicated to increasing women’s representation in the African energy industry, advocates for career advancement, connects women-owned businesses with global opportunities and supports initiatives in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, coaching and sponsorship.
With only 31.6% of female graduates in STEM fields across Sub-Saharan Africa and 13% involved in energy sector programs, mentorship has emerged as a critical tool for empowerment. The discussion highlighted the value of identifying female role models, actively mentoring aspiring professionals, and promoting excellence through knowledge sharing. Establishing clear pathways for young women in STEM and nurturing their technical skills are essential for cultivating the next generation of leaders in the energy sector.
Effective communication and visibility were recurring themes. Despite a growing acknowledgement of gender diversity, women continue to be underrepresented in top management roles across the continent. In South Africa, for example, women occupy only 26.5% of top management positions. This disparity highlights the necessity for platforms that amplify women's voices and achievements. Leveraging social networks and digital tools was emphasized as a key strategy to increase visibility, share the experience of role models and promote greater participation of women in leadership.
Finally, a key factor to drive progress is the creation of safe spaces for women to exchange ideas and experiences. Significant challenges remain, including the building of confidence to speak on panels, participation in public forums and voicing opinions in male-dominated spaces. Many women are reluctant to step forward due to prevailing cultural and societal perceptions. Providing platforms for open dialogue are therefore vital for transforming cultural norms and enabling women to thrive in energy leadership.