Celebrating this year’s 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars
As Africa’s energy sector continues to grow, a new generation of women are breaking barriers and redefining leadership in this critical industry.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has announced the 2024 edition of the 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars: a group of outstanding individuals whose innovation, perseverance and passion are transforming the landscape of African energy. These trailblazers are not only reshaping a traditionally male-dominated field but are also playing a vital role in the journey to end energy poverty by 2030.
The AEC proudly honours these women as they lead the charge toward a more sustainable and equitable energy future:
Amena Bakr, Senior Research Analyst: Energy Intelligence
Specialising in the energy transition, corporate strategy and market analysis, Amena Bakr leads insights on oil markets, OPEC policies and political trends in the Middle East and Gulf Arab region. Her previous roles include chief OPEC correspondent and Dubai deputy bureau chief, where she earned accolades such as the OPEC Award for Best Journalist and the IAEE Excellence in Written Journalism Award.
Amoetsoe Mkwena, Senior Associate: Watson Farley & Williams (Middle East)
Amoetsoe Mkwena specialises in energy and infrastructure with a focus on Africa. She advises on international projects, including the $15-billion Simandou project in Guinea. Mkwena’s expertise includes power, renewables, oil & gas and mining. Her legal skills and ability to bridge cultural divides make her a key player in Africa’s energy sector.
Asha Amani, General Manager: INTERAFCON
Asha Amani blends strategy and leadership to drive growth in complex energy projects. With seven years in industrial engineering and five years in the energy sector, she excels in business strategy, opportunity identification and project management. Her previous role as a business development consultant at Tetco Consulting focused on delivering tailored solutions for the energy, engineering and construction sectors.
Blandine Biaou, Geological Engineer, Head of Research and Prospection Department: SNH-Benin
Blandine Biaou specialises in hydrocarbon exploration. She has optimised Benin’s energy sector through resource management and contract revisions. Biaou has also developed a modern data centre and interactive database, contributing to national projects and representing Benin in international conferences, positioning it as a hydrocarbon hub.
Charné Hollands, Deputy Editor: Energy Capital & Power
Charné Hollands is the deputy editor at Energy Capital & Power, the leading investment platform for the African energy sector. She produces content on the entire energy value chain in Africa, with a focus on oil, gas, renewable energy and energy policy. Hollands co-authored the book, African Energy Chamber: Road to Recovery.
Emokiniovo Dafe-Akpedeye, Managing Partner: Compos Mentis Legal Practitioners
Emokiniovo Dafe-Akpedeye, a leading dispute resolution lawyer, specialises in complex oil and gas cases. She has represented Shell Petroleum and serves as company secretary for the Ebendo Host Community Trust Board. With degrees from Oxford and Bristol, she shapes oil and gas law and is implementing digital solutions to streamline board operations.
Fatimat Adenike Olanrewaju, General Field Engineer: SLB
Fatimat Adenike Olanrewaju, a chemical engineering graduate, focuses on wellhead installations and emissions reduction. She excels in a male-dominated field and leads community service through SLB’s SEED initiative, advocating for gender diversity and mentoring.
Gracia Munganga, Senior Technical Advisory: Abt Global
With a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town, Gracia Munganga oversees operations for the company, which has been designing and commissioning solar PV systems across sub-Saharan Africa since 2018. Her career includes roles at GreenCape, Anaergia Africa, the Climate Innovation Centre South Africa, and the Carbon Trust.
Ifeoma Adeoye, CEO: IMSE Energy Resources Limited
Ifeoma Adeoye leads the company in EPCI (engineering, procurement, construction and installation) services and innovative crude evacuation technology. A graduate of the University of Manchester and Warwick, she also founded Business Nest Investments and BNI Insurance Brokers Limited, to empower and protect people and businesses through microfinance and insurance.
Jamilla Massamba, Health Safety and Environment Manager: SLB Congo
Jamilla Massamba leads HSE initiatives across Africa. With a master’s in Environmental Management Sciences, she has conducted over 100 audits and received awards for her work. Massamba also mentors young women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and leads green energy projects.
Janice Faria, CEO: Enagol (Energias de Angola)
Janice Faria has elevated the company’s national and international profile. Under her leadership, Enagol competes globally and services international oil companies, setting a precedent for local enterprises in the global market.
Jocelyne Machevo, Communication, Commercial & Marketing Manager: Vivo Energy Mozambique
Jocelyne Machevo, formerly with Eni Mozambique, played a key role in the Coral FLNG Project and led the company’s local brand transformation. Now at Vivo Energy Mozambique, she focuses on energy transition and decarbonisation projects.
Lilian Kamanja, Electrical Engineer: Kenya Power
Lilian Kamanja is a renewable energy specialist with over nine years of experience in electrical engineering, network operations and renewable energy development. She holds a BSc from the University of Nairobi and an M.Tech from IIT Delhi, focusing on renewable energy projects that enhance power accessibility and reliability.
Kanni Touray, Deputy Director-General: Petroleum Commission, The Gambia
Kanni Touray, The Gambia’s youngest and first female deputy director-general at the Petroleum Commission, has enhanced the organisation’s efficiency and visibility. She champions sustainable development and energy transition, positioning The Gambia as a growing player in the global energy market.
Lizette Bouddhou, Human Resources Manager: SLB Congo and SLB Gabon
Lizette Bouddhou drives diversity and workforce development. She leads recruitment and training initiatives, boosts employee engagement and advances community outreach through educational partnerships, supporting women in STEM.
Maggie Mutesi, Managing Editor: Mansa Media
Maggie Mutesi has over 15 years of experience in major media outlets including CNN, BBC and CNBC. Her reporting spans over 30 African countries, focusing on trade and investments. At the BBC, she managed BBC Africa’s daily live programme, Money Daily. Mutesi has also extensively covered the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement, working with the African Union and Afrochampions Initiative to enhance awareness among Africa’s private sector.
Marilia Sitoe, Subsea Engineer: Eni Rovuma Basin
Marilia Sitoe focuses on optimising Mozambique’s gas sector. Her work includes deepwater gas production and subsea infrastructure for Coral South FLNG. Sitoe’s research supports Mozambique’s economic growth and sustainability goals.
Mervin Azeta, Engineer: SLB
Mervin Azeta, a leader at SLB, has advanced from field engineer to corporate strategist. Recognised for her impact on African communities and the global industry, she is active in non-profit boards and connects young Africans with top leaders, fostering learning and inspiration.
Munolwisho Elizabeth Ipangelwa, Green Hydrogen Adviser: GIZ
Munolwisho Elizabeth Ipangelwa advocates for women in oil and gas and green hydrogen development in Namibia. She has educated more than 200 Namibians and leads green industrialisation studies to boost local industries and reduce youth unemployment.
Ozioma Agu, Partner: Stren & Blan Partners
Ozioma Agu excels in high-profile energy and infrastructure transactions. Her work includes advising on Mobil and Shell divestments and renewable projects. Agu has earned awards for her expertise in oil and gas and green hydrogen.
Pauline Murari, Contracts Manager: SLB Angola, Central and East Africa
Pauline Murari is known for her negotiation skills and leadership. She has driven growth in SLB’s regional portfolio and contributed to projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline. Murari supports STEM education and local development.
Pearl Enyam Akosua Akude, Business Line Job Delivery Lead: SLB
Pearl Enyam Akosua Akude, with over 35 wells drilled, is a leader in the energy sector. She handles complex projects, trains engineers and has contributed to innovations like TerraSphere and Net Zero Development in Africa, impacting the region’s energy landscape.
Rita Bagaine Kagoro, Talent Acquisition Manager: SLB Angola, Central and East Africa
Rita Bagaine Kagoro, a Ugandan petroleum engineer, has seven years of experience and holds degrees from China University of Petroleum and Delft University of Technology. Her roles include Measurements-and-Logging-While-Drilling engineer and drilling product engineer. Kagoro has innovated drilling technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. She is passionate about leadership, mentorship and advocating for diversity in hiring and women in energy.
Tania Silva, CEO: Angola LNG Marketing Ltd
Tânia Silva is the company’s first female and youngest CEO. She oversees LNG sales, liquids contracts and the shipping fleet. Previously, Silva was head of Non-Operated Assets at Sonangol Gás e Energias Renováveis, S.A., where she managed non-operated assets and contributed to renewable energy projects. Her career is marked by leadership and innovation in the energy sector.
Tokollo Matsabu, Women Leader in Energy & Climate Fellow: Atlantic Council
Tokollo Matsabu is a 2024 Women Leaders in Energy and Climate Fellow and director at Patlong Advisory, a consulting firm focused on energy programmes and carbon sequestration in Africa. She is pursuing an MS in Global Energy and Climate Policy at the University of London’s School of Oriental & African Studies, with a focus on critical minerals. Matsabu has a background in financial journalism and has conducted risk analyses for various stakeholders in the Global South.
