The Women in Energy Network – Africa will hold its second annual conference in Lusaka, Zambia, from 3rd to 4th April 2025. Supported by the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), WEN-Africa is a regional platform that aims to increase female Employment in the African Energy Sector, through (i) increasing the number of women professionals in power utilities and power sector companies, (ii) increasing the number of women technical professionals in power utilities and power sector companies and (iii) Increasing the number of women in managerial positions in power utilities and power sector companies.

Women in Energy Network-Africa (WEN-Africa) is a regional platform committed to transforming Africa’s energy landscape by advancing gender equality and empowering women across the energy value chain. Established in February 2024 under the leadership of the World Bank’s Africa Gender and Energy Team, and supported by the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), WEN-Africa serves as a dynamic catalyst for change in the power and energy sectors across the continent.

We have just concluded the first two days of the 2nd Annual Women in Energy – Africa (WEN-Africa) Regional Conference in Lusaka, Zambia, and our hearts are full. These two days have not only marked milestones but also solidified WEN-Africa’s place as a transformative platform for accelerating gender equality in the continent’s energy sector.

The conference theme, “Empowering Women to Energize Africa’s Future,” has resonated deeply across sessions, panels, and every heartfelt exchange. What we witnessed in Lusaka was more than an event — it was a reaffirmation that WEN-Africa is no longer just a platform; it is a movement.

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Day 1: Groundwork and Momentum

Day 1 opened with an energizing welcome from Achim Fock (World Bank Country Manager, Zambia) and H.E. Eng. Arnold Simwaba (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Zambia), setting the tone for an impactful journey.

We saw the WEN-Africa Status Update from Ms. Fowzia Hassan, capturing progress since our launch in Kigali just over a year ago. From partner commitments to grassroots impact, it’s clear that our four pillars — hiring, retention, STEM education, and institutional change — are more than frameworks; they’re driving action.

Through thought-provoking panels, we explored real-world strategies on:

• Hiring women in energy — with insights from institutions like the Ministry of Energy (Zambia), MoWEM (Tanzania), and ERA (Uganda).
• Retention strategies — showcasing bold practices from TANESCO, NAWEC, KPLC, and WEAC.
• The school-to-work transition — where six courageous interns shared their experiences navigating early careers in energy.
• Academia’s critical role — showing how universities and professional bodies can bridge gaps between education and employment.
• Inclusive workplace policies — revealing how tailored HR strategies can uplift women’s participation and success.

The day culminated in a powerful session led by female pioneers like Eng. Peace Pasika and Ms. Kumoyo Vibetti — two remarkable leaders who shared their journeys from STEM students to founders and CEOs. Their stories reminded us all that boldness, resilience, and mentorship are the bedrock of lasting change.

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Day 2: Commitment and Celebration

Day 2 deepened our collective commitment. We learned from sister networks like RENEW MENA and Pacific Women in Power, who shared cross-regional lessons on supporting women in energy.

The Speed Mentoring session brought aspiring professionals into conversation with seasoned leaders from across Africa, offering guidance on leadership, gender barriers, networking, STEM engagement, and career development.

A defining moment followed: the WEN-Africa Charter Signing. Institutional partners came together in a ceremonial pledge to uphold gender equity, formalizing their roles as catalysts of change.

This was complemented by the MoU signing with our strategic partners — COMESA, EAPP, SAPP, SACREEE, and AFD — expanding the network’s reach and reinforcing our collective mission.

And then came the recognition: a Certification Ceremony honoring the foundational, new, and strategic partners who have stood with us since day one. These partners are not just supporters — they are co-creators of this movement.

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With Gratitude

To all our partners — institutional and strategic — thank you. Your commitment is the backbone of this network. Your actions are changing lives, not in theory, but in classrooms, boardrooms, and power stations across Africa.

To our speakers, moderators, facilitators, and interns — your stories, time, and energy have given this gathering its heart.

To our hosts in Zambia — your hospitality and leadership are deeply appreciated.

And to every participant who traveled, contributed, and engaged: thank you for your presence. Your belief in this mission continues to inspire and propel us forward.

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Looking Ahead

WEN-Africa is growing. It is inclusive, Africa-led, and rooted in action. What began as an idea has become a platform, and now, a continental movement of hope, resilience, and transformation.

We leave Lusaka not with the end of a conference, but with the beginning of many new chapters. Chapters we will write — together.

We have just concluded the first two days of the 2nd Annual Women in Energy – Africa (WEN-Africa) Regional Conference in Lusaka, Zambia, and our hearts are full. These two days have not only marked milestones but also solidified WEN-Africa’s place as a transformative platform for accelerating gender equality in the continent’s energy sector.

The conference theme, “Empowering Women to Energize Africa’s Future,” has resonated deeply across sessions, panels, and every heartfelt exchange. What we witnessed in Lusaka was more than an event — it was a reaffirmation that WEN-Africa is no longer just a platform; it is a movement.

---

Day 1: Groundwork and Momentum

Day 1 opened with an energizing welcome from Achim Fock (World Bank Country Manager, Zambia) and H.E. Eng. Arnold Simwaba (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Zambia), setting the tone for an impactful journey.

We saw the WEN-Africa Status Update from Ms. Fowzia Hassan, capturing progress since our launch in Kigali just over a year ago. From partner commitments to grassroots impact, it’s clear that our four pillars — hiring, retention, STEM education, and institutional change — are more than frameworks; they’re driving action.

Through thought-provoking panels, we explored real-world strategies on:

• Hiring women in energy — with insights from institutions like the Ministry of Energy (Zambia), MoWEM (Tanzania), and ERA (Uganda).
• Retention strategies — showcasing bold practices from TANESCO, NAWEC, KPLC, and WEAC.
• The school-to-work transition — where six courageous interns shared their experiences navigating early careers in energy.
• Academia’s critical role — showing how universities and professional bodies can bridge gaps between education and employment.
• Inclusive workplace policies — revealing how tailored HR strategies can uplift women’s participation and success.

The day culminated in a powerful session led by female pioneers like Eng. Peace Pasika and Ms. Kumoyo Vibetti — two remarkable leaders who shared their journeys from STEM students to founders and CEOs. Their stories reminded us all that boldness, resilience, and mentorship are the bedrock of lasting change.

---

Day 2: Commitment and Celebration

Day 2 deepened our collective commitment. We learned from sister networks like RENEW MENA and Pacific Women in Power, who shared cross-regional lessons on supporting women in energy.

The Speed Mentoring session brought aspiring professionals into conversation with seasoned leaders from across Africa, offering guidance on leadership, gender barriers, networking, STEM engagement, and career development.

A defining moment followed: the WEN-Africa Charter Signing. Institutional partners came together in a ceremonial pledge to uphold gender equity, formalizing their roles as catalysts of change.

This was complemented by the MoU signing with our strategic partners — COMESA, EAPP, SAPP, SACREEE, and AFD — expanding the network’s reach and reinforcing our collective mission.

And then came the recognition: a Certification Ceremony honoring the foundational, new, and strategic partners who have stood with us since day one. These partners are not just supporters — they are co-creators of this movement.

---

With Gratitude

To all our partners — institutional and strategic — thank you. Your commitment is the backbone of this network. Your actions are changing lives, not in theory, but in classrooms, boardrooms, and power stations across Africa.

To our speakers, moderators, facilitators, and interns — your stories, time, and energy have given this gathering its heart.

To our hosts in Zambia — your hospitality and leadership are deeply appreciated.

And to every participant who traveled, contributed, and engaged: thank you for your presence. Your belief in this mission continues to inspire and propel us forward.

---

Looking Ahead

WEN-Africa is growing. It is inclusive, Africa-led, and rooted in action. What began as an idea has become a platform, and now, a continental movement of hope, resilience, and transformation.

We leave Lusaka not with the end of a conference, but with the beginning of many new chapters. Chapters we will write — together.

International Women’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar. At WEN-Africa, we believe that every day is Women’s Day—because empowering women in the energy sector is not a one-day initiative but an ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and progress.

The world stands at a critical juncture where energy access, climate action, and gender equality must go hand in hand. Women’s participation in the energy sector is not just about representation—it’s about resilience, innovation, and sustainable impact.

As we mark this day, we celebrate the extraordinary work being done across global networks, from the World Bank to WEN-Africa, WeSEE, WePOWER, RENEW MENA, and beyond. Together, we are driving a future where women don’t just have a seat at the table—they lead the conversation.

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The World Bank’s Commitment to Women’s Empowerment in Energy

The World Bank has been at the forefront of championing gender equality in energy, recognizing that access to clean and affordable energy is a human right and an economic accelerator. Through its initiatives, the Bank is breaking barriers that prevent women from entering and excelling in the energy sector.

• Gender and Energy Programs: The World Bank has launched various gender-focused energy initiatives that support women as entrepreneurs, technicians, and decision-makers. Programs like the Energy2Equal Initiative and WePOWER (Women’s Energy Program in South Asia) are designed to create more job opportunities, mentorship, and leadership pathways for women.
• Capacity Building & Leadership: The World Bank works with governments, utilities, and private sector partners to ensure that women receive training in technical roles, access to finance, and inclusion in policymaking.
• Expanding Access: Electrification programs in rural areas often prioritize women-led businesses, recognizing that energy access is a key driver of economic independence for women.

Through these efforts, the World Bank is not just supporting women—it is transforming the energy landscape to make it more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.

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WEN-Africa: A Growing Force for Women in Energy

At Women in Energy Network Africa (WEN-Africa), we are dedicated to creating a thriving ecosystem where women in the energy sector are empowered, connected, and uplifted. Our mission is simple: amplify the voices of African women in energy, drive policy advocacy, and open doors to opportunities.

What We Do

✔ Mentorship & Leadership Development: We connect young professionals with seasoned leaders in the energy industry to nurture the next generation of women leaders.

✔ Capacity Building & Training: Through workshops, webinars, and technical training programs, we equip women with the skills they need to thrive.

✔ Advocacy & Policy Engagement: We work with policymakers and industry leaders to ensure that gender diversity is not just encouraged but institutionalized in the energy sector.

✔ Networking & Collaboration: We foster partnerships with organizations like WePOWER, WeSEE, RENEW MENA, and other global networks to create synergies and amplify impact.

WEN-Africa is not just about women—it is about transformation. We believe that when women lead in energy, communities flourish, economies grow, and the entire world benefits.

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The Strength of Our Partner Networks

The fight for gender equality in energy is a global movement, and we are proud to collaborate with networks that share our vision.

WePOWER (South Asia) – A World Bank initiative that focuses on increasing female participation in South Asia’s energy sector through networking, skill-building, and job placement programs.

WeSEE (Women in Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship) – A platform that supports female entrepreneurs in clean energy across developing regions, ensuring that women are at the forefront of the green energy transition.

RENEW MENA (Middle East & North Africa) – A regional initiative focused on accelerating women’s leadership in the energy transition across the MENA region, breaking cultural and structural barriers to inclusion.

These networks, along with WEN-Africa, form a powerful coalition that is driving real change across ECA, Africa, South Asia, and the MENA region.

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Beyond One Day: The Future is Female in Energy

As we reflect on the theme of International Women’s Day, let’s recognize that progress doesn’t happen in a single moment—it is built every day.

• Every time a woman is trained as an engineer, technician, or policymaker, we move a step forward.
• Every time a young girl sees a female CEO leading an energy company, we shatter stereotypes.
• Every time a network like WEN-Africa, WePOWER, or RENEW MENA comes together, we create a force too strong to ignore.

We don’t need one day to celebrate women in energy. We need commitment, action, and sustained support to ensure that women are not just part of the industry but leading it.

To all the women breaking barriers, building businesses, and driving sustainability—this is your time. Every day is Women’s Day. Let’s keep the momentum going.

Achieving gender equality in the energy sector is more than an aspiration—it's a necessity. Recognizing this, the WEN-Africa Network embarked on a transformative journey in 2024 to address the critical gaps in capacity, knowledge sharing, and learning opportunities within member countries. These efforts culminated in the first-ever Training of Trainers (ToT) program: Introduction to Gender Equality in the Energy Sector.

Building Capacity to Bridge Gaps

Earlier in 2024, WEN-Africa conducted a capacity needs assessment to identify the challenges and opportunities in gender equality and energy integration. This assessment informed a robust capacity development plan, designed to:

• Enhance managerial and technical skills.
• Equip energy professionals with tools to address gender inequalities at project and institutional levels.

A Milestone Training Program

In November 2024, WEN-Africa successfully launched its ToT sessions in both English and French, tailored for staff from energy-related public and private institutions. The overarching goal was to empower participants to replicate similar training within their institutions and beyond. Topics covered included:

• The root causes of gender inequality in the energy sector.
• Challenges in addressing gender disparities.
• Tools for gender assessments at the project and institutional levels.

The numbers speak for themselves: 77 participants joined the English sessions, and 43 participants attended the French sessions, with a majority being women.

The Impact at a Glance

The results were nothing short of inspiring:

• Knowledge Growth: Pre- and post-training assessments demonstrated significant improvements across all topics covered.
• Relevance: Over 80% of participants rated the training content as “very relevant” or “relevant.”
• Satisfaction: The training received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 92% of attendees rating it as “excellent” or “exceptional.”
• Facilitation Excellence: More than 90% praised the trainers' ability to communicate concepts effectively, supported by high-quality materials and engaging presentation styles.

Looking Ahead: Sustainability Through Mentorship

WEN-Africa’s commitment doesn’t end here. The network plans to build on this success with follow-up coaching and mentorship sessions. These will delve deeper into critical topics such as:

• Entry points for promoting gender equality in energy sector operations.
• Gender analysis and its practical applications.
• Organizational gender assessments for energy-related institutions.

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This groundbreaking initiative is a testament to WEN-Africa's mission to empower professionals, particularly women, to champion gender equality in the energy sector. By equipping participants with knowledge and tools, the network is paving the way for lasting change across the continent.

Let's continue the conversation! Share your thoughts on integrating gender equality into the energy sector below.

WEN-Africa is inviting new partners to join our mission of increasing female employment, leadership, and STEM engagement in the African energy sector!

We are excited to announce the launch of the Regional Network of Women in the Energy Sector in the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP)! This network is a transformative initiative that brings together women professionals, organizations, and stakeholders to drive gender equality, professional development, and leadership opportunities in Africa’s energy sector.

We are excited to announce the launch of the Regional Network of Women in the Energy Sector in the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP)! This network is a transformative initiative that brings together women professionals, organizations, and stakeholders to drive gender equality, professional development, and leadership opportunities in Africa’s energy sector.