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.

We are thrilled to share the latest publication by the Africa Gender and Energy Team, in collaboration with ESMAP, which highlights the critical intersection of gender, social inclusion, and energy access in the borderlands of the Horn of Africa (HoA).

Despite being one of the fastest-growing regions in Africa, the HoA faces stark inequalities in energy access, particularly in remote and borderland communities. Women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are among the most vulnerable, facing limited access to clean and affordable modern energy services.

Capacity development, learning, and knowledge sharing are essential to achieving gender equality in the energy sectors of WEN-Africa member countries. Providing these opportunities to network members is a cornerstone of WEN-Africa’s strategy to help partners address gender disparities and mitigate the risks of gender inequality arising from energy-related
interventions.

In February 2024, the World Bank supported the launch of WEN-Africa, aiming to address the gender gap in Africa's energy sector. This initiative provides a platform for advocacy, knowledge sharing, networking, and capacity building among key energy stakeholders in the region.

The WEN-Africa Network recognizes the critical need for collective action to advance gender equality within the energy sector. By leveraging the power of networks to influence public policies, share knowledge, and create communities of practice, WEN-Africa has prioritized the continuous development of its members’ capacities.

Empowering women in the African energy sector is no longer an option—it is a necessity. WEN-Africa, with the support of the World Bank, embarked on this journey in February 2024, launching a groundbreaking initiative to close the gender gap and create lasting impact. The initiative provides a platform for advocacy, knowledge-sharing, networking, and capacity development among energy stakeholders across the continent.

The Vision of WEN-Africa

WEN-Africa aims to increase the participation of women in the energy sector, focusing on technical and leadership roles in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The foundation of this initiative is built upon four pivotal pillars:

1. Hiring More Women: Creating awareness and opportunities to bridge the gender gap in energy sector employment.
2. Professional Development and Retention: Supporting women's career growth while fostering inclusive workplace environments.
3. Strengthening STEM Education for Girls: Encouraging young girls to pursue STEM fields.
4. Advocating Policy and Institutional Change: Driving systemic changes to promote gender inclusivity in education and professional sectors.

Capacity Challenges Unveiled

A consultation during the network’s launch revealed critical capacity-related challenges hindering progress. To address these, WEN-Africa conducted a capacity needs assessment, focusing on individual, organizational, and sector-wide challenges. Key findings included:

1. Weak Political and Policy Environment

While energy policies often reference women, their roles are primarily seen as beneficiaries rather than active stakeholders. Issues like women's physical security and health are frequently overlooked. Only a few countries, such as Rwanda and Tanzania, have gender-inclusive energy sector frameworks. Many nations face challenges in implementing existing policies due to weak accountability mechanisms.

2. Limited Individual Capacities in Male-Dominated Organizations

• Only 71% of organizations have a monitored gender policy; 21% lack one entirely.
• Gender-based violence policies are absent in nearly half of public institutions and most private and non-profit organizations.
• Women are underrepresented as full-time employees and predominantly occupy part-time or volunteer roles.
• Training opportunities are scarce; 75% of participants had not received any training in the past two years.

3. Financial Constraints

The financial sustainability of organizations remains a pressing issue. Over half of them are aid-dependent, with limited resources for long-term initiatives.
The Road Ahead: A Three-Year Plan

WEN-Africa is committed to addressing these challenges through a comprehensive capacity development plan:

• Policy Reform and Implementation: Strengthen legal and organizational frameworks to ensure gender inclusivity.
• Increased Participation: Support women in entering and excelling in the energy sector.
• Capacity-Building Initiatives: Focus on skill development in the following areas:Management and leadershipTechnical energy-related skills (renewable energy, rural electrification, and power generation)Gender-responsive planning, budgeting, and evaluationAnalysis of sex-disaggregated data

Together, We Can Shape the Future

WEN-Africa's mission transcends the energy sector; it’s about empowering a new generation of women leaders, fostering inclusive policies, and reshaping the energy landscape in Africa. Every stakeholder, from governments to private organizations, must collaborate to achieve this shared vision.

Join us in driving this change. Share your thoughts, collaborate, and be part of the movement to build a gender-inclusive energy sector in Africa

In the rapidly evolving global energy landscape, partnerships are more than just collaborative endeavors—they are catalysts for meaningful change. At WEN-Africa (Women in Energy Africa), we believe that forging strong, strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations is not only essential for achieving our vision but also for creating a ripple effect that transforms the energy sector across Africa.

Why Partnerships Matter

Partnerships allow us to pool resources, share expertise, and amplify impact. By working together with organizations across public, private, and non-profit sectors, WEN-Africa is better positioned to address complex challenges in the energy sector, such as gender inequality, lack of access to sustainable energy solutions, and the need for robust capacity building.

Collaboration brings diverse perspectives to the table. For example, when we partner with educational institutions, we tap into cutting-edge research and innovation that can be applied to real-world energy challenges. Similarly, alliances with industry leaders enable us to channel resources into initiatives that empower women professionals and entrepreneurs in the energy sector.

Recent Partnerships: A Glimpse into Collaborative Success

WEN-Africa has proudly partnered with organizations such as TANESCO, Karpowership, and World Bank initiatives, among others. Each partnership has been unique in its goals, but all have shared a common purpose: to drive transformative progress for women in energy.

1. TANESCO Sponsorship of Women Accountants TANESCO’s sponsorship of the Tanzania Association of Women Certified Accountants is a testament to how partnerships can drive progress in niche areas of energy-related professions. This initiative provides women with the tools and platforms they need to excel in the accounting and finance sectors, which are critical for managing energy resources effectively.
2. Karpowership’s Commitment to Workforce Diversity Our collaboration with Karpowership focuses on increasing female representation in Africa's energy workforce. This partnership is an excellent example of how private-sector entities can leverage their influence to break gender barriers and build inclusive energy systems.
3. World Bank and Regional Engagements Through our partnership with the World Bank, we’ve engaged in numerous capacity-building projects, particularly in Western and Central Africa. These efforts highlight how global institutions can play a pivotal role in fostering local expertise while addressing universal challenges like climate change and energy equity.

The Strength of a Network

Partnerships do not just strengthen WEN-Africa—they strengthen our entire network of members, supporters, and beneficiaries. With each new collaboration, we create opportunities for women in energy to:

• Access professional training and certification programs
• Engage with mentorship opportunities led by global leaders in energy
• Expand their professional networks across Africa and beyond
• Showcase their talents on regional and international platforms

These outcomes are especially critical in a sector where women have traditionally been underrepresented. By creating a supportive ecosystem, we enable our members to not only participate in the energy transition but to lead it.

A Vision for the Future

As we look ahead, WEN-Africa remains committed to broadening its partnerships and exploring new avenues for collaboration. Whether it’s through joint training programs, co-hosted events, or research initiatives, we aim to continue building bridges that connect the brightest minds and the most innovative organizations in the energy sector.

Our vision is clear: a thriving, inclusive energy ecosystem where women are not just participants but key drivers of change. This vision cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires the collective efforts of governments, businesses, academic institutions, and civil society organizations.

How You Can Get Involved

We invite organizations that share our mission to join us on this journey. By partnering with WEN-Africa, you can contribute to initiatives that create lasting impact while gaining access to a dynamic network of professionals, innovators, and thought leaders.

Together, we can:

• Develop scalable solutions for energy access and sustainability
• Empower women entrepreneurs to lead clean energy businesses
• Create gender-inclusive policies that shape the future of the energy sector

Closing Thoughts

At WEN-Africa, we know that partnerships are not just about collaboration—they are about transformation. They are about combining strengths, overcoming challenges, and building a sustainable future for all.

As we continue to forge alliances and strengthen our network, we remain deeply grateful to our partners for their support and shared vision. Together, we are proving that when women are empowered, the entire energy sector thrives.

Let’s continue to work together to light up Africa, one partnership at a time.