A Movement in Motion: Reflecting on the Power and Promise of WEN-Africa – Day 1 & 2 Recap
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.
Blog » A Movement in Motion: Reflecting on the Power and Promise of WEN-Africa – Day 1 & 2 Recap
A Movement in Motion: Reflecting on the Power and Promise of WEN-Africa – Day 1 & 2 Recap
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:
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.