Africa’s energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by bold innovation and a push toward sustainable solutions. At the forefront of this revolution are visionary women whose leadership is reshaping the continent’s energy landscape.
From expanding access to electricity in rural communities to pioneering clean energy technologies, these trailblazers are powering Africa’s future and inspiring a new generation of change-makers.
1. Damilola Ogunbiyi (Nigeria)
Champion of Sustainable Energy Access
Damilola Ogunbiyi serves as the CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), where she drives global efforts to achieve universal energy access. Under her stewardship, SEforALL has partnered with over 200 entities and supported more than 90 countries, mobilizing over $1.3 trillion in energy financing.
Before this global role, Ogunbiyi made history as the first female Managing Director of Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency, overseeing the $550 million Nigerian Electrification Project, which brought electricity to more than 5 million people. Her work continues to fuel progress towards affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all across Africa.
2. Priscillah Mabelane (South Africa)
Breaking Barriers in Energy Leadership
Priscillah Mabelane is a pioneering force in South Africa’s energy sector. Formerly the first woman CEO of BP Southern Africa, she now leads as Executive Vice President of Sasol’s Energy Business.
With a background in chartered accountancy and decades of industry experience, Mabelane has shattered glass ceilings in the traditionally male-dominated oil and gas industry. Her leadership is vital as South Africa navigates energy diversification and sustainability challenges in a rapidly changing market.
3. Norah Magero (Kenya)
Innovator Bridging Energy and Healthcare
Norah Magero combines engineering expertise with social impact as the CEO and co-founder of Drop Access, a company that develops solar-powered portable refrigeration solutions. Her flagship innovation, the VacciBox, is transforming healthcare delivery by enabling vaccines to be stored and transported safely to remote, off-grid areas.
Magero’s work earned her the prestigious Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, making her the first Kenyan and only the second woman globally to receive this honor. Her efforts illustrate the critical intersection of renewable energy and public health in Africa’s development.
4. Sandra Chukwudozie (Nigeria)
Advocate for Clean Energy and Energy Access
Sandra Chukwudozie is a passionate clean energy entrepreneur and advocate combating energy poverty through her company, Salpha Energy. The firm designs, manufactures, and distributes affordable solar power systems, empowering households and businesses in communities with unreliable or no access to electricity.
Her leadership has earned her a place on Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list and recognition as a Climate Future Leader by Reuters. Chukwudozie exemplifies the potential of youth-led innovation to drive sustainable change in Africa’s energy sector.
5. Linda Mabhena-Olagunju (South Africa)
Renewable Energy Pioneer and Influencer
As founder and CEO of DLO Energy Resources, Linda Mabhena-Olagunju is a trailblazer in South Africa’s renewable energy industry. Her company focuses on independent power production and sustainable energy projects that reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Beyond business, Mabhena-Olagunju serves on the University of Oxford’s International Advisory Board, contributing her expertise to energy policy and sustainable development discussions at a global level. Her work underscores the critical role of renewable energy entrepreneurs in Africa’s clean energy transition.
A New Generation of Energy Leadership
These five women represent just a glimpse of the growing influence women wield in Africa’s energy sector. Their innovative approaches, commitment to sustainability, and visionary leadership are accelerating the continent’s transition toward clean, reliable, and inclusive energy systems.
As Africa strives to meet rising energy demand and climate goals, the contributions of women like Ogunbiyi, Mabelane, Magero, Chukwudozie, and Mabhena-Olagunju will be indispensable, not only in powering economies but also in empowering communities and inspiring future leaders.
