Celebrating this Year’s 20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars
As Africa's energy sector expands, the 20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars recognises innovation and leadership in the sector.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) is pleased to announce this year's 20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars, which recognise the visionaries who are influencing Africa's energy future. The 20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars represent Africa's entire energy business, from oil to natural gas and renewables, and have emerged as the sector's driving force. These women, who work for both public and private companies, have proved that their dedication to the industry extends beyond their job responsibilities, empowering people, uplifting communities, and creating long-term change in the African energy sector.
In alphabetical order:
Annie Cyrielle Okouma, Production Chemistry Engineer, SLB – Gabon
Annie Cyrielle Okouma is a Trained Chemical Engineer, working for global technology company SLB in Gabon. Since joining the company, she has advanced through the ranks, beginning as a trainee laboratory technician and field engineer and now works as a production chemical engineer.
Ashanti Kutala Mbanga, Program Manager, SANEDI – South Africa
Ashanti Kutala Mbanga, Project Manager at South African National Energy Development Institution, leads South Africa’s energy efficiency labelling program. She is the Vice-Chairperson of the Association for Females in Energy Efficiency, where she promotes women's and youth inclusion.
Carolina Ana da Graça, Business Analyst, Chevron – Angola
Angolan professional Carolina Ana da Graca, a Chevron Angola Business Analyst, holds a degree in maritime transportation. She is an award-winning researcher who is pursuing a Master's degree in transportation planning, focussing on maritime cybersecurity concerns.
Chisom Okolie, Senior Associate, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie – Nigeria
Nigerian Lawyer Chisom Okolie, Senior Associate in Energy and Finance helps global corporations on complicated transactions. As a Rising Star, she co-authors legal publications and advocates for women's advancement in corporate law.
Elisangela Neto Fernandes, Global Asset Manager: Production Systems, SLB – Angola
Angolan geologist Elisangela Neto Fernandes began working offshore as a Field Engineer in 2012. She has progressed through technical, global coordinating and leadership roles to now head Surface Production Systems in Angola and Central East Africa.
Fiona Magomere, Power System Control Engineer, Kenya Power & Lighting Company – Kenya
Kenyan Engineer Fiona Magomere, Power Systems Control Engineer at Kenya Power & Lighting Company is an advocate for sustainability and access to clean energy. She is a STEM mentor and storyteller who advocates for collaboration to help Africa achieve an inclusive energy transformation.
Hunadi Nkabonwa Mahlanyane, Acting Line Manager, Coal & Civil Department, Eskom – South Africa
Hunadi Nkabonwa Mahlanyane, a trained technician is the current Acting Line Manager in Eskom's Coal & Civil Department, South Africa's state-owned power provider. She received her electrical engineering degree from Witbank Technical College and is currently an important member of the Eskom team.
Jakobina Junias, Founding Partner & CEO, Amperra Charging Company – Namibia
Namibian Entrepreneur Jakobina Junias, CEO of Amperra Charging Company is a pioneer in sustainable EV solutions. She graduated from the University of Namibia and advocates environmental sustainability and innovation, establishing ampperra as a trusted African electric mobility brand.
Jesupelumi Ajibola, Training Business & Service Delivery Manager, SLB – Cameroon
Jesupelumi Ajibola, Training Business & Service Delivery Manager at SLB is a Petroleum Engineer with global experience. With a Master's Degree from Imperial College London, she has worked for several of West Africa's major oil businesses.
Joy Nancy Ogechi, Energy and Project Engineer, Kenya Power & Lighting Company – Kenya
Joy Nancy Ogechi, Energy and Project Engineer at Kenya Power has more than seven years of experience directing development projects. She improves healthcare, infrastructure and socioeconomic productivity through multilateral and government-funded energy projects.
Justina Erastus, Founder, Youth in Oil and Gas Summit – Namibia
Namibian Lawyer-in-training Justina Erastus, Founder of the Youth in Oil and Gas Summit advocates for youth inclusion. She enables young professionals to participate in Namibia's changing energy sector through lobbying, education, and engagement.
Kavenamuua Kgosiemang, Field Engineer, SLB – Namibia
As Field Engineer at SLB, Kavenamuua Kgosiemang oversees well development project operations, data collection and reporting. Her technical function facilitates decision-making that is important to long-term oilfield performance.
Keleadile Ruda, Founder, Women in Energy – Botswana
Keleadile Ruda of Botswana, Co-Founder of Women in Energy, is a solar PV Specialist with five years of experience. She manages projects from design to commissioning while mentoring women and adolescents in STEM.
Lydia Kapangila, Founder & CEO, Africa Youths in Energy Network – South Africa
Lydia Kapangila, Founder and CEO of Africa Youths in Energy Network is committed to collaboration, sustainable growth, and youth empowerment. She propels continental change via business acumen, advocacy, and strategic leadership.
Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, Head: Integrated Gas Ventures, Asharami Energy – Nigeria
Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, Head of Integrated Gas Ventures at Asharami Energy is a respected energy leader. She generates revenue development and champions creative business initiatives, drawing on her expertise in operations optimisation and cross-functional leadership.
Nancy Murithi, Green Growth & Climate Change Officer, Kenya Association of Manufacturers – Kenya
Nancy Murithi, Green Growth and Climate Change Officer at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers promotes energy efficiency and climate policy. She is an Award-Winning Trainer and Advisor who inspires organisations and young people all throughout Africa.
Nisia Ingles Pinto, Fluids Construction Engineer, SLB – Angola
Angolan engineer Nisia Pinto, Well Construction Fluids Engineer at SLB specialises in cementing operations. With extensive field experience, she assures drilling safety, dependability and innovation in Angola's oil hubs of Soyo and Luanda.
Ololade Olubi, Division Manager Economics, Oando Energy Resources – Nigeria
Ololade Olubi, Division Manager of Economics at Oando Energy Resources is a Petroleum Economist with over 12 years of expertise. She oversees project economics, strategy and new initiatives, influencing upstream development throughout Africa.
Rana Badi, CSR Project Lead, TotalEnergies – Libya
Rana Badi, CSR Project Lead at TotalEnergies has more than a decade of expertise in CSR, Communications and Digital Transformation. She uses her twin Master's Degrees to generate significant social investment and sustainability initiatives.
Yetunde Margret Sorinola, CFO, Egbin Power Plc – Nigeria
Yetunde Margret Sorinola, CFO of Egbin Power Plc is a governance-focused Financial Leader in power generation. She is an expert in Compliance, Risk Management, Tariff Modelling and Financial Management of capital-intensive energy projects.
''The AEC believes that these 20 women represent the future and we look forward to having many more women on the list in years to come. These women are not only recognized for their amazing careers, but for their work and commitment across their respective communities. This is a testament to what happens when women are given opportunities to lead in the industry – going beyond executing their jobs to championing communities and mentoring others to become part of the larger African energy family,'' stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.