In the age of the energy transition, major oil and gas producers are turning to innovative solutions to lower emissions while accelerating operational efficiency. Advancements in gas monetization, the integration of renewable power systems and aligned policies continue to streamline these efforts. However, new levels of innovation are required to ensure Africa is capable of meeting its energy and climate goals.

Women are at the forefront of innovation, with women-led organizations and networks pioneering collaboration and low-carbon solutions. Women are also at the forefront of the largest energy event on the continent: African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy – taking place November 4-8 in Cape Town. Organized under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030, the event commits to driving investment across the entire African energy sector and its value chain, promoting energy as a catalyst for economic prosperity.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.aecweek.com for more information about this exciting event.

On the back of new discoveries made in Namibia, Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe as well as fresh investments made in producing markets such as Angola, Libya and the Republic of the Congo, Africa’s oil and gas industry is on track for rapid growth. Facilitating this development are the continent’s NOCs, who have transformed themselves into competitive upstream players. Women-led NOCs have shown resilience and a forward-looking approach to energy development, evident through the various projects and collaborations in place. During AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, women in NOC and regulatory leadership positions will share insight into projects, investment opportunities and areas for collaboration. Speakers include:

• Gadibolae Dihlabi, Managing Director of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of South Africa
• Fatoumata Sanogo, CEO, Petroci
• Marilyn Logan, Director General of the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority
• Proscovia Nabbanje, CEO of the Uganda National Oil Company
• Teresa Isabel Nnang Avomo, Managing Director of GEPetrol
• Cany Jobe, Director of Exploration and Production, Gambia National Petroleum Corporation

To alleviate energy poverty, African countries are attracting investment in exploration in a bid to bolster production. From seismic acquisition to frontier drilling to well appraisal and development, companies from across the regional and global landscape are making great strides towards maximizing Africa’s oil and gas resources. During AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, women representing IOCs and independent oil and gas companies will discuss investment plans, collaborative developments and strategies for fast-tracking projects. Speakers include:

• Anabela Marcos, CEO, SONILS Angola
• Anastasia Deulina, CFO of Afentra
• Katrina Fisher, Lead Country Manager/Managing Director, ExxonMobil
• Khady Ndiaye, VP and Country Manager, Kosmos Energy
• Liz Schwarze, Vice President, Global Exploration, Chevron
• Marica Calabrese, Managing Director & General Manager of Eni Rovuma Basin: Mozambique
• Nikki Martin, President & CEO, EnerGeo Alliance
• Nokwanda Khumalo, General Manager: Mobility & Convenience, bp Southern Africa
• Taelo Mojapelo, CEO of bp South Africa

Women are bringing newfound innovation to the legal, global intelligence and finance industries, facilitating M&A activity in Africa, supporting deals and advancing projects. From offering data-driven insights and market information to supporting transactions and contracts to providing capital, logistics and consultancy support, institutions from across the world continue to play a major part in driving investment and development in African energy. During AEW: Invest in African Energy, women representing such institutions will unpack strategies for accelerating projects and inclusive growth. Speakers include:

• Analene Enslin, Upstream Strategy Lead, Africa, S&P Global Commodity Insight
• Ismini Katsimpardi, Technical Researcher and Analysis Lead - Upstream Asset Valuation/ Africa, S&P Global Commodity Insight
• Jennifer Riveiro Ilende, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Ilende and Partners
• Laura Sima, Upstream Strategy Director, S&P Global Commodity Insights
• Silvia Macri, Associate Director, Africa and Middle East, S&P Global Commodity Insight
• Taiwo Okwor, Vice President, Africa Finance Corporation
• Yadviga Semikolenova, Energy Practice Manager, The World Bank
• Grace Orife, Adelaar Energy Limited CEO
• Susan D. Maples, Partner at New York-based firm Curtis,Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle
• Oneyka Cindy Ojogbo, Partner, Centurion Law Group
• Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, CEO, Rich Africa Consulting
• Atong Amos,Founder and CEO, Triple A Services & Petroleum

“We cannot talk about Africa’s energy future without recognizing the central role women have and will continue to play in the industry. Leaving women out of the discussion about Africa’s energy future will not only perpetuate inequality but prevent any meaningful progress being made to make energy poverty history by 2030. Women bring innovation, determination and the skills and leadership that the continent needs to drive long-term and sustainable growth,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

During AEW: Invest in African Energy, a Transformative Impact of Women in Energy forum will not only showcase leading women voices in the sector but provide a platform for strengthened engagement and collaboration among industry stakeholders. Hosted by the African Women Business Energy Network on November 7, the forum will drive collective change by positioning women at the center of dialogue and deals.