As Africa’s leading investment platform for the energy sector, Energy Capital & Power (ECP) has long-been an advocate for energy development as a tool for job creation, capacity building and economic empowerment, particularly for women and youth. The company organizes dedicated networking functions and panel sessions targeting enhanced gender diversity and inclusion at conferences in South Africa, South Sudan, Angola, Libya and the MSGBC region.
In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, ECP spoke with Co-Founder and Chairperson Kelly-Ann Mealia on strategies for eliminating barriers to entry and promoting women into leadership roles in the energy industry, as well as opportunities for women to drive new innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and STEM-related industries.
Given that ECP operates in a traditionally male-dominated sector, what strategies have you employed to establish your leadership and overcome gender-related challenges in the energy industry?
Over the years, I have been very intentional about how I lead the business and who I hire. As Chairperson, I try to stay true to my values and beliefs. I believe that you can be a leader and be kind yet firm; understanding yet forthright. I use my intuition and I use data to reach business decisions. When it comes to hiring, I hire women and I hire women who are mothers. If you want more women in your organization, then you must hire them! Gender-related challenges don’t magically resolve; there have been systems in places for centuries that we are undoing step by step.
What steps can be taken to encourage more women to pursue careers in energy, and how can existing barriers to entry be dismantled?
Women have been knocking on the doors of the rooms where the key decisions have been made. Inside of the room, there needs to be a commitment to welcoming women into the room. The burden cannot be placed on women alone to enter into those positions. It is imperative to look at hiring committees, career development, caring responsibility policies and mentoring within organizations in the energy sector. In 2024, storytelling has become a key way we exchange information; especially on social media. Women working in the energy sector need to speak loudly and proudly about their experiences working in energy to highlight opportunities, best practice and thought leadership. It is important that young women see themselves represented in sectors – being visible and also telling your story is key to this.
How do you see AI shaping the future of the energy industry, and what opportunities are there for women to contribute to and benefit from AI-driven innovations in energy?
AI is learning from the dataset available. If this dataset is skewed through a Western-centric, male-dominated lens, then there will be minimal benefit to women, let alone women in Africa. I encourage women to be entering all STEM-related industries – especially data science and AI – because their presence and contribution helps to develop AI for the benefit of many, and not just the few. Organizations like The Good AI are doing great work in Africa and globally to ensure that AI benefits our economies.
What advice do you have for women looking to build strong professional networks in the energy industry?
LinkedIn is a phenomenal place to build professional networks. Sharing your thought leadership, achievements and insights while growing your following is fantastic for career development and even speaking engagements. I’d also highly recommend Energy Capital & Power events like Angola Oil & Gas, where we host dedicated women’s networking sessions.
Energy Capital & Power’s Women in Energy series celebrates the women shaping the future of the African energy sector. From projects to companies to programs and community development, the Women in Energy series underscores the integral role women play in developing the sector. Visit www.energycapitalpower.com and keep up-to-date with our social media channels for daily content.
