Women in Energy Conference Series: towards an inclusive energy sector

The Graça Machel Trust (GMT), in partnership with Sasol-Mozambique and the Foundation for Community Development / Fundação para o Desenvolvimento da Comunidade (FDC), launched during this month of May, the Women in Energy Conference Series under the theme “Laying the Foundation for an enabling environment for Women in Energy”.

The Conference will bring together key stakeholders from Africa’s Energy and Power market to deliver curated content on developments in Mozambique and Africa’s energy and power sector. It will also explore women’s contributions in the energy field and invite stakeholders to support the conference series, recommend solutions to the identified barriers towards an inclusive energy and power sector.

“Mozambique is about to become a major energy hub in Southern Africa, with a range of ambitious projects planned to meet the region’s growing energy demand. To ensure that this development is inclusive, it is vital to guarantee that women, youth, and people with disabilities are given access to the sector as entrepreneurs, professionals, service providers, and investors. Sasol’s support for the GMT Energy Conference Series will help turn this into a reality, creating a more diverse and equitable energy system for the region”, stated Graça Machel, Founder.

The GMT Energy Conference will be held annually in March, whilst International Women’s Day (March 8th), with the first edition scheduled for March 2024.

The annual conferences will discuss and determine solutions around six thematic areas: access to markets, finance, technology, skills development, network, and credible market information. This initiative seeks to ensure inclusion and transparency in the energy sector in the region.

Speakers for the inaugural Conference include Mrs Graça Machel, Founder of the Graça Machel Trust and FDC, Minister Carlos Zacarias of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy (MIREME) for Mozambique, Ms Priscillah Mabelane, Executive Vice President of Sasol, Diogo Milagre Executive Board Member of FDC, as well as experts from key economic sectors including energy, finance, and women entrepreneurs.

Market access is a critical challenge for women in the energy sector, who often face significant barriers. Through the Women in Energy Conferences Series, participants will be able to identify and address difficulties and create a playing field for women entrepreneurs and investors.

Additionally, by focusing on access to finance, technology, and skills, the conference will help to build women’s capacity, enabling them to compete more effectively in the energy sector and contribute to developing inclusive energy systems in Africa.

“The conferences will be tailored to empower women to make informed decisions regarding the energy sector. Participants can choose from different areas, access credible market information, and align themselves with relevant spokesperson in the energy ecosystem. By attending these conferences, women are contributing to participate effectively and sustainably in the energy sector”, stated Shiphra Chisha, GMT Director of programmes.

About the Graça Machel Trust

The Graça Machel Trust is an organisation that works across the continent to drive positive change across women’s and children’s rights, governance, and leadership. Through their support of local initiatives and connecting key stakeholders at a regional, national and sub-national level, they help catalyse action where needed. By using their convening power, the Trust seeks to amplify the voices of women and children in Africa, influence governance, and promote women’s contributions and leadership in Africa’s economic, social and political development.

For more, please visit: www.gracamacheltrust.org