A Call for Women’s Leadership in Energy
The Secretary of State for Mineral Resources, Jânio Correa Victor, inaugurated the summit with a call to action for women to lead transformative projects in the energy sector. Representing the Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, he emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to fostering platforms like this summit to share insights and identify talent.
Victor praised the efforts of the Muhatu Energia Angola Network, a two-year-old initiative supporting women in petroleum, as a vital step toward achieving gender equality in the sector. He highlighted the alignment of its work with Angola’s National Development Plan 2023–2027 and Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 on gender equality. “Our responsibility is to ensure the sustainable and inclusive advancement of the sector,” he remarked, calling on women to innovate and lead Angola toward a brighter, more inclusive future.
“The Power to Inspire” – Advocating Diversity
A central panel discussion, The Power to Inspire, moderated by Sonangol board member Olga Sabalo, featured industry leaders Natacha Massano, Katrina Fisher, and Nina Koch. Addressing the enduring question of gender roles in the workplace, the panelists unanimously affirmed women’s equal capability in every field.
“We must embrace the power of diversity,” said Katrina Fisher, General Manager of ExxonMobil Angola. She stressed the importance of creating opportunities, fostering courage, and building networks to support women at all stages of their careers. Founder of Muhatu Energy Angola, Natacha Massano, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that inclusion begins with women empowering one another. “Equity diminishes at management levels, so we must lift each other up to bridge this gap,” she asserted.
The discussion also underscored the need for women to take risks and step into leadership roles. “It’s about being bold and saying yes to opportunities, even in uncomfortable spaces,” added Nina Koch, Vice President of Equinor Africa. Together, the panelists championed a collaborative approach, urging men and women to work together toward an inclusive future where diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress.
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Women as Agents of Transformation
The Angolan Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, highlighted women’s vital contributions to transforming the oil and gas industry. “Your talent, vision, and resilience are fundamental in shaping a sustainable and innovative future for this industry,” he said, reiterating that promoting inclusion is not just equitable but also a smart business strategy.
Minister of the Environment, Ana Paula de Carvalho, further emphasized the value Angola places on women’s leadership. Highlighting their success in public and private roles, she encouraged women to seize the opportunities available and excel. “Being a woman is an advantage, but competence and effort are essential to meet the challenges we face,” she affirmed.
A Future of Equality and Innovation
The summit showcased Angola’s commitment to positioning women at the forefront of its energy sector, not just as participants but as leaders driving progress. From the Secretary of State’s call for innovative projects to the panelists’ shared strategies for inclusion, the message was clear: gender equality is a cornerstone for Angola’s development.
As Minister Azevedo concluded, “If this world were led by more women, we would possibly have more peace.” The Forbes Africa Lusophone Annual Summit 2024 was not only a celebration of women’s achievements but also a rallying cry for greater diversity, equity, and innovation in shaping Angola’s—and the world’s—energy future.
Promoting Women’s Leadership in Angola’s Oil Sector: Muhatu Energy Angola’s Mission
Muhatu Energy Angola (MEA) was created two years ago to enhance career opportunities and leadership development for women in Angola’s oil sector, where women make up only 22% of the workforce and just 5% hold leadership positions. The initiative focuses on providing training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities, with programs aimed at increasing the number of women in the sector. Key projects include mentorship and internship programs like ASSEA Ubuntu, which has had a positive impact on youth training. MEA also works to raise awareness of the underutilized female talent in the industry. The platform has been pivotal in fostering connections, such as university workshops, where seasoned professionals share their experiences. Nicola Mvuayi, president of MEA’s Management Commission, emphasized that while challenges remain, the progress over the past two years is promising, with opportunities growing through energy transition and diversification. She stressed the importance of meritocracy, skill development, and preparing women to compete in the competitive oil sector.
Reporting by: : Nelson Rodrigues, Rita Meireles and Pedro Mbinza
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