Across the continent, a new generation of female executives is redefining Africa’s energy future. Their leadership spans national policy, renewable investment, community innovation, and global sustainability advocacy. Together, they are reshaping how power is generated, accessed, and governed, driving progress for millions while strengthening Africa’s position in the global clean-energy transition.
1. Leila Benali — Minister of Energy Transition, Morocco (North Africa)
Leila Benali is one of North Africa’s most influential energy reformers. As Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, she plays a central role in steering the country’s green-hydrogen roadmap and its long-term renewable power strategy. With a distinguished career in global energy economics, Benali has strengthened Morocco’s reputation as a continental leader in clean energy and climate-aligned industrial development.
2. Damilola Ogunbiyi — CEO, Sustainable Energy for All (Nigeria, West Africa)
Damilola Ogunbiyi holds one of the most high-impact roles in global energy advocacy. As CEO of Sustainable Energy for All and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, she drives international efforts toward universal clean-energy access. Her earlier leadership of Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency delivered major off-grid expansion and large-scale solar investments. Ogunbiyi continues to shape global commitments toward affordable, reliable power for vulnerable communities.
3. Norah Magero — Co-founder & CEO, Drop Access (Kenya, East Africa)
Norah Magero is a rising innovator whose work blends engineering, healthcare, and clean energy. Through Drop Access, she developed the VacciBox, a portable solar-powered refrigerator enabling safe vaccine transport in remote regions. Her solutions strengthen last-mile health systems while promoting community-driven energy adoption. Magero’s ingenuity has earned her international recognition as one of East Africa’s most promising sustainability entrepreneurs.
4. Linda Mabhena-Olagunju — Founder & CEO, DLO Energy Resources Group (South Africa, Southern Africa)
Linda Mabhena-Olagunju leads one of South Africa’s pioneering renewable-energy companies. DLO Energy Resources Group has been instrumental in developing large-scale solar and wind projects that support the country’s transition toward cleaner power. Her commitment to ethical leadership and inclusivity has helped open pathways for women in energy entrepreneurship, demonstrating how renewable investment can balance environmental and commercial impact.
5. Rekik Bekele — Founder & CEO, Green Scene Energy (Ethiopia, Central Africa)
Rekik Bekele is advancing Ethiopia’s off-grid energy access through community-focused solar solutions. Green Scene Energy supplies affordable solar products designed for rural households, helping reduce energy poverty and increasing local economic participation. Her emphasis on local manufacturing and training strengthens Ethiopia’s renewable-energy ecosystem and positions her as a key figure in the region’s sustainable-development agenda.
Methodology
This feature highlights five female leaders shaping Africa’s clean-energy landscape between 2021 and 2025. Selection criteria included verified executive authority, measurable contributions to renewable expansion or energy-access initiatives, and continental representation across Africa’s regions. Information was sourced from government profiles, organizational reports, and reliable industry publications to ensure accuracy and relevance.
