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Celebrating this Year’s 20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars

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energy

As Africa’s energy sector continue to grow, the 20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars celebrates innovation and leadership across the sector

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 12, 2025/APO Group/ –The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) proudly announces this year’s 20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars, celebrating the visionaries shaping Africa’s energy future. The 20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars represent the full spectrum of the energy industry across Africa – from oil to natural gas and renewables – and have emerged as the drivers of the African energy sector. Representing both public and private companies, these women have demonstrated that their commitment to the industry goes beyond their job scope, to empower others, uplift communities and create lasting change across the African energy sector.

In alphabetical order:

Annie Cyrielle Okouma, Production Chemistry Engineer, SLB – Gabon

Annie Cyrielle Okouma is a trained chemical engineer, working for global technology company SLB in Gabon. Since joining the company, she rose the ranks, starting as a trainee laboratory technician and field engineer and now working as a production chemistry engineer.

Ashanti Kutala Mbanga, Program Manager, SANEDI – South Africa

Ashanti Kutala Mbanga, Project Manager at South African National Energy Development Institution, leads South Africa’s energy efficiency labelling program. She advocates for women and youth inclusion, serving as Vice-Chairperson of the Association for Females in Energy Efficiency.

Carolina Ana da Graça, Business Analyst, Chevron – Angola

Angolan professional Carolina Ana da Graca, a Chevron Angola Business Analyst, holds a degree in maritime transportation. An award-winning researcher, she is pursuing a master’s in transportation planning, specializing in maritime cybersecurity challenges.

Chisom Okolie, Senior Associate, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie – Nigeria

Nigerian lawyer Chisom Okolie, Senior Associate in energy and finance, advises multinational clients on complex transactions. Recognized as a Rising Star, she co-authors legal publications and champions women’s advancement in business law.

Elisangela Neto Fernandes, Global Asset Manager: Production Systems, SLB – Angola

Angolan geologist Elisangela Neto Fernandes began offshore as a Field Engineer in 2012. Rising through technical, global coordination and leadership roles, she now manages Surface Production Systems across Angola and Central East Africa.

Fiona Magomere, Power System Control Engineer, Kenya Power & Lighting Company – Kenya

Kenyan engineer Fiona Magomere, Power Systems Control Engineer at Kenya Power & Lighting Company, champions sustainability and clean energy access. A STEM mentor and storyteller, she advocates for collaboration to advance Africa’s inclusive energy transition.

Hunadi Nkabonwa Mahlanyane, Acting Line Manager, Coal & Civil Department, Eskom – South Africa

A trained technician, Hunadi Nkabonwa Mahlanyane is currently the Acting Line Manager in the Coal & Civil Department at South Africa’s state-owned power utility Eskom. Having studied electrical engineering at Witbank Technical College, she now plays a central role within Eskom.

Jakobina Junias, Founding Partner & CEO, Amperra Charging Company – Namibia

Namibian entrepreneur Jakobina Junias, CEO of Amperra Charging Company, pioneers sustainable EV solutions. A University of Namibia graduate, she champions environmental sustainability and innovation, positioning ampperra as a trusted African electric mobility brand.

Jesupelumi Ajibola, Training Business & Service Delivery Manager, SLB – Cameroon

The AEC believes that these 20 women represent the future and we look forward to having many more women on the list in years to come

Jesupelumi Ajibola, Training Business & Service Delivery Manager at SLB, is a petroleum engineer with international experience. Holding a master’s from Imperial College London, she has worked for some of West Africa’s leading energy companies.

Joy Nancy Ogechi, Energy and Project Engineer, Kenya Power & Lighting Company – Kenya

Joy Nancy Ogechi, Energy and Project Engineer at Kenya Power, has over seven years’ experience managing development projects. She enhances healthcare, infrastructure, and socio-economic productivity through multilateral and government-financed energy initiatives.

Justina Erastus, Founder, Youth in Oil and Gas Summit – Namibia

Namibian lawyer-in-training Justina Erastus, Founder of the Youth in Oil and Gas Summit, champions youth inclusion. She empowers young professionals through advocacy, education and engagement in Namibia’s evolving energy landscape.

Kavenamuua Kgosiemang, Field Engineer, SLB – Namibia

As Field Engineer at SLB, Kavenamuua Kgosiemang manages operations, data acquisition and reporting for well development projects. Her technical role supports decision-making critical to sustainable, long-term oilfield success.

Keleadile Ruda, Founder, Women in Energy – Botswana

Botswana’s Keleadile Ruda, Co-Founder of Women in Energy, is a solar PV specialist with five years’ experience. She leads projects from design to commissioning while mentoring women and youth in STEM.

Lydia Kapangila, Founder & CEO, Africa Youths in Energy Network – South Africa

Lydia Kapangila, Founder and CEO of Africa Youths in Energy Network, is dedicated to collaboration, sustainable growth and youth empowerment. She drives continental change through business acumen, advocacy and strategic leadership.

Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, Head: Integrated Gas Ventures, Asharami Energy – Nigeria

Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, Head of Integrated Gas Ventures at Asharami Energy, is a respected energy leader. With expertise in operations optimization and cross-functional leadership, she drives revenue growth and champions innovative business strategies.

Nancy Murithi, Green Growth & Climate Change Officer, Kenya Association of Manufacturers – Kenya

Nancy Murithi, Green Growth and Climate Change Officer at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, advances energy efficiency and climate policy. An award-winning trainer and advisor, she empowers organizations and youth across Africa.

Nisia Ingles Pinto, Fluids Construction Engineer, SLB – Angola

Angolan engineer Nisia Pinto, Well Construction Fluids Engineer at SLB, specializes in cementing operations. With strong field expertise, she ensures drilling safety, reliability and innovation across Angola’s oil hubs in Soyo and Luanda.

Ololade Olubi, Division Manager Economics, Oando Energy Resources – Nigeria

Ololade Olubi, Division Manager of Economics at Oando Energy Resources, is a petroleum economist with 12+ years’ experience. She leads project economics, strategy and new ventures, shaping upstream development across Africa.

Rana Badi, CSR Project Lead, TotalEnergies – Libya

Rana Badi, CSR Project Lead at TotalEnergies, has over a decade’s experience in CSR, communications and digital transformation. She leverages dual master’s degrees to drive impactful social investment and sustainability programs.

Yetunde Margret Sorinola, CFO, Egbin Power Plc – Nigeria

Yetunde Margret Sorinola, CFO of Egbin Power Plc, is a governance-focused finance leader in power generation. She specializes in compliance, risk management, tariff modeling and financial stewardship of capital-intensive energy projects.

“The AEC believes that these 20 women represent the future and we look forward to having many more women on the list in years to come. These women are not only recognized for their amazing careers, but for their work and commitment across their respective communities. This is a testament to what happens when women are given opportunities to lead in the industry – going beyond executing their jobs to championing communities and mentoring others to become part of the larger African energy family” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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High-Level Minister Roundup to Headline African Energy Week 2026

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8 hours ago

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March 20, 2026

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African Energy Chamber

African Energy Week 2026 will convene ministers from Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia and Niger to spotlight oil, gas expansion, reforms and investment opportunities continentwide

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 13, 2026/APO Group/ –A high-level ministerial roundup will take center stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from 12–16 October –, convening some of the continent’s most influential energy leaders at a defining moment for Africa’s oil, gas and power sectors. As hydrocarbon expansion converges with accelerating energy transition strategies, the gathering is set to spotlight real-time project execution, regulatory reform and cross-border infrastructure that are actively reshaping Africa’s energy future.

 

Confirmed ministers to date include Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop, Zambia’s Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote and Niger’s Minster of Petroleum Hamadou Tinni.

 

Fresh from a March OPEC+ decision to lift output to 977,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), Algeria enters AEW 2026 amid a $60 billion sector transformation. The country is also advancing a 500-well exploration drive and accelerating its 1.48 GW “Project of the Century” solar rollout. Gas exports to Europe remains central to the country, supported by hydrogen corridor planning and refinery expansion aimed at boosting capacity to 50 million tons by 2029.

 

Following license extension for Jubilee and TEN to 2040 and the late-2025 restart of the Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana is pushing a $3.5 billion upstream reinvestment plan while settling $500 million in gas arrears. A 1,200 MW state thermal plant and expanded gas processing at Atuabo anchor its gas-to-power shift, alongside a renewed upstream push in the Voltaian Basin.

The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital

 

Senegal’s delegation comes on the back of strong production momentum, with the Sangomar oil field delivering 36.1 million barrels in 2025, outperforming forecasts, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development ramped up to 2.9 million tons per annum following first gas. Dakar is now prioritizing domestic gas through refinery upgrades at the SAR refinery and preparations for Sangomar Phase 2 to push output beyond 100,000 bpd.

 

Zambia is redefining its power mix after drought-induced hydro shortfalls. New solar capacity – including the 200 MW Chisamba expansion and 136 MW Itimpi Phase 2 – is part of a broader 2,500 MW diversification drive. Cabinet has approved major regional fuel pipelines, while the Energy Single Licensing System fast-tracks approvals. Lusaka targets 10 GW generation by 2030, with solar and wind rising to one-third of supply.

Niger’s presence reflects its emergence as a serious oil exporter, with the fully operational 1,950-km Niger-Benin pipeline now moving up to 90,000 bpd to international markets. Alongside uranium expansion and renewed cooperation with Algeria on upstream assets, Niamey is advancing digital oversight reforms and reinforcing energy sovereignty amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

 

“The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Their leadership reflects a continent moving decisively from strategy to execution, creating a platform where investors can engage directly with the policymakers shaping Africa’s next wave of oil, gas and energy growth.”

 

At AEW 2026, this ministerial cohort will be well-positioned to offer investors direct insight into Africa’s most dynamic energy markets – where new barrels, new pipelines and new megawatts are reshaping regional growth trajectories in real time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Enlit Africa 2026 Programme: 280+ speakers, African nuclear 2.0, Bruce Whitfield Business Breakfast

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8 hours ago

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March 20, 2026

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Enlit Africa

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g) has released its full 2026 conference programme, featuring 280+ speakers across 8 specialised tracks including a new African Nuclear 2.0 session covering Koeberg’s 20-year life extension and Ghana’s nuclear vendor selection process.

 

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals.

Award-winning business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield will deliver the opening address at the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast on 19 May, kicking off three days of strategic sessions, deal-making platforms, and technical masterclasses.

New programme content includes:

African Nuclear 2.0 – A dedicated session examining the transition from planning to execution, featuring:

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s successful 20-year life extension (Units 1 and 2 now licensed until 2044/2045)

Ghana’s progression to Phase 3 of its nuclear programme, evaluating US, Chinese, and Russian technology bids

West African Power Pool‘s 10 GW regional nuclear capacity target

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment readiness across African grids

Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) – A new session exploring how private investment is unlocking Africa’s transmission bottleneck, featuring global case studies from India’s PowerGrid and lessons for scaling grid capacity across the continent.

Generation Masterclasses – Five interactive roundtables on gas-to-power, nuclear, hydro power, clean coal, and hydrogen.

AI in Africa’s Power Grid – Examining practical deployment realities, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance applications already in operation across African utilities.

Conference sessions and technical hub sessions on the expo floor are CPD-accredited by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

Co-located platforms:

Water Security Africa features country playbooks from Namibia (55-year potable reuse programme), Uganda (NRW reduction from 42% to 32%), Cape Town (Day Zero recovery strategies), and sector-specific stewardship sessions with Harmony Gold, Heineken, Mediclinic, and Growthpoint Properties.

Project & Investment Network (P&IN), part of the new Level 2 Executive Experience, connects project developers, investors, African utility CEOs, and DFIs through structured matchmaking, ministerial dialogues, and project briefings. Over the past two years, P&IN has facilitated $3 billion in project pitches.

Utility CEO Forum brings together 35+ confirmed utility CEOs under Chatham House Rule for candid, off-the-record strategic discussions on unbundling, prosumer management, and financial sustainability.

Municipal Forum addresses South African municipalities’ distribution, metering, and revenue challenges, including sessions on NRW management, tariff reform, Cost of Supply studies, and electrifying informal settlements.

Technical Hub sessions on the exhibition floor offer free, CPD-accredited training across Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water tracks, with confirmed speakers from Eskom, ENGIE SA, ACTOM, National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), RenEnergy, and Matla Energy.

Site visits on 22 May include Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the V&A Waterfront desalination plant.

Pass options:
Free expo pass registration: https://apo-opa.co/4bl2bYu

Free expo passes provide access to 250+ exhibitors and CPD-accredited Technical Hub sessions.

Delegate Pass:
Early bird registration closes 3 April 2026. Delegate passes start at R15,100 (Silver), with P&IN Executive passes at R32,000 including access to the Bruce Whitfield breakfast, Level 2 executive lounge, and investor matchmaking.

Download the full programme: https://apo-opa.co/3NwCble

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Binance Secures Second Major Legal Victory in U.S. Court Under Anti-Terrorism Act in Two Weeks

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8 hours ago

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March 20, 2026

By

Binance

US Federal Court in Alabama Dismisses All Claims Against Binance in Latest Lawsuit Victory

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced today that a U.S. federal court in Alabama has dismissed all claims against the company in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This marks Binance’s second major legal victory in an  ATA matter within one week, following their victory in the Southern District of New York.

A Full and Complete Legal Victory

In a detailed 19-page ruling, the Court found the plaintiffs’ complaint to be legally and factually deficient. The court’s decision to dismiss every claim across the board represents a decisive legal victory for Binance.

Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process

The judge described the filing as a “shotgun pleading.” The complaint failed to clearly specify the claims and improperly grouped all defendants together without distinguishing individual conduct or liability. The ruling also emphasized that the plaintiffs did not meet the basic pleading standard to provide a “short and plain statement” of their claims.

Following the ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs until April 10, 2026, to file an amended complaint addressing the deficiencies identified. However, the judge warned that failure to adequately address these issues would result in dismissal of the entire case.

Building on Momentum and Upholding Legal Integrity

“This decision reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting Binance and our community from unsubstantiated and bad-faith lawsuits,” shared Eleanor Hughes, General Counsel at Binance. “Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process. Courts have now examined these claims on two separate occasions and found them to be without merit. These outcomes speak for themselves. We will not tolerate attempts to misuse the legal system to target our industry, and we remain as committed as ever to transparency, security, and lawful conduct in everything we do”.

This latest decision follows closely on the heels of Binance’s comprehensive victory in New York (https://apo-opa.co/46Xg0ev), where the Court similarly rejected allegations that the company assisted, participated in, or conspired with terrorists. Together, these rulings reflect Binance’s strong resolve to protect its platform and community.

Binance has consistently invested in industry-leading compliance infrastructure, regulatory engagement, and legal governance. The company will continue to vigorously defend itself against any attempts to bring unfounded claims or misrepresent its operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

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