A network to promote and support women operating in Africa’s energy sector has been launched.

The African Women Business Energy Network (AWBEN), an initiative by Johannesburg-based energy advocacy group the African Energy Chamber, will connect women and women-led businesses in the sector to market opportunities and multinational buyers, reports Africa Business Communities.

Its initiatives will promote collaboration between women in the energy field, hosting mentorships and empowerment workshops. In addition, it hopes to offer coaching and sponsorships to girls studying science, technology, engineering and maths.

‘We need to empower more African women to benefit from the oil and gas industry, whether we’re talking about opportunities for boots on the ground jobs at drill sites, professional positions, leadership roles or business opportunities for women-owned enterprises,’ says NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the African Energy Chamber, which is a signatory to the global Equal by 30 Campaign.

14 March 2023
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