Page 52 - Energize October 2022

VIEWS AND OPINION

New IFC podcast promotes women in

Africa’s renewable energy sector

ith renewable energy forecast to play a
growing role in Africa’s energy future,
WIFC has launched a new podcast series
to promote the role of women in the sector as senior
executives, engineers and thought leaders.
In the She Powers Africa podcast, host Terryanne
Chebet, an entrepreneur and media specialist, speaks
with leading women in Africa’s renewable energy
space, to light the path for the next generation of
African women leaders into the dynamic sector.
The first three episodes feature Jennifer Boca,
Head of Environmental, Social and Governance at
Lekela Power; Olaedo Osoka, CEO of Daystar Power in
West Africa; and Carol Koech, the Country President
for Schneider East Africa.
“This engaging podcast is ideal for women
interested in working in the renewable energy sector
and also for anyone concerned about climate change
in Africa and curious about the practical solutions.
Renewable energy is Africa’s energy future - and
ensuring more women are part of that future will
enhance the sector’s success,” said Anne Kabugi, Terryanne Chebet
IFC’s Regional Gender Lead for Africa.
By 2040, renewable energy could account for About IFC
more than 60% of new electricity generation in sub- IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global
Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa, according development institution focused on the private sector in
to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA’s) Africa emerging markets. It works in more than 100 countries, using
Energy Outlook 2019 report. its capital, expertise and influence to create markets and
But, despite the sector’s importance, women opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2022, IFC
lag men in leadership and technical jobs in the committed a record US$32,8 billion to private companies and
renewable energy sector and represent just one financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the
third of the renewable energy workforce in Africa, power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost
according to research conducted by IFC on women’s shared prosperity, as economies grapple with the impacts of
participation in Africa’s renewable energy sector. global compounding crises.
The podcast, which can be found here and
major podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts Contact Devon Maylie, IFC, dmaylie@ifc.org, www.ifc.org
and Spotify, is produced by IFC’s Energy2Equal www.facebook.com/IFCwbg
programme and its Women in Renewable Energy in www.twitter.com/IFC_org
Africa Network (W-REA), which both aim to enhance www.youtube.com/IFCvideocasts
women’s participation in the renewable energy www.ifc.org/SocialMediaIndex
sector. www.instagram.com\ifc_org

energize | October 2022 | 52