Women’s Leadership in Energy Sector Gains Momentum in Africa. Dakar, Senegal — 2026-03-08 Lead Paragraph: Marieme-Sav Sow, Vice President for Engagement and Advocacy at TotalEnergies EP Africa, has called for greater inclusion and influence of women in the energy sector, emphasizing the need for more than just presence at decision-making tables. Sow, a leading figure in the industry, highlighted the importance of women’s perspectives and contributions in shaping the future of energy in Africa.
In a recent article, Sow shared her experiences and insights, noting that while there has been progress with more women attending conferences and entering junior roles, the representation of women in key decision — making positions remains limited. She expressed her fatigue with the celebration of women’s day events that, she believes, do not sufficiently address the deeper issues of gender inequality. Sow cited examples from her own career, including her experience in Uganda where a family’s needs were better understood by the wife, who was not part of the initial discussions.
She also highlighted a situation in Mozambique where a woman engineer’s technical expertise led to significant changes in a project plan. At TotalEnergies, Sow noted positive steps towards gender equality, such as requiring both spouses’signatures for compensation and offering financial literacy training to both partners. She also mentioned the success of diverse hiring practices in Nigeria, which resulted in over half of senior roles being filled by women between 2022 and 2024.
Sow’s advocacy extends beyond her role at TotalEnergies. She encourages women to seek out opportunities, develop new skills, and step into leadership roles. She also calls on companies to create mentorship, training, and policies that support women’s growth and leadership.
The energy transition in Africa is a critical moment, Sow asserts, where the roles and voices of women must be central. She emphasizes the need for a shared commitment to ensure that women are not just present but empowered to drive innovation and guide the future of energy. Further details on the implementation of these initiatives are expected in the coming months.
