The C-Suite Women in Energy Empowerment Programme is a pioneering initiative that aims to strengthen South Africa’s leadership pipeline by supporting talented women to step into executive decision-making roles during the country’s Just Energy Transition.
Mentors are the backbone of this transformation. Sharing your expertise, insights, and networks, you will help shape a new generation of leaders ready to drive innovation, influence policy, and accelerate gender-inclusive transformation in the energy, sustainability, and related sectors.
The Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE), in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), unveils a C-Suite Women’s Development initiative to close South Africa’s female leadership gap in the energy sector. The programme will be implemented by African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP).
South Africa’s energy sector is undergoing transformation through the Just Energy Transition (JET). Yet, women remain underrepresented in executive and decision-making roles. This programme builds a strong, diverse leadership pipeline to drive innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
The programme targets senior women professionals in the energy, sustainability, or related sectors who:
- Have 10–15 years of experience.
C-Suite Potential Leaders: Middle- to Senior-management role (e.g., Director, Senior Manager, Head of Division, Senior Engineer etc, and newly appointed executives (6 months to a year in office); to apply for the programme.
Have demonstrable leadership potential and ambition to step into executive roles.
- Are committed to gender equity and sector transformation.
Yes. Founders or leaders of energy-focused start-ups or SMEs with proven leadership and growth ambitions are encouraged to apply.
No. The programme is tailored for C-Suite potential leaders, not entry-level or mid-career professionals.
Mentors are senior leaders with at least 15 years of professional experience in energy, sustainability, finance, or related sectors. They may be executives, policymakers, entrepreneurs, or senior researchers with strong track records of leadership.
Mentors will:
- Commit to a 12-month mentoring journey.
- Hold structured one-on-one sessions with mentees.
- Participate in knowledge-sharing, roundtables, and networking events.
- Provide guidance, encouragement, and executive insights.
- Act as ambassadors for gender-inclusive leadership in the energy sector.
- Mentorship: One-on-one relationships with seasoned leaders.
- Academic Component: 3-day executive programme delivered with Wits Business School.
- Knowledge Transfer: Leadership webinars, fireside chats, and industry roundtables.
- Peer Learning: Structured mentee exchanges and cross-learning.
- Study Tour to Germany: A 7-day international learning and networking journey.
- Alumni Network: Ongoing engagement post-programme for sustained impact.
Mentorship
Mentees and mentors are expected to commit to at least 6 hours of structured mentorship over the 12-month period.
Academic Programme
Mentees will attend three full-day academic sessions during the course of the programme.
International Study Tour
Mentees will participate in a 7-day international study tour to Germany, which includes site visits, a global conference, and networking sessions.
Industry Engagement
Mentees are required to attend curated industry round tables and take part in programme-led initiatives designed to broaden sector insights and leadership exposure.
Additional Participation
Mentees should remain available for programme initiatives, dialogues, and leadership activities as scheduled throughout the 12 months.
The study tour offers global exposure to best practices in energy transition, innovation, and gender-inclusive leadership. It connects participants to international stakeholders and strengthens their confidence to lead with a global mindset.
- Attendance at a major international energy event (e.g., Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue).
- Visits to top energy companies and research institutions.
- Engagement with start-ups and women leaders in Germany’s energy sector.
- Cultural exchange events to reinforce leadership and global collaboration.
- Commitment to the full 12-month programme.
- Active participation in mentorship, academic, and knowledge-sharing activities.
- Willingness to represent the programme and share experiences through storytelling.
- Contribution to the alumni network after graduation.
- Commitment to regular mentorship sessions.
- Participation in programme events and roundtables.
- Sharing insights, networks, and candid advice with mentees.
The programme is fully funded for selected mentees. This includes participation in academic sessions, mentorship activities, webinars, and the study tour. Local travel to events may be self-funded unless otherwise indicated.
Through a competitive nomination and application process, overseen by the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP).
https://aweap.africa/c-suite/mentee-application/
Yes. Upon completion, mentees will receive a certificate of recognition and join an elite alumni network.
Participants will join a sponsored alumni network, with continued opportunities for networking, collaboration, and leadership visibility. Alumni will also be invited to future roundtables, conferences, and events.
By embedding gender mainstreaming into leadership, strengthening women’s participation in decision-making, and amplifying their visibility in the sector, the programme catalyses systemic transformation in South Africa’s energy ecosystem.
