The C-Suite Women in Energy Empowerment Programme is designed for senior women professionals in South Africa’s energy sector who are ready to take the next step into executive and strategic leadership. This is not an entry-level or mid-career initiative—it is a high-level programme that builds a pipeline of C-Suite leaders equipped to shape the Just Energy Transition.
You should apply if you are:
- A senior professional with at least 10–15 years of experience in the energy, sustainability, or related sectors. (Please note that this programme is open only to women working within the energy sector. Applicants from the mining, oil, or nuclear subsectors are not eligible).
- 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).
- Actively contributing to your organisation’s strategy, innovation, operations, or policy influence.
- Committed to advancing gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in South Africa’s energy ecosystem.
- Ready to invest the time and energy required for intensive mentoring, academic learning, peer exchange, and international exposure.
We welcome applications from women in:
- Renewable Energy (solar, wind, hydro, energy efficiency, clean technologies).
- Energy Policy & Regulation (government departments, regulators, research institutions).
- Energy Finance & Investment (development finance, commercial banks, investment funds).
- Corporate Energy & Sustainability Divisions (private sector and industrial players).
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (founders and leaders of energy start-ups and SMEs).
- Power Utilities (Eskom, National Transmission Company SA etc).
- Municipal, Electricity Utilities (Nationally).
- Oil, Gas and Coal sectors.
- Independent Power Producers.
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs in the energy ecosystem).
- Commitment to the 12-month programme (mentorship, academic sessions, webinars, study tour).
- Active participation in all knowledge-sharing activities and peer-to-peer learning.
- Willingness to act as an ambassador for gender mainstreaming and leadership diversity.
- Engagement in post-programme alumni activities to sustain impact.
Gain world-class mentorship
from South African and international leaders.
Strengthen your executive leadership skills
through academic and practical learning.
Build international networks
and participate in a curated study tour to Germany.
Join an elite alumni community
shaping the energy transition in South Africa and beyond.
We appreciate the overwhelming support that the C-Suite Women in Energy Empowerment Programme has received and extend our congratulations to all applicants who successfully submitted their entries by the deadline.
Applications for mentees officially closed on 16 October at 17:00.
Please note that any applications submitted directly to the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE), Wits Business School, or the African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP), after the closing date will not be considered.
Similarly, applications completed or received after 17:00 on 16 October 2025 fall outside the eligibility window and will not form part of the review process.
