Botswana’s Keleadile Ruda, co-Founder of Women in Energy, is a solar PV specialist with five years’ experience. She leads projects from design to commissioning while mentoring women and youth in STEM. Ruda is recognized as one of this year’s 20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars for her commitment to expanding Africa’s energy industry while fostering greater inclusion and empowerment across STEM and related disciplines.
Please provide a brief overview of your journey in the energy industry that led to your current role? What are some key achievements or milestones that you are particularly proud of?
My journey was inspired by a desire to advance renewable energy, primarily solar PV, in Botswana because of the abundant resource we have. This led to my role as energy engineer and project manager where a key achievement was leading the installation, testing and commissioning of a 0.5MW solar PV plant facility that integrated carport and rooftop structures, a single axis tracker and an EV charger technology. The project provided an opportunity for me to work with diverse backgrounds and professionals. Through my passion for advocacy and women and youth empowerment, I established and founded Women in Energy Botswana, leading national dialogues in social inclusion.
The energy industry is known for its complexities. What were some significant challenges you faced along the way, and how did you navigate through them to achieve your goals?
One of the most apparent challenges I faced and continue to face in a developing country is the gender bias which is amplified by a limited access to mentorship. Though significant progress is being made, there is still a dire need for advocacy for an inclusive energy transition, encompassing gender-responsive framework in various aspects. Consistency, perseverance and exposing myself to strategic networks has helped me navigate my way to achieving my goals while supporting and creating pathways for women energy entrepreneurs and prosumers to access renewable energy opportunities.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to excel in the energy sector? Are there any specific strategies or mindsets that helped you overcome obstacles and reach your current position?
Be bold and curious. Boldness will keep your feet firmly on the ground, allowing you to keep persevering in the industry. Be bold with opportunity, reach for your ambitions confidently even when you don’t feel like it. Curiosity will keep you ahead of your peers while cultivating a growth mindset. Lastly, expand your network far and wide, exposing yourself to a pool of opportunities, potential strategic collaborations and access to various degrees of mentorship.
A career in energy can be demanding. Could you describe a typical day in your life?
A day in my life navigates designing tailored solar PV solutions for clients while consulting and offering technical advice. Every clean energy project is unique and must be afforded enough time. I also work through growing the footprint of Women in Energy, participating in dialogues locally often in-person, while attracting and forming potential partnerships with stakeholders even beyond borders. I am finally an avid public speaker and give time to speaking forums and panel discussions focused on the just transition.
Looking ahead, what changes or advancements do you hope to see in the energy sector? How do you envision your role in shaping that future?
Passionate about underserved communities, I hope to see a radical shift in bridging the knowledge gap on energy education. I believe this is the gateway to supporting and achieving a green economy, inclusive of marginalized and vulnerable communities, and enhancing sustainable livelihoods. As a Peer Educator under the Italy-IRENA Action For Climate Toolkit program, I intend to use this resource in capacity building for women and youth in rural and remote communities. I also envision a level playing field, where women are completely de-risked and can freely participate in accessing finance, high-level decision making and expanding businesses to be at the center of economic diversification and a high-income Botswana. To this, I am building a foundation through Women in Energy to propel young women in taking up that space.
