The 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars celebrates the exceptional achievements of women who are shaping the future of the African energy sector. Among these trailblazers is Blandine Biaou, Head of the Research and Prospection Department at SNH-Benin. Biaou contributes to Benin’s energy sector growth through her specialties in oil and gas exploration, resource management and contract revisions.
Could you 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?
After a Master degree in Geosciences and the Petroleum Engineering Diploma in Ivory Coast, I trained with various upstream partners including TGS, PGS, Company Bank Geophysical Solutions, Petroci and Oil Spill Response. The training programs covered various topics such as oil and gas data management, seismic and well data analysis and seals rocks characterization and basin modeling. I served as Head of Data Management; Head of Exploration and Data Management Department; and Director of Exploration and Petroleum Information at Benin National Oil Company.
I am proud of my several achievements in my current position representing the country in various international conferences and summits as well as deal negotiations with international partners. I also took part in the development and implementation of new petroleum law and supporting documents. In 2021, I settled a modern data center for oil and gas projects and companies. I have also been involved in the negotiation of contracts which led to increased revenue generation for the country.
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?
As a woman, I have been perceived as less-capable in terms of decision making. So, I tried to identify the right person to deal with. Then I express my idea and strategically act to realize it. Some people fight and underestimate my efforts but I never give-up – there is no room for discouragement. I have also faced financing challenges., specifically when I have planned some activities for a given year. They are not seen as priority or important for the company to finance.
My advice for women in the sector is to be the best in what you do and never stop learning. Be yourself, never try to please someone, let everyone appreciate you as you are, not as they want you to be! When it comes to a job, I’m not a woman, but just a person with the needed skills.
A career in energy can be demanding. Could you describe a typical day in your life?
I wake-up by 5 am and get children ready for school and myself ready for office at 8 am. I participate in management meetings, visit the data center to check on operational conditions and physical storage and servers, conduct technical works on work stations, inspect works being undertaken by collaborators and prepare minutes for the following day’s meetings.
Looking ahead, what changes or advancements do you hope to see in the energy sector?
I would like to see more females involved and promoted in the energy industry; more local content development; an increase in African companies working in the entire value chain of the energy sector; and to have more African oil and gas resources developed in Africa. I also hope to see more African companies operating blocks – from upstream to downstream projects.
How do you envision your role in shaping that future?
I envision my role in shaping the future by actively building a technical-based model of partnerships that could be adopted by African countries to enhance the benefits they receive in their relationship with investors.
