The 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars is a list celebrating the remarkable achievements of a select group of women across Africa’s energy sector, such as Jocelyne Machevo, Communication, Commercial and Marketing Manager at Vivo Energy Mozambique. At Vivo Energy Mozambique, Machevo has played a key role in the Coral Sul FLNG Project and led the company’s local brand transformation. The African Energy Chamber spoke to Machevo about her success and future aspirations.
How has your journey in the energy industry led to your current role? What key career milestones and achievements are you particularly proud of?
I started my career at Eni as a civil engineer, working in the development of community investment initiatives to support the area of operations. I was then assigned as an advisor for geophysical and geotechnical surveys to support the engineering design of the main Rovuma Basin projects: Coral Sul FLNG and Rovuma LNG. Our team successfully gained approval for Mozambique’s first LNG project and the first FLNG constructed from scratch in Africa. I then managed to achieve my first management role before the age of 30, making history as both the first Mozambican and the first woman to hold such a position within the company. I then moved to TotalEnergies, where I had the opportunity to work at Mozambique LNG, supporting and managing all technical interfaces. I currently serve as the sole female member of the management committee, as the communications and marketing manager at Vivo Energy Mozambique, the owner of the Engen brand and exclusive distributor of Shell Lubricants.
The energy industry is known for its complexities. What challenges did you face along the way and how did you navigate them to achieve your goals?
One of the greatest challenges I faced was overcoming gender bias and stereotypes in a male-dominated field. I committed to building my expertise and skills, equipping myself with the knowledge required for my role and for advancing my career. This commitment was a daily effort. Knowing I had the skills and knowledge but facing barriers due to my gender was a blow to my confidence and ambitions. Fortunately, I was supported by people who believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself and with their encouragement, I eventually broke through that barrier.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to excel in the energy sector? Are there any specific strategies that helped you to overcome obstacles and reach your current position?
You need to build a foundation of solid technical knowledge regarding the industry and keep upskilling yourself so you can continue to be relevant in this fast-paced world. Define how you want to be seen by your professional community and start building that image. It requires time, effort, intentionality and credentials. I decided that I would expose myself to technical roles in the beginning of my career; I focused on strengthening my technical skills and building my technical knowledge. You will also need to get support from other people to help you navigate challenges. Invest time in networking with professionals in the industry. Be part of industry associations and attend industry events because the people with the key to unlock your next opportunities might be there.
A career in energy can be demanding. Could you describe a typical day in your life?
There’s no such thing as a “typical” day; each one brings its own unique twists. My mornings are reserved for personal and familial time, after which I start my workday by catching up on emails to prioritize urgent tasks. I then meet with my team before diving into various responsibilities, from planning marketing campaigns and designing events, to coordinating with suppliers and updating projects. Afternoons are filled with engagement sessions, brainstorming, strategy meetings, stakeholder interactions, reporting and addressing last-minute requests. I also use this time to plan for the following day.
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?
I envision a future where Africa’s vast array of resources, both fossil fuel and renewable, propels the continent towards unprecedented socioeconomic growth. I believe that the development of any nation is intricately tied to the availability, reliability and quality of its energy supply. Mozambique stands as a beacon of potential, rich in gas reserves and precious minerals like rubies, gold, graphite and others, and endowed with abundant renewable energy sources – primarily solar and hydro. By monetizing its gas resources and processing minerals locally, we can drive industrialization, develop value chains, create jobs and foster opportunities for added value.
