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 Gracia Munganga, Senior Technical Advisor, ABT Global. The African Energy Chamber spoke to Munganga about her career in the African energy industry.
Could you provide a brief overview of your journey in the energy industry that led to your current role?
I am trained Chemical Engineer. In university, I chose to do an elective in Environmental Engineering, which led me to do a Masters in Waste Management and Biogas. My first break was with GreenCape who hired me as an intern and then my responsibilities grew to oversee the Waste Sector Desk. My next break into energy access was thanks to the Carbon Trust Africa, where I worked on FCDO-funded projects to foster innovation in energy access across the continent. My work at the Carbon Trust Africa was the foundation I needed in my last role at SustainSolar.
In my current role, I get to work with a talented team to design sustainable instruments and approaches that will electrify and digitally connect 10,000 health facilities to improved health services for some of the most remote communities across the continent. I also volunteer as a Director for the African Circular Economy Network.
What are some key achievements or milestones that you are particularly proud of?
Nothing makes me feel more fulfilled than contributing to someone’s professional development. It brings me great joy to know that my contribution, however small, helped them on their path to thriving in their careers. Other specific achievements to mention include co-designing a program that would increase the participation of African-led institutions in large donor-funded programs on the continent; helping grow my previous company; as well as being selected on a few fellowships such as the Enel Young African in Energy and YALI Women in Power.
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?
The first challenge is self-doubt and career growth. The data does not look great in terms of women – especially women of color – participation in the energy sector, and even less so at senior management levels. I feel very fortunate as I believe that many of the superiors that I worked with went out of their way to support my career growth, expose me to opportunities and advocate on my behalf behind closed doors.
The second is market challenges. Africa is a continent with 54 different countries and various nuances of legislation that regulate the energy sector. Many companies make the mistake of looking at the numbers – 600 million people without power – and build their exponential growth business plan based on the wrong assumption that the same approach in Kenya will work in Chad or the DRC. You have to be willing to be flexible but most importantly guided by the local context.
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?
Build bridges where you can, join industry events, connect with your peers and have a community of like-minded people that will keep you motivated. Although it is not a very popular opinion, I would say don’t be afraid to move and take on new challenges. I left a five-year contract in year two to join the Carbon Trust, but without this move, I would have probably not had the experience to work in energy access, broaden my experience beyond South Africa, join SustainSolar and my current role.
A career in energy can be demanding. Could you describe a typical day in your life?
I am an early riser, so I am usually up by 4h30 or 5h00 on most days and try to be at my desk either by 6h30 or 7h00. I usually take the first hour to plan my day, pray/journal and think through the priorities I need to achieve.
Most mornings are open as the rest of the team is US-based which gives me time to go through reports and/or any documents that need to be reviewed. I am in team meetings from 13h00 or 14h00 until 18h00. I try to keep the evening for family and catching up with my husband.
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?
Energy is a vector of development and not an end goal in itself. In the next 5-10 years, I hope to see a significant number of electricity connection achieved. But most importantly, efforts shift from simply providing access to concrete plans co-designed with local authorities and private sector to unlock economic opportunities with the potential to transform rural communities. I will continue to work in the power sector as it is the key to unlocking Africa’s development, whether working on projects directly, or designing products and instruments that address current challenges around technology and/or access to (suitable) capital.
