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 Jamilla Massamba, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Manager of SLB Congo. SLB Congo has shown a steadfast commitment to maintaining HSE standards to ensure sustainable resource management and local content development. The African Energy Chamber spoke to Massamba about her success and future aspirations.
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?
I have over 11 years’ experience as a certified health, safety and environment senior and lead auditor. I have audited more than 100 sites in sub-Saharan Africa and a couple of sites in Europe, including bulk plants, liquid mud plants, chemical warehouses, electronic and chemical labs and workshops.
I am the first young female African to cover the positions of First Senior Regional Environmental Lead and the first female Country HSE Manager in the history of SLB in Africa. I developed the first-ever country regulatory orientation framework for sub-Saharan African countries. This framework was instrumental in ensuring smooth business operations during complex regulatory changes. I have been building robust HSE strategies for sale delivery of operations and I coordinated and piloted the first boat spooling and reverse spooling operation in one of our client platforms.
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 regional environmental lead, I have been building strong relationships with government bodies and developed tools to stay informed about policy changes and engaged in advocacy and workshops to influence favorable opinions. In balancing energy production with environmental sustainability and social responsibilities, I have been deploying sustainable practices and promoting energy transition in our processes in the region.
I’ve also been voicing for the diversity of energy portfolios and promoting flexible business strategies and developing a mindset of success and growth. I view every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow.
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?
Focus on acquiring a solid educational foundation in relevant fields. I would also recommend seeking out internships, workshops and certifications. Connect with professionals in the industry through networking events, conference and online platforms and events. Mentorships can also provide guidance, support and insight into the industry.
It’s important to cultivate skills in various aspects and understand how to deal with adversity and how to gain strength from it. The energy sector is dynamic and constantly evolving. Being adaptable and open to change will help one to navigate the industry’s ups and downs.
A career in energy can be demanding. Could you describe a typical day in your life?
As a country HSE Manager, I have regular meetings with my team where we review updates on ongoing projects. I have monthly field visits with clients where we discuss ongoing operations and associated HSE challenges. I also provide updates and take proactive actions to address concerns and ensure continuous improvement while delivering safe services.
I have quarterly engagements with members of government where we review progress on audits and action plans. I also have weekly targeted walks onsite with leadership, ensuring operational success while maintaining safety standards at all levels of the organization.
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 see a significant increase in the adoption of renewable energy sources like geothermal and hydrogen. This shift is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and combatting climate change aligning with SLB net-zero emission ambitions. I also see continued advancements in energy transition technologies, making them more efficient and cost-effective.
I’m really excited to continue support the energy transition technologies group of interest activities where all enabling resources are reviewed and discussed in order to witness effective deployment of potential opportunities. I will continue to contribute to research and development of new technologies that advance renewable energy and improve energy efficiency as part of energy transition technologies group of interest missions.
