Angola has set ambitious targets across its oil and gas industry, including increasing oil production to 1.18 million barrels per day in 2024; supplying 25% of its energy needs through gas by 2025; and retaining 25% of its natural gas production in-country via associated value-added industries by 2030. As the country celebrates women’s day 2024 today, a wide range of initiatives are underway to advance female participation in the energy industry. Through initiatives led by private and public sector organizations, new opportunities are being forged for women across the entire value chain.
The 2024 edition of the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference and exhibition – taking place October 2-4 in Luanda – will delve into the opportunities for women in Angolan oil and gas. The event serves as an ideal platform for connections to be made and women to increase their stronghold in the industry.
AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; national oil company Sonangol; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the African Energy Chamber; and the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute, the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact [email protected].
Unlocking Innovation through Gender Equality
Angola is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations, including gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Currently, the industry is largely male-dominated, with women only accounting for 15% of the oil and gas workforce and only 9% of leadership. Increasing the participation of women will bring more than just greater representation but unlock new levels of innovation, investment and productivity that will help the country achieve its oil and gas goals.
Addressing barriers for women in the industry – including challenges to market entry, lack of training support and low-levels of STEM participation – requires a multi-faceted approach that includes collaboration and targeted training initiatives. Progress is already being seen in these areas.
The country’s national concessionaire – the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG) – signed agreements with three universities at the AOG conference in 2023. The deals aim to establish a cooperation program to provide technical support to the ANPG while improving training and capacity building.
To promote participation, the ANPG established Muhatu Energy Angola (MEA), a network of women in the oil industry in 2022. MEA promotes career opportunities and leadership development while connecting women to the oil sector. MEA launched its first mentorship program in March 2023, aimed at balancing gender opportunities in the oil and gas industry. The pilot program was designed to provide a space for women seeking professional and personal development. At the launch, 73 mentees and 45 mentors were registered, demonstrating the demand for mentorship and training in the industry.
