At the Future of Energy Conference (FEC) spearheaded by the Africa Center for Energy Policy (ACEP) and partners, women miners, industry leaders, and governance experts gathered for a powerful side event moderated by Faith Mutete a small scale miner, Founder & CEO of Women in Mining Zimbabwe (WIM Zimbabwe) and Resource Governance Ambassadors under ACEP.
The session explored how energy, mining, and women’s leadership intersect to drive Africa’s just transition.
From Kenya, Michelle Mwambela of AWEIK (Association of Women in Extractives in Kenya) showcased an inspiring innovation: a solar-powered water pumping system developed through a hackathon. She explained how clean, off-grid energy improves safety, increases productivity, and creates opportunities for value addition and green skilling for women miners.
Georgette Banzi, CEO of Women in Mining Ghana (WIM Ghana), shared success stories of gender-smart financing models that enabled women miners to grow from small-scale operations into sustainable businesses. She stressed that financing women in mining is a pathway to strengthening entire communities.
From Tanzania, Lightness Mushi of TWIMMI (Tanzania Women in Mining and Mineral Industry) lifted grassroots voices. She described how women miners often face barriers such as limited financial literacy, poor access to equipment, and cultural biases. Yet, she highlighted creative resilience, like women repurposing traditional stoves into stools, showing how local innovation can transform livelihoods.
Mahumuza Diders of Uganda focused on governance, emphasizing the need for policies and partnerships that hold both government and industry accountable to ensure equitable access to energy for women miners.
Joelle from Madagascar, representing Transparency International, underscored the importance of accountability and anti-corruption measures in extractives. She warned of exploitative foreign investment models and argued that women’s inclusion is essential to safeguard community benefits.
As the discussion wrapped up, Faith Mutete shared her closing message:
👉 “Energy is not just power. Energy is a proxy indicator of development. When women miners access energy, communities thrive, productivity increases, and Africa takes a bold step toward a just energy transition.”
Speaking in her capacity as ACEP Resource Governance Ambassador, she added: “I have a lot to do back home in Zimbabwe to continue supporting women miners in renewable energy, governance, and innovation. This is only the beginning—and many thanks to the Africa Center for Energy Policy (ACEP) for making this a reality.”
Faith also serves as a Technical Advisor at the Investing in African Mining Indaba under the Just Energy Transition Committee, where she continues to amplify the voices of women miners in shaping Africa’s extractive and energy future.
The session concluded with a united call to action: scale innovation, finance women miners, and embed accountability—placing women at the center of Africa’s mining and energy transition.
