Launch of the West African Women in Energy Forum ForWE: A Revolution for the Inclusion of Women in Energy in West Africa

The energy sector in West Africa is undergoing a historic transformation with the launch of the Forum for Women in Energy in West Africa (ForWE). This major event, initiated by the West African Power Pool (WAPP) in partnership with the World Bank and GIZ, marks a strong commitment to the integration of women in a sector still largely dominated by men.

ForWE is not just a forum. It is a platform for exchange, training and networking designed to offer women professionals, students and entrepreneurs in the energy sector concrete opportunities to break down barriers and gain access to decision-making positions. Its ambition is clear: to pave the way for a new generation of female leaders in the energy industry in West Africa.

As soon as it was launched at the Azalaï Hotel in Abidjan, the tone was set with a program structured around four essential pillars. Firstly, professional development and leadership, through mentoring, workshops and training to enable women to take on strategic roles. Secondly, there is a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to encourage young girls to take up scientific and technical careers. Female entrepreneurship also features prominently, with support available for those wishing to enter the renewable energy sector. Finally, the forum is making a strong case to institutional and private players to promote gender equality in the energy sector.

The ForWE program is designed to be captivating and impactful. Over several days, participants will have the opportunity to attend plenary sessions, panel discussions with renowned experts, interactive thematic workshops and a three-day immersive training course dedicated to leadership and gender mainstreaming in the energy industry.

The opening ceremony was marked by inspiring speeches from influential figures in the sector. Mr Abdoulaye DIA, Secretary General of WAPP, Mr Kwawu GABA, Sector Director for Central & West Africa at the World Bank, Ms Kirsten Hegener, Resident Director of GIZ Côte d'Ivoire, and Ms Fatimata Sow, President of ForWE and Senior Communications and External Affairs Officer, shared their vision for a more inclusive energy sector. Mr Souleymane Soro COULIBALY, Deputy Cabinet Director and representative of the Côte d'Ivoire Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, also stressed the importance of a strong government commitment to gender inclusion. The forum welcomed some exceptional guests, including Kristina M. Johnson, EngD, an influential engineer and leader, member of the boards of Cisco, Dupont and Minerals Technologies, and former CEO of Cube Hydro. Her career is a perfect illustration of the impact that women can have when they reach decision-making positions in the energy industry.

But ForWE is more than just an event. It's a real call to action. The forum invites public institutions, private companies, professional associations, universities and international organizations to join in the drive to build a fairer and more inclusive energy sector.

Registration is open via the forum secretariat at Forwe@ecowapp.org and a QR code is available at the end of the page for quick access. Companies wishing to become partners are invited to explore the many opportunities for collaboration offered by this initiative.

In his speech, WAPP Secretary General Abdoulaye DIA said with conviction: ‘This Forum marks the beginning of a structuring movement that will strengthen the presence and influence of women in a key sector for the development of our region’.

Change is underway, and ForWE intends to play a central role in building an energy future in which women play a full part.

Together, let's write a new page in an inclusive and sustainable energy transition! Join the movement and follow us on social networks:

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