Breaking barriers: women pioneers in energy

South Africa’s energy landscape — from solar fields in the Northern Cape to biogas projects in KwaZulu-Natal — is rich with opportunity. Yet, historically, it has been a space where women’s voices were too often absent.

Today, pioneers like Dr Pulane Molokwane, founder of GreenSolar, are shattering these barriers. An engineer-turned-entrepreneur, Dr Molokwane has launched solar initiatives that light up rural communities, proving that clean energy can drive both social progress and commercial success. Through resilience and determination, she is expanding access to affordable power while creating jobs and reducing environmental impact.

Another leader in the field is Nomfundo Mbijekana, a senior technical manager at Mulilo Asset Management. With over a decade of experience managing utility-scale solar PV projects, Mbijekana is helping build South Africa’s renewable energy future from the ground up, breaking stereotypes about who belongs in technical and leadership roles in energy.

Their success is a powerful reminder: the energy sector isn’t just about infrastructure and technology — it’s about people bold enough to rethink what’s possible.

Barriers on the road to success

Yet, the path is far from smooth. Women in South Africa’s energy sector face entrenched barriers that make their entrepreneurial journeys significantly tougher than their male counterparts.

Access to finance remains one of the most formidable challenges. Studies consistently show that female entrepreneurs receive less venture capital and bank financing than men, despite comparable or better business performance. Risk-averse lenders often overlook or undervalue women-led energy startups, limiting their ability to scale.

Beyond funding, navigating regulatory environments can be a minefield. Energy projects often require complex licensing, compliance with municipal regulations, and negotiations with established industry players — a system historically designed without women in mind.

Cultural and societal perceptions also linger. In boardrooms and pitch meetings, women still have to work harder to be taken seriously, often being judged more critically than their male peers. Balancing family responsibilities with the high demands of starting and growing a business adds another layer of pressure.

Yet these barriers have not deterred South Africa’s women entrepreneurs. They have built alliances, sought mentorship, and leveraged every opportunity to carve a place for themselves — and in doing so, they are changing the energy sector for good.

Investment opportunities in female-led ventures

South Africa’s energy transition towards renewables offers rich ground for investment — and smart investors are taking notice of women-led enterprises. Companies founded and run by women are often more efficient, more innovative, and more focused on long-term sustainability.

Initiatives like the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s “Women in Energy” programme and private sector incubators are stepping up to bridge the funding gap, but far greater investment is needed. By backing women entrepreneurs, investors not only diversify their portfolios but also align themselves with businesses that drive real, lasting change in South Africa’s economy.

From solar energy and wind farms to energy tech and off-grid solutions, women are introducing fresh thinking into a sector hungry for disruption. Investing in these ventures isn’t just about promoting gender equality — it’s about backing the future winners of the energy economy.

Building an ecosystem for growth

The energy sector’s future success depends on creating ecosystems that support women at every stage. Mentorship programmes, inclusive procurement policies, easier access to early-stage funding, and targeted leadership training are essential to breaking down the barriers that persist.

Organisations like the South African Women in Energy Association (SAWIE) are playing a critical role, offering support networks, visibility, and lobbying for policy changes that create a more level playing field.

It’s also encouraging to see women entrepreneurs building their own communities — places where they can share knowledge, celebrate successes, and pull each other up. Collaboration, not competition, is the spirit driving this new wave of energy leaders.

Today, there has never been a better time for women to claim their space in the energy revolution. South Africa’s energy sector needs innovative solutions, bold ideas, and strong leadership — and women are more than ready to deliver.

The road may be filled with obstacles, but every barrier broken down is a door opened for the next generation. Every solar panel installed, every rural village electrified, every energy startup led by a woman — these are the victories shaping South Africa’s energy future.

If you have a vision for clean energy, for innovation, for building a better tomorrow, now is the time. Step up. Be bold. The energy future is waiting — and it’s brighter when women lead the way.