Johannesburg, South Africa, October 3, 2019 —IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today launched an initiative with the private sector to increase opportunities for women in the renewable energy sector in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Under the four-year Energy2Equal program, launched in partnership with the Government of Canada, IFC will partner with the private sector to expand women’s access to jobs, leadership positions, and entrepreneurial opportunities in corporate value chains within the renewable energy space.
The renewable energy sector, which includes solar, wind, hydro and geothermal power generation, will play a critical role in meeting Sub-Saharan’s Africa’s energy demand. By 2040, renewable energy could provide more than 40 percent of all power generation capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the International Energy Agency Africa Energy Outlook . The Energy2Equal program goal is to ensure both men and women benefit from the growing sector.
Women represent just one third of the renewable energy workforce worldwide, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency .
“Closing the renewable energy gender gap in Africa will create more opportunities for women and help companies foster business development, improve innovation and engage better with communities,” said Jumoke Jagun-Dokunmu, IFC Regional Director for Eastern Africa.
IFC will partner with up to 15 companies in the renewable energy sector. They will make measurable, time-bound commitments to reduce gender gaps in their businesses. To help companies achieve these commitments, the program will offer a peer-learning platform, advisory services to help companies implement gender smart solutions, and networking opportunities to enhance women’s engagement in the renewable energy sector in sub-Saharan Africa.
Participating companies in the first peer-learning platform include Baobab+, Bujagali Energy Limited, Elle Solaire, ENGIE PowerCorner, Greenlight Planet, Inyenyeri, Lekela, PEG Africa and Schneider Electric.
IFC’s work with energy companies is part of its efforts to create markets for all. We work with the private sector to close gaps between men and women as leaders, employees, entrepreneurs, and customers.
About IFC
IFC—a sister organization of the World Bank and member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities where they are needed most. In fiscal year 2019, we delivered more than $19 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org
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