Selamawit Sleshi: CEO, Selam Engineering | Leader in Electromechanical Projects and Women’s Empowerment in Energy
Selamawit Sleshi is a trailblazing engineer and visionary leader in Ethiopia’s energy sector! With over 11 years of experience, she has built a career that seamlessly blends technical mastery, leadership, and social impact. As CEO of Selam Engineering and leader of The Deway Call Centre and Safe Project Management, Selamawit directs complex projects that span energy infrastructure, telecommunications, and business development, all while championing gender inclusivity and community empowerment.
A graduate of Electrical Engineering (BSc) with a Master’s in Leadership and Management in Electrical Engineering from Abu Dhabi University, Selamawit has consistently broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. She has led more than 20 major projects, including the nationally significant Metuma-Masa 200KV transmission line, delivering critical infrastructure while navigating complex technical, logistical, and security challenges. Her leadership extends beyond project delivery; she ensures that local communities benefit through job creation, training, and other support initiatives, reflecting her belief that engineering should serve society at large.
Selamawit’s commitment to women in energy is evident in her organisations, where she prioritises female recruitment and fosters management teams where women thrive. She has cultivated spaces where talent, innovation, and leadership are nurtured, empowering women to excel in technical and managerial roles. Looking ahead, she aims to expand Ethiopia’s renewable energy footprint, particularly in solar, and to establish a world-class manufacturing company that reduces reliance on foreign suppliers.
Recognised with the Influential Women in Energy Award 2025, Selamawit exemplifies resilience, vision, and transformative leadership. Her career is a blueprint for combining technical excellence with social impact, proving that true leadership not only builds infrastructure but also inspires communities, uplifts women, and drives Ethiopia’s energy sector toward a sustainable and inclusive future.
