Annual Women in Energy Event 2025: Honouring the Influential Women Driving Ethiopia’s Energy Sector

Annual Women in Energy Event 2025

Honouring the leaders transforming Ethiopia’s energy sector

On 27 November 2025, the fifth Annual Women in Energy Event took over the Hilton Addis Ababa, bringing together policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and energy professionals from across the country.

At its core, the event was about visibility and recognition. It celebrated women driving real change across Ethiopia’s energy landscape, from grid modernisation and smart systems to renewable energy and entrepreneurship.

The event was expertly moderated by Ms. Eskedar Gessesse, who guided participants through the programme, introduced speakers, and led the award presentations.

Across the day, conversations, connections, and celebrations unfolded through award presentations, panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking, all spotlighting women whose leadership is shaping a more inclusive and sustainable energy future.

The event began with opening remarks delivered by Mrs.Yemisrach Worku, EWiEn Ambassador, who highlighted the journey of Ethiopian Women in Energy and the growing importance of creating platforms that amplify women’s voices, leadership, and technical expertise in the energy sector.

Guest of Honour Address

Dr. Wondwosen Kassa, Director of the EEP Power Academy, delivered the Guest of Honour speech. In his address, he highlighted the critical role women play across Ethiopia’s energy value chain and underscored the importance of inclusive leadership and diversity in driving sectoral progress.

He commended Ethiopian Women in Energy (EWiEn) for its sustained efforts in elevating women professionals and reaffirmed Ethiopian Electric Power’s commitment to supporting women’s leadership and capacity building within the sector.

Partner Messages

Mr. Mario Merchan, Head of Programme at Energising Development (EnDev) Ethiopia, reflected on the strong five-year partnership between EnDev and EWiEn. He emphasised the significance of the Annual Women in Energy Event as a platform that not only celebrates achievement but also accelerates impact by recognising women whose work drives innovation and progress nationwide.

Enas Abdella Abdulmalik, Country Lead at the Global Energy Alliance, delivered a presentation focused on the importance of Productive Use of Energy (PUE). She highlighted how PUE supports electrification, job creation, and economic growth, particularly for women and rural communities, and called for stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, and the private sector.

Influential Women in Energy Awards 2025

The heart of the event was the Influential Women in Energy Awards, recognising outstanding women whose work is redefining excellence in engineering, policy, utilities, and business.

After a rigorous three-stage selection process, three women emerged whose work stood out for its scale, impact, and lasting influence. Their leadership is shaping systems, opening doors, and redefining what excellence looks like in Ethiopia’s energy sector.

Each awardee represents more than individual achievement. They embody possibility. Through technical mastery, resilience, and vision, they have challenged norms, led complex national projects, and created pathways for other women to follow. Their stories remind us that when women lead, progress accelerates and the future shifts.

The award selection process was presented by Ms. Wossene Assefie, an external jury member, who outlined the transparent, impact-driven evaluation that led to the final selection of awardees.

Award Winners

After a rigorous three-stage selection process, the 2025 awards were presented to:

Haimanot Tefera
Director of Transmission & Substation Program, Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), recognised for her leadership in grid modernisation and smart energy systems.

Netsanet Behailu Kinde
SCADA/DMS Project Manager at General Electric and General Manager of NBK Electrical Consulting Engineers, acknowledged for advancing grid automation and renewable integration.

Selamawit Sleshi
CEO of Selam Engineering, honoured for leading major engineering projects and championing women’s leadership in the energy sector.

Together, these women represent technical excellence, leadership, and national impact, serving as role models for the next generation of women in STEM and energy. Explore the full profiles of our winners, Haimanot Tefera, Netsanet Behailu and Selamawit Sileshi.

Award Nominees

Alongside the award recipients were exceptional women whose contributions came within a narrow margin of selection. Their work is influential, their leadership undeniable, and their impact already shaping lives and institutions across the sector.

Hawi Tesfaye, Hermela Gebreamlak, and Mulu Birhanu represent the depth of talent driving Ethiopia’s energy transition today. Through innovation, service, and technical expertise, they continue to inspire women and girls aspiring to careers in energy, engineering, and leadership. Their recognition as nominees reflects not a ranking, but a shared commitment to excellence and transformation.

Conversations Shaping the Future of Energy

Panel 1: Productive Use of Energy (PUE)

Moderated by Selamawit Beneberu, Grant Program Manager at IDCOL, this panel explored how PUE can stimulate economic growth, strengthen rural livelihoods, and increase energy demand.

Panellists included:

Tesfaye Habtamu: Meseret Mare Solar Importer & Installer PLC
Tilahun Birhanu: Director, Universal Electric Access Program, Ethiopian Electric Utility
Chianda Njogu: Global Energy Alliance

The discussion highlighted practical approaches to scaling PUE and aligning energy access with local economic needs.

Panel 2: Mission 300 – Ethiopia’s Energy Compact

Moderated by Atkilit Bekele, Vice President of EWiEn, this session focused on pathways to universal energy access under Ethiopia’s Mission 300 commitments.

Panellists included:

Gosaye Mengistie: Senior Advisor, Ministry of Water and Energy
Wendayehu Demissie: Energy Specialist, World Bank
Mekdes Mezgebu: Principal, Mekdes & Associates Law Office
Enas Abdella Abdulmalik: Global Energy Alliance

The conversation emphasised policy alignment, collaboration, and innovation as key drivers for achieving national energy goals.

Exhibition and Networking

Throughout the day, participants engaged with a vibrant exhibition showcasing women-led businesses and energy organisations, including:

ADRA Ethiopia, Setaweet, Lydetco PLC, Meseret Mare Gebre Solar Importer, Caritas Switzerland, Green Scene Energy, Sistema.bio, Gorgeous Solar Solution, SNV, Veritas Consulting, Ethiopian Electric Power, Mercy Corps, and ESEDA.

The exhibition and networking sessions created space for connection, collaboration, and new partnerships across the energy ecosystem.

A Growing Community

With 151 participants representing diverse sectors and institutions, the 2025 event reinforced the strength of Ethiopia’s women in energy community and the power of shared purpose.

The event was made possible through the support of Global Energy Alliance, EnDev, GIZ, and sponsors including SNV, Veritas Consulting, Ethiopian Electric Power, and Mercy Corps, reflecting a collective commitment to advancing women’s leadership in the energy sector.

The 5th Annual Women in Energy Event was more than a celebration. It was a reminder that progress happens when visibility, dialogue, and opportunity come together.

EWiEn remains committed to building platforms that elevate women, strengthen collaboration, and shape a more inclusive and sustainable energy future for Ethiopia.