1. Ilham Kadri (Morocco)
Ilham Kadri is a French-Moroccan business executive with a PhD in macromolecular physical chemistry. She served as the CEO of Solvay, a Belgian chemical company, from 2019 to 2023. Following the company’s split in December 2023, she became the CEO of Syensqo, focusing on chemical innovations. Kadri’s leadership in global chemical enterprises highlights her influence in the industry.
2. Winifred Akpani (Nigeria)
Winifred Akpani is the founder and CEO of Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited, an indigenous Nigerian petroleum products marketing company. With a background in mathematics and computer science, she transitioned from accounting to the oil and gas sector, establishing a company that has grown significantly under her leadership.
3. Catherine Uju Ifejika (Nigeria)
Catherine Uju Ifejika is the Chairperson and CEO of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, an indigenous petroleum company involved in upstream exploration and production. Her legal background and extensive experience in the oil industry have positioned her as one of the most powerful women in oil and gas globally.
4. Joy Osifo (Nigeria)
Joy Osifo, known as the “Queen of Oil and Gas,” is the founder and president of JENIKS Group. Her company has been instrumental in expanding strategic gas partnerships, notably with Qatar, enhancing Africa’s energy sector. Osifo’s transition from law and banking to the oil and gas industry showcases her entrepreneurial spirit.
5. Ogutu Okudo (Kenya)
Ogutu Okudo is the founder and CEO of Women in Energy and Extractives Africa (WEX Africa), a social enterprise aiming to bridge gender gaps in the energy and extractive sectors. She has also served as a board director at the National Oil Corporation of Kenya and has been recognized by Forbes Africa in their “30 Under 30” list for her contributions to the energy sector.
