This edition features The Most Admired Women Leaders in Business across several sectors that are at the forefront of leading us into a digital future

1. VOL 03 I ISSUE 10 I 2023
Attributes and Qualities
Understanding the Traits of
Inspirational Business Leaders
Know your Leader
Exploring the Different
Leadership Approaches
Bertha
Dlamini
Accelerating Participation of African
Women and Youth in Africa’s Energy
and Power sector
Ms Bertha Dlamini,
Founder & Group CEO
Rito Group of
Companies Pty Ltd
The
10
Most
Admired
Admired
Admired
Women
Leaders in
Business
2023

2. woman
Each
time a
stands up for herself,
she stands
up for all
women.

4. Ed or's
Note
Ed or's
Note

5. eadership is a highly sought-after attribute in
Ltoday's rapidly changing world. Leaders who are
able to envision a better future and inspire
others to work towards that future are more likely to
succeed in achieving their goals. However, it is
important to note that being a visionary leader is not
just about having a grand vision. It also requires strong
leadership skills, such as the ability to communicate
effectively, build relationships, and manage teams.
Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge that
visionary leadership can also have its drawbacks.
Leaders who are too focused on their vision may
overlook important details or fail to adapt to changing
circumstances. They may also be perceived as overly
idealistic or unrealistic. Leaders must lead by example
and model the behavior they expect from others. They
must be ethical, honest, and transparent in their
dealings with others and be willing to take
responsibility for their actions.
Therefore, it is important for visionary leaders to
balance their vision with practicality and flexibility.
They must be able to adapt to changing circumstances
and take into account the needs and perspectives of
others. Overall, visionary leadership can be a powerful
force for positive change, but it must be accompanied
by strong leadership skills and an ability to balance
vision with practicality.
Leaders are often at the forefront of driving innovation
and change within the organization. They must be able
to identify new opportunities and adapt to changing
market conditions to stay ahead of the competition.
Leaders provide a clear sense of direction and vision for
the organization. They set strategic goals and
objectives and communicate them effectively to the
team. Leaders must be able to manage resources
effectively, including financial resources, human
resources, and technology. They must be able to
allocate resources to maximize their impact and
support the organization's overall goals.
Mapping the journey of these resolute leaders,
CIOLook—through its latest edition, The 10 Most
Admired Women Leaders in Business, 2023—sheds
light on the visionary leaders who are driving
betterments and transformations in the dynamic
business arena.
Flip through the pages and indulge in the fundamentals
of progress with elements of innovation.
Have a Delightful Read!
Abhishek Joshi
Abhishek Joshi
Iconic Characteristics
Driving Innovations

6. Bertha
Dlamini
Accelerating Participation of African
Women and Youth in Africa’s Energy
and Power sector
Cover Story
Articles
Know your Leader
Exploring the Different
Leadership Approaches
Attributes and Qualities
Understanding the Traits of
Inspirational Business Leaders
08
18
26

7. Contents
Supporting STEM Careers to
Build a Pool of Women Leaders in
Africa's Energy and Power Sector
Cxo
The Role of Male Allies in Progressing
Towards Gender Parityin Africa's
Energy and Power Sector
Cxo
Mary-Ann Musangi
Leading the Charge of Innovation and
Economic Growth in Africa
Profile
Cxo
Emergence of Women
Leadership in the Africa's Energy
and Power Sector
16
22
30
34

8. CONTENT
Senior Editor Alan Swann
Executive Editors Abhishek Joshi
Alex Spellman
DESIGN
Visualizer Dave Bates
Art & Design Director Revati Badkas
Associate Designer Ankita Pandharpure
SALES
Senior Sales Manager Sihanee M., Rouniyar A.
Customer Success Manager Ankush, Matt
Sales Executives Akshay, Alan
TECHNICAL
Technical Head Prachi Mokashi
Technical Consultant Victor Collins
March, 2023
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9. Brief
Company Name
Rachael Ayo-Oladejo
Executive Head: Strategy
& Performance, Consumer
Business Unit
Sally Acton
Chief Executive Officer
Chilufya Ngoi-Nyirenda
Chief Executive Officer
Markie Idowu
MD and CEO
Chilufya Ngoi-Nyirenda has over 17 years in the insurance
industry and financial services.
Rachael Ayo-Oladejo is strategy, business transformation,
delivery Excellence, business performance, and Certified
Executive Coach.
Sally is enabling people leaders to optimise the Employee
Experience through the 4-EX Formula with Torque Solutions.
Markie Idowu is a proponent of women's empowerment and
gender equality, particularly in the Fintech business.
Caroline Wanga
CEO
Caroline defines success by helping people get to their
destination, their way.
Essence
Communications Inc.
essence.com
Stanbic Insurance Brokers
Zambia Ltd
stanbicbank.co.zm
Xpress Payment
Solutions Limited
xpresspayments.com
Bertha Dlamini
Founder and
Group CEO
Bertha is an Advocate for accelerated participation of African
Women and Youth in Africa’s Power and Energy sector.
Rito Group of Companies
PTY LTD
ritogroup.africa
Mary-Ann Musangi
Managing Director
Mary-Ann Musangi works as a Managing Director at Haco
Industries Kenya, which is a Retail company with an estimated
28 employees; and founded in 1974., their management level is
C-Level.
HACO Industries Kenya
haco.co.ke
Torque Solutions
torque.pro
Eyitope Kola-Oyeneyin
Partner
Eyitope Kola-Oyeneyin is a thought-leader on financial-
services innovation and has led multiple projects and co-
authored reports on how to unlock the potential of digital
financial services in Africa.
McKinsey & Company
mckinsey.com
Vodacom
vodacom.co.za
Kelly Barnard
Senior HRBP
For the last 4+ years, Keely has been grateful to serve over 400
clients with her position at Nedbank.
Nedbank
nedbank.co.za
Miishe Addy
Co-founder, CEO
Miishe Addy is the Co-founder and CEO of Jetstream Africa, a
leading company in the dynamic business arena.
Jetstream Africa
jetstreamafrica.com
Featured Person

10. C
O
V
E
R
S
T
O
R
Y
Ms Bertha Dlamini,
Founder & Group CEO
Rito Group of
Companies Pty Ltd

11. Bertha
Bertha
Bertha
Dlamini
Dlamini
Dlamini
Accelerating Participation of African Women and Youth in
Africa’s Energy and Power sector
Bertha is leveraging her experience and
vast network in Africa's power and energy
sector to mobilize global stakeholders to
work together to remove barriers that
prevent effective youth and women
participation in Africa's power and energy
sector.

12. efining the characteristics of a decisive leader,
Dadvocating for accelerated participation of
African Women and Youth in Africa's Power
and Energy Sector, Ms. Bertha Dlamini has set herself
as a foresighted entrepreneur.
As the Founder & Group CEO of the Rito Group of
Companies Pty Ltd, Bertha directs and delivers
marketing communication strategies, stakeholder
relations, and established centers of excellence for
change management for clients in the public and
private sectors.
Bertha has an impressive track record as Stakeholder
Management Strategist with exceptional campaign
design and execution since 1999.
Let us know more about her journey.
Making the Mark
Bertha is the founding President of African Women in
Energy and Power (AWEaP) (www.aweap.africa), an
organisation she founded to accelerate the
participation of African women entrepreneurs in the
entire value chain of power and energy in Africa and
contribute towards addressing the continent's energy
poverty.
Bertha is leveraging her experience and vast network in
Africa's power and energy sector to mobilize global
stakeholders to work together to remove barriers that
prevent effective youth and women participation in
Africa's power and energy sector.
Bertha is an astute international public speaker,
conference speaker, and moderator with a proven track
record in such international events as the BRICS
Business Council, PowerGen Africa Conferences,
African Utility Week Conferences, ABB Customer
World, International Energy and Environment Fair, and
Conferences, Zambia Entrepreneurship Summit, South
African Power Pool Conference, Energy Storage
Conference, Standard Bank Employee Engagement
seminars, and AMEU Conferences.
As the Founding Chairman of Gen X Theatre Africa
(Gen X) (www.genxtheatre.africa), an initiative geared
towards accelerating youth participation in Africa's
power and energy sector, she has enabled 60 young
professionals and students to present abstracts of their
academic papers to an esteemed team of adjudicators
at international sector events.
Awards & Accolades
Bertha is currently the recipient of the following
awards:
Ÿ The Inaugural South African Institute of Electrical
Engineers 2019 Women in Engineering Award.
Ÿ African Queens in Energy – The Judges Award,
supporting women entrepreneurs in energy and
power 2021.
Ÿ Women of Stature: Finalist CEO of the Year 2022
She holds the following industry roles:
Ÿ BRICS Business Council, South African Chapter:
Energy and Green Economy Working Group - BRICS
Just Energy Transition Center of Excellence Lead
Ÿ University of South Africa (UNISA) Graduate School
of Business Leadership: Advisory Board Member
Ÿ ABB Education Trust: Trustee
Ÿ SALGA's Energy Reference Group (ERG): ERG
Member
Ÿ South Africa, Office of the President, Women's
Economic Assembly: Energy Sector Workstream
Lead
Ÿ Non-Executive Director: Energy Drive Pty LTD
AWEaP reaches over
2000 women
entrepreneurs in energy
in 2022, coming from over
44 countries around the
globe.

14. Rito Consulting
Services is an
integrated marketing
communication
company founded in
2006. It provides
solutions for private
and public sector
companies.

15. Ms. Dlamini is a highly rated and trusted industry player
in Africa's energy sector.
In March 2021, at the WVL SADC Protocol@Work
Summit held in Johannesburg, AWEaP won the WVL
SADC Protocol@Work Climate Change 2021 Award in
recognition of its outstanding contribution to the
promotion of gender equity in Africa’s Energy and
Power Sector.
She holds the following qualifications:
Ÿ Energy Transition Diploma: Skolkovo Moscow
School of Management, Russia;
Ÿ MBA in Executive Management – Graduate School
of Business – University of Cape
Ÿ Town, South Africa, thesis awarded with a
distinction.
Ÿ Programme for Management Development (PMD
37) Gordon Institute of Business
Ÿ Science; South Africa
Ÿ Management Advancement Programme (MAP) at
Wits Business School, South Africa
The Foundational Pillars
The Rito Group of Companies Pty Ltd is a holding
company that comprises start-up consulting firms in
management consulting and the energy sector. The
group also houses two non-profit companies
supporting Women in Energy and Youth in Energy. The
company was created to accommodate companies and
ventures that seek to make a difference in South Africa
and Africa's economy.
Rito Consulting Services is an integrated marketing
communication company founded in 2006. It provides
solutions for private and public sector companies. On
the other hand, Rito Energy Solutions is an energy
consulting company that supports utility operational
performance and is interested in project development
in the renewable energy sector.
African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP) is one of
the non-profit companies established by the Rito Group
of Companies. It is based on the conviction that
commercially viable, multi-stakeholder-driven
initiatives are needed to eradicate energy poverty in
Africa. AWEaP aims to ensure women's meaningful
economic participation in the energy and power sector.
The organization has 11 chapters on the African
continent and targets to increase this reach to 22
countries by 2024 and 45 countries by 2025. The
organization constantly seeks leading women in
Africa's energy and power sector to join their growing
number of Country Chairpersons to advance gender
equity in their domestic markets.
Gen X theatre is another non-profit company
established by the Rito Group of Companies. It creates
a platform for students and young professionals to
share abstracts of their academic papers at
international sector conferences. This offers them a
lifetime opportunity to interact with industry leaders.
Adhering to Fundamentals
Bertha believes women are strong and consistent
collaborators who operate with empathy and often
work from an ecosystem perspective. Bertha
acknowledges that this approach fosters inclusion and
drives success. She believes collaboration, compassion,
and contextual appreciation of market conditions
enable women to work with industry players to identify
and implement superior solutions to socioeconomic
challenges.
Bertha's business motto is "Moving beyond
boundaries." She emphasizes the importance of
collaboration to break boundaries and enable success
in all endeavors.
Unique Approach
Bertha highlights her work through African Women in
Energy and Power (AWEaP). She utilizes the group's
technical skills to design interventions that uncover
barriers to women's participation in energy and power
value chains.
In the energy and power sector, she believes that unless
women know and understand the entrepreneurial
opportunities that exist in the industry, they will not be
able to:
Ÿ opt to participate in the sector,
Ÿ choose an area of focus (or areas that resonate with
their business interests),
Ÿ align themselves with the relevant actors in the
ecosystem;

16. Ÿ access credible market information;
Ÿ organize themselves to participate effectively and
sustainably.
Thus, she has created a unique program that achieves
the following:
Ÿ Orientation on the construct of industry value
chains and their inherent entrepreneurial
opportunities
Ÿ Fostered relationships with Electricity Utilities who
share information on market opportunities.
Ÿ Partnered with technology companies that share
technologies, solutions, and systems sought after by
utilities and large power users.
Ÿ Collaborate with finance institutions to teach
entrepreneurs how they finance energy projects.
Ÿ This has profoundly impacted the industry and
created more significant interest in participation
from women entrepreneurs across the African
continent.
Inclusive Work Culture
The group has several start-up consulting companies.
Within each company, these are the values that it
fosters:
An inclusive working culture: Bertha ensures that her
teams are accommodated and supported based on their
unique attributes and background. The organization
uses an inquiry process to gain an in-depth
understanding of perspectives. Critical conversations
are often held to find solutions that meet the team's
needs the company's priorities and ultimately the
client’s needs.
Focus on diversity in recruitment: The organization
recruits talent and ensures everyone has a fair chance
to secure opportunities across its companies.
Tracking changes in the political space: The
organization holds courageous conversations on
changes in the political arena to surface perspectives
and outlooks in a safe environment enabling its teams
to participate and build superior solutions for its clients
and stakeholders.
The organization prides itself on its commitment to
diversity, working with different markets and people.
They recognize the importance of their teams being
able to integrate into other cultures easily while
prioritizing respect at the core of their engagements
with stakeholders. Maintaining integrity is of the
utmost importance in their remote working setup,
requiring that everyone works transparently with trust.
One of the organization's branding items is a feather of
excellence, representing their dedication to going
above and beyond what is scoped to ensure that their
stakeholders derive value from their contributions.
Heading into the Future
Bertha believes that consulting is changing. Clients
have become more informed and astute in their areas
of business. Consultants must prove they can work
themselves out of a job by implementing solutions that
stick and derive value to the client's environment for a
sustained period.
She says, "We are partnering with our clients to co-create
solutions. In this way, there is a shared experience of
discovery, learning, and execution."
Her goals for her organization are:
Rito Consulting Services: There is a growing demand
for stakeholder relations as market uncertainties grow.
It wants to lead the space by merging traditional
heartfelt stakeholder relations interventions with
digital communication to enable stakeholder autonomy
and agency.
Rito Energy Solutions: decentralized energy solutions
will soon dominate Africa's energy system. The
company wants to work with local and international
players to capture a share of this market as the
continent pursues a Just Energy Transition and
advances universal access to electricity.
AWEaP wants to expand into 45 African markets with
targeted commercially viable, multi-stakeholder-driven
interventions for gender equity. Bertha wants to
promote allyship and work within the ecosystem to
build an inclusive energy sector.
A Valuable Advice
Bertha advises aspiring women leaders willing to
venture into the modern business arena to believe in
themselves. She says, "You are enough. You will always be
enough. Pursue your dreams without fear. Invest in your
entrepreneurial journey. Research, network, connect,
collaborate, and do all this without fear.”

18. Supporting Careers to
STEM
Build a Pool ofWomen Leaders
in and
Africa's Energy Power sector
G
ender mainstreaming in Africa's energy and
power sector is crucial for achieving sustainable
development goals and addressing the current
gender gap in the industry. One way to promote gender
mainstreaming in this sector is by supporting STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
careers for women.
Here are some ways to support STEM careers for
women in Africa's energy and power sector:
Encourage girls to study STEM subjects: To increase the
number of women in STEM careers, girls need to be
encouraged to study STEM subjects from an early age.
This can be done by creating awareness of the
opportunities available in STEM careers and providing
resources to support their education in these fields.
Provide scholarships and mentorship programs:
Scholarships and mentorship programs can help
women overcome financial and social barriers that
prevent them from pursuing STEM careers. They can
also provide women with the necessary support and
guidance needed to succeed in their careers.
Create opportunities for women to gain practical
experience: Practical experience is essential for women
to gain confidence and develop the necessary skills for
STEM careers. Creating internships, apprenticeships,
and other opportunities for women to gain hands-on
experience in the energy and power sector can help
bridge the gender gap in the industry.
Promote gender diversity in the workplace: Promoting
gender diversity in the workplace can help create a
more inclusive environment for women in the energy
and power sector. This can be done by implementing
policies that support gender equality and diversity, such
as flexible working hours, parental leave, and equal pay.
Advocate for policy changes: Advocating for policy
changes that promote gender mainstreaming in the
energy and power sector is crucial for creating a more
equitable and sustainable industry. Governments and
policymakers can be encouraged to create policies that
support women in STEM careers, such as funding for
women-owned businesses and initiatives that promote
gender diversity in the workplace.
By promoting STEM careers for women in Africa's
energy and power sector, we can create a more
sustainable and inclusive industry that benefits
everyone.
African Women in Energy and Power
AWEaP is premised on the conviction that to eradicate
energy poverty on the African continent, Africa needs
commercially viable, multi-stakeholder-driven
initiatives that will ensure the meaningful economic
CXO
www.ciolook.com | March 2023 |
16

19. participation of women in the energy
and power sector.
To achieve this it has been
delivering market orientation
webinars where value chains in
the energy and power sector
are explained by experts in
the industry.
We partnered with AWEaP
to deliver a series of market
orientation webinars to
achieve the following
objectives:
Ÿ To accelerate African
Woman participation in
the Power and Energy
sector and a passion for
developing young
Female leaders within
Rockwell Automation
Africa.
Ÿ To position Rockwell
Automation Africa as a
partner of choice, and
share Channel
solutions.
We support women
through Enterprise
development in South
Africa and supplier
development in North
Africa. In our ever-evolving world, I believe that technology is an
enabler of great progress. However, it is people who form the
core of any successful solu on. My people-centric approach
to business enables me to drive business growth with
confidence, supported by an integrated, passionate, and
transparent team. I am an experienced business leader in the
field of electrical engineering and industrial automaa on, with
a passion for expanding human possibility using leading
technological solu ons.
About the
Author
Canninah Dladla
Managing Director South Africa
& Country Sales Director - Africa
Rockwell Automa on
www.ciolook.com | March 2023 |
17

20. Exploring the Different
LeadershipApproaches
n the dynamic business arena, leadership
Iapproaches can vary significantly based on the
situation, the team, and the goals of the
organization. Leaders must be able to adapt to different
styles of leadership to meet the ever-changing
demands of today's business world. This article will
explore the different leadership approaches and their
applicability in the diverse business environment.
Autocratic Leadership
An autocratic leadership style is a top-down approach
where the leader makes all decisions without input
from the team. This approach can be effective in
situations where a quick decision needs to be made,
and time is of the essence. However, it can lead to low
morale and a lack of motivation in the team, as they feel
their ideas are not being heard.
Clear direction and accountability: Autocratic leaders are
often very clear about what they expect from their
subordinates. They provide clear directions and
guidelines, which can help ensure that everyone is on
the same page. In addition, since the leader is the one
making the decisions, they are accountable for the
outcomes. This can help ensure that there is a clear
chain of command and that everyone knows who is
responsible for what.
Democratic Leadership
Democratic leadership involves the leader working
collaboratively with the team to make decisions. This
approach can be effective in situations where the team
has a high level of expertise, and the leader trusts their
input. It can lead to a more engaged and motivated
team, as they feel they are part of the decision-making
www.ciolook.com | March 2023 |
18

21. Know your Leader
www.ciolook.com | March 2023 |
19

22. process. However, it can also be time-consuming, as the
team may need to reach a consensus before a decision
is made.
Increased creativity and innovation: When team members
are involved in the decision-making process, they are
more likely to feel valued and engaged. This can lead to
increased creativity and innovation, as team members
are more likely to share their ideas and perspectives. In
a democratic leadership environment, team members
are encouraged to brainstorm and suggest alternative
solutions, which can lead to a more diverse range of
ideas and, ultimately, better outcomes.
Transformational Leadership
Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their
team to achieve their goals. They focus on the bigger
picture and encourage their team to think creatively
and take risks. This approach can be effective in
situations where the team needs to innovate and adapt
quickly to changing circumstances. It can lead to a more
engaged and motivated team, but it requires a high
level of trust and collaboration between the leader and
the team.
Increased motivation and engagement: Transformational
leaders inspire their followers to achieve their full
potential by setting high standards, providing guidance
and support, and modeling behavior. This can help
increase motivation and engagement among followers,
as they feel empowered to take ownership of their
work and strive for excellence. Transformational
leaders also foster a sense of purpose and meaning,
which can help followers feel more connected to their
work and the organization's mission.
Transactional Leadership
Transactional leadership is a more traditional approach
where the leader sets clear goals and rewards the team
for meeting them. This approach can be effective in
situations where the team needs to meet specific
targets and deadlines. It can lead to a more results-
oriented team, but it can also create a culture of
competition and individualism rather than
collaboration.
Clear expectations and accountability: Transactional
leaders provide clear expectations for their followers
and hold them accountable for meeting those
expectations. This can help ensure that everyone is on
the same page and working towards the same goals. In
addition, followers know what is expected of them and
what they need to do to be rewarded or avoid
punishment.
Servant Leadership
Servant leadership is a philosophy that places the needs
of the team first. The leader serves the team and
supports them in achieving their goals. This approach
can be effective in situations where the team needs
support and guidance to reach their full potential. It can
lead to a more engaged and motivated team, but it
requires a high level of empathy and emotional
intelligence from the leader.
Laissez-Faire Leadership
Laissez-faire leadership is a hands-off approach where
the leader delegates tasks to the team and allows them
to work independently. This approach can be effective
in situations where the team has a high level of
expertise and self-motivation. It can lead to a more
creative and innovative team, but it requires a high
level of trust and collaboration between the leader and
the team.
Promoting creativity and innovation: When subordinates
are given the freedom to make decisions and manage
their own work, they are more likely to take ownership
and think creatively about how to solve problems. This
can lead to increased innovation and new ideas that
may not have been generated under a more restrictive
leadership style.
In conclusion, understanding the diverse leadership
approaches in the dynamic business arena is essential
for leaders who want to achieve success. Effective
leaders must be able to adapt their leadership style to
meet the needs of their team and the situation they are
facing.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of
each approach, leaders can create a culture of
collaboration, innovation, and engagement that drives
their organization towards success.
www.ciolook.com | March 2023 |
20

24. James Hynd
Astute Execu ve
www.ciolook.com | March 2023 |
22

25. The Role of Male Allies in
Progressing Towards gender parity
in and
Africa's Energy Power sector
A
llyship is an essential aspect of promoting
diversity, equity, and inclusion in Africa's energy
and power sector. Allyship refers to the practice
of individuals who have more privilege and power than
others using their position to support and advocate for
marginalized groups.
In the context of Africa's energy and power sector,
allyship can take many forms, including:
Advocating for greater representation of marginalized
groups in leadership positions and decision-making
processes within the sector.
Providing support and mentorship to individuals from
underrepresented communities, particularly women
and minority groups, to help them advance in their
careers.
Educating oneself and others on the barriers faced by
marginalized groups in the energy and power sector,
such as discrimination, unconscious bias, and lack of
access to resources.
Using one's influence and platform to raise awareness
and advocate for policies and practices that promote
diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sector.
Amplifying the voices of marginalized groups by actively
listening to their experiences and perspectives and
advocating for their inclusion in industry discussions and
events.
James Hynd is an astute execu ve
with 23 years of experience in the
Sub-Saharan packaging industry. He
has worked for the largest players
globally. In the past 4 years, he has
devoted his exper se to advancing
an innova ve Energy as a Service
"EaaS" model. The model delivers
guaranteed energy and carbon
reduc on though a long-term
service model.
James has a passion for growth,
realized through a highly engaged
TEAM, with an absolute belief in
South African businesses' ability to
deliver excellent service on the
world stage. A key ingredient for this
is the constant focus on
transforma on acoss the board,
and it's that focus that brought
James and Bertha together."
About the
About the
Author
Author
CXO
www.ciolook.com | March 2023 |
23

26. Allyship is particularly important in the energy and
power sector in Africa because the sector is still
dominated by men, particularly in leadership positions.
This lack of diversity can lead to a lack of diverse
perspectives and ideas, which can ultimately hinder
progress and innovation in the sector. By practicing
allyship, individuals can help to create a more inclusive
and equitable energy and power sector in Africa, which
can lead to more sustainable and prosperous energy
systems for all.
To achieve gender balance, both men and women need to
advocate for it. In general, Gender mainstreaming faces
the following challenges:
Ÿ The political will to enforce gender mainstreaming
policies;
Ÿ Identifying and tackling unconscious bias against
gender (unconscious bias often means that
stereotypes and biases can be unintentionally taken
against women and as a result, this can hinder their
business);
Ÿ Influencing the political will across the private and
private sectors.
Progress towards gender equity can be accelerated
when men act as allies. Energy Drive demonstrates how
they have become an ally for gender equity in Africa's
energy and Power sector, and how this has accrued
mutual benefits.
Energy Drive was founded 12 years ago, focusing on
disrupting the energy optimization sector using variable
speed drives, by offering it as a service. Through its
journey, it has built a strong team with high passion and
competence but lacked diversity in various facets. With
the significant growth potential the energy sector, with
Industrials under pressure for operational cost
reduction and achievement of sustainability targets,
Energy Drive realized the value that diversity would
yield positive results for its operations and that of its
clients.
Organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusion can
gain a competitive advantage by tapping into the unique
strengths and perspectives of a diverse workforce,
improving decision-making, enhancing their reputation,
and creating a more engaged and committed workforce.
James and his team adopted a strategy to invest in
resource growth leveraging the promises of a diverse
workforce. This is being achieved through the
development of an internal Graduate programme, and
recruitment of women engineers and technicians.
The business has recently expanded its offering into the
UK and Europe and is commencing operations in the
coming year in North America. This has only been
achievable through the commitment and passion of the
people of Energy Drive. One of our core values is
"People-Centred," and it is this value that resonates with
AWEaP's vision.
James Hynd, the CEO of Energy Drive, set out to find a
partner to assist and support in this journey, and
specifically to build a culture of Transformation within
the People of Energy Drive. Having seen the very specific
focus of AWEaP on LinkedIn, he reached out to Ms
Bertha Dlamini, and after a couple of initial calls, it was
obvious to James that African Women in Energy and
Power (AWEaP), led by Ms Dlamini, was the perfect
partner for both him and the business in this journey. The
result has been a team that is committed and more
importantly passionate about Transformation in all
facets, and invested in the development both directly
and indireclty through AWEaP of African female
entrepreneurs in the Energy sector.
Energy Drive is set to leverage the gains of allyship and
collaboration across various markets. James said: "We
express our gratitude for everything Ms Dlamini and her
team have achieved, and specifically the strength of
character in highlighting and taking ownership of
transformation in this sector. One of our goals is the
deployment of these wonderful skills over time globally,
as we expand and have greater resource requirements.”
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28. Understanding
Understanding
Understanding the
Traits of Inspirational
Inspirational
Inspirational
Business Leaders
Business Leaders
Business Leaders
he business world has undergone a major
Ttransformation in the last few decades. One of
the most significant changes is the gradual rise of
women leaders in the dynamic business arena. Women
have made great strides in the corporate world,
breaking down barriers and overcoming gender
stereotypes. They have proved that they have what it
takes to succeed in the business world and have
brought new perspectives and innovative ideas to the
table.
The gradual rise of women leaders can be attributed to
a number of factors. One of the most important factors
is the changing attitude towards women in the
workplace. In the past, women were often seen as
inferior to men and were expected to take on
traditional roles such as homemaker or secretary.
However, as society has become more enlightened and
gender roles have become more fluid, women have
been able to break free from these stereotypes and
take on leadership roles in the business world.
Another factor that has contributed to the rise of
women leaders is the increasing number of women who
are entering the workforce. In the past, women were
often discouraged from pursuing careers and were
expected to focus on their families instead. However, as
more and more women have entered the workforce,
they have been able to prove their worth and
demonstrate their abilities to succeed in the business
world.
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29. Attributes and Qualities
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30. The rise of women leaders has also been helped by the
efforts of organizations that are committed to
promoting gender equality in the workplace. These
organizations have provided women with the tools and
resources they need to succeed, such as mentorship
programs, networking opportunities, and leadership
training programs. They have also helped to create a
culture that is more supportive of women and
encourages them to pursue leadership roles.
The Core Aspects
The gradual rise of women leaders in the business
world has had a number of positive effects. One of the
most important is that it has brought new perspectives
and ideas to the table. Women bring a different
perspective to the workplace, one that is often more
collaborative and empathetic. They are also more likely
to prioritize work-life balance, which can be beneficial
for both employees and employers.
Another positive effect of the rise of women leaders is
that it has helped to break down gender stereotypes.
Women are no longer seen as inferior to men or as
being less capable of leadership. Instead, they are
recognized for their abilities and are given the
opportunity to prove themselves in leadership roles.
Despite the progress that has been made, there is still
much work to be done to ensure that women are able
to succeed in the business world. One of the biggest
challenges that women face is the lack of female role
models in leadership positions. While the number of
women in leadership roles has increased, they are still
significantly underrepresented compared to men. This
lack of representation can make it difficult for women
to see themselves as leaders and can discourage them
from pursuing leadership roles.
Transcending the Horizons of Success
Another challenge that women face is the gender pay
gap. Women are still paid less than men for doing the
same work, which can be demotivating and can make it
difficult for them to achieve financial independence.
The gender pay gap is a complex issue that requires a
multi-faceted solution, including policy changes and
cultural shifts.
In conclusion, the gradual rise of women leaders in the
dynamic business arena is a positive trend that is
helping to break down gender stereotypes and bring
new perspectives and ideas to the workplace. However,
there is still much work to be done to ensure that
women are able to succeed in the business world.
Women are helping to increase diversity in modern
industry. As more and more women enter the
workforce, they are bringing different perspectives,
experiences, and skills to the table. This can help to
foster innovation and creativity, as well as make
companies more reflective of the diverse communities
they serve.
Organizations must continue to provide women with
the tools and resources they need to succeed, and
policy changes must be made to address issues such as
the gender pay gap. With continued effort and support,
women will be able to achieve their full potential in the
business world and make an even greater impact on the
global economy.
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32. Mary-Ann Musangi
Mary-Ann Musangi
Mary-Ann Musangi
Leading the Charge of Innovation and Economic Growth in Africa
hen it comes to leading a successful
Wbusiness, there are few people who can
match the expertise and experience of this
CEO. With a career spanning over a decade in the
international business arena, Mary-Ann Musangi is a
leader who has made a name for herself as a visionary
and results-driven Managing Director in the dynamic
business arena.
With her wealth of knowledge and experience, Mary-
Ann is a true pioneer in the manufacturing and
distribution industry and a driving force behind the
success of HACO industries-manufacturing and
distributing personal care and home care products.
Under her leadership, HACO industries have continued
to thrive and innovate, with a commitment to providing
productive jobs and contributing to the national
economic goal of poverty alleviation and equity
creation.
We at CIOLook interviewed Mary-Ann on her
persuasion to be an entrepreneur and lead the
manufacturing industry.
Let’s dive into the insights of the interview!
Brief our audience about your journey as a dynamic
leader until your current position at your company.
What challenges have you had to overcome to reach
where you are today?
When people ask me about my journey, I always find it
difficult to know where to begin. My journey has been
multi-faceted, and it's not linear like most people
describe theirs. But I can give a few highlights that have
led me to where I am today.
Firstly, my greatest influence has been my father, the
late Dr. Chris Kirubi. He was a visionary businessman, a
leader, a mentor and a pioneer. He instilled a strong
sense of leadership and business acumen in me. With
his guidance, I embarked on a journey that would take
me across the globe, from Switzerland to Morocco and
beyond, as I honed my skills in international business
and entrepreneurship.
Throughout my career, I have worked with some of the
world's leading corporations and brands, gaining
valuable insight into the best practices of global
manufacturing and distribution. And yet, my true
passion lies in building strong structures for national
brands and working towards the sustained economic
growth of their home country.
In 2019, I took the reins of one of my father's
companies, a leading manufacturer of personal and
home care products with a commanding presence in the
region.
Enlighten us on how you have been impacting the
dynamic industry through your expertise in the
market.
The manufacturing industry has been on steady growth
of 15% contribution to GDP for many years. In the past
7 years, however, we have seen a decline to the current
7.2%.
This has been caused by many factors, both domestic
and global, that have affected the competitiveness of
the sector. As I stepped into HACO’s leadership in
2019, a significant change happened. Bic Société, which
had contracted us to produce their pens since 1974, did
not renew their contract with us, which then meant
that the two companies had to undergo a demerger.
Given the contribution of the Bic Pens to HACO’s
overall business, the impact was huge, and it demanded
a quick shift in priorities to enable us to land on our feet
and continue to stay afloat.
My experience in Marketing and Communications, as
well as a Business Leader and Entrepreneur, came in
handy as I steered HACO into stability supported by a
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33. “I would say-Be
curious and stay
curious. The world
is changing fast,
and it is only by
continuous
learning and
improvement will
stay ahead.”
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Mary-Ann Musangi
Managing Director
HACO Industries,
Kenya

34. very able team. We had to innovate quickly, secure new
markets fast, retain strong networks and make our
brand formidable enough to see us through this change.
5 years later, I am happy to say that we expanded our
product portfolio in the three categories and expanded
steadily into 7 markets in Africa, with more markets in
West Africa and Globally in our sightline.
Describe in detail the values and culture that drive
your organization.
The objective of the firm is to create high-quality care
goods for African people and populations, instilling
pride in African-made products and promoting
innovation that will improve the lives of people on the
continent.
HACO Industries began as a contract factory,
collaborating with worldwide companies to offer high-
quality products to East Africa and beyond. Today, the
firm has achieved international best practices, and its
brands, which include MIADI, ASHANTI-Q, AMARA,
ACE, SO SOFT, SPARKLE, and HACO PLASTICS, have
become regional household names. Due to its
unrivalled and extensive distribution network
throughout East and Central Africa, HACO Industries
has also been entrusted with manufacturing and
distributing Palmer's brand by the worldwide
corporation E.T. Browne Drug Corporation, Inc.
HACO Industries is dedicated to long-term economic
growth, creating productive employment, and
achieving Kenya's 2030 national economic objective of
poverty reduction and equitable creation. The company
collaborates with the government, corporate industry,
academia, and other stakeholders to discover solutions
for the manufacturing sector, which is the country's
major income generator.
HACO Industries is a torchbearer, developing,
innovating, and advancing the industry. Its founder's
vision in domestic manufacturing, driving world-class
invention, manufacturing and supply chain, distribution,
and consumer marketing remains at the heart of the
company's goal today.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in
almost every sector. How are you advancing towards
technological innovations to make your solutions
resourceful?
The African Development Bank predicts that 50% of
Africa's youth will be unemployed and economically
inactive by 2025. The continent has a young population
of 65%, which has led to a debate about whether Kenya
and Africa are ready for the 4th Industrial Revolution
(4IR).
However, the capacity of young people to steer and
promote the 4IR should be the focus rather than
readiness. HACO, a leading homegrown manufacturing
company in Africa, is committed to elevating local
talent and skills to compete on a global level, especially
in embracing new trends and ideas.
HACO believes in knowledge co-creation, which
involves participative value creation, where
stakeholders, including industry and academia, actively
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35. participate in problem definition and solving. This
approach allows for the creation of more relevant
solutions for everybody.
HACO is collaborating with a number of universities,
including the University of Nairobi and Strathmore
University, to improve young people's skill sets and
enable them to actively push 4IR in Africa. Academic
lab incubators are crucial sites for promoting
entrepreneurship, innovation, and research.
Companies like HACO can help their nations and
residents achieve long-term economic goals by utilizing
their history and position in the manufacturing
industry. Manufacturing can expand and compete
worldwide via collaborations, co-creation and
empowering the young.
The 4IR may be difficult, but with the appropriate
strategy and cooperation, African youth can use this
digital revolution to define the continent's future.
What, according to you, could be the next significant
change in your sector? How is your company
preparing to be a part of that change?
Climate change mitigation and moving towards net
positivity are not just the next steps but an ongoing
necessary, and urgent change for industries. Green
manufacturing has become a cornerstone for
companies to sustain their position as market leaders.
Environmental efforts-HACO, a local manufacturing
company, has anchored its sustainability on three key
Sustainable Development Goals - SDG 8, SDG 12, and
SDG 17.
Through this, we do the following:
Ÿ Provide sustainable jobs (direct and indirect).
Ÿ Source our essential oils from local, rural small-scale
farmers in all our markets. We focus mainly on
enterprises that are owned by or employ women as
a majority.
Ÿ Use biodegradable raw materials in our
manufacturing processes.
Ÿ Recycle/reuse of plastic components towards zero
waste.
Ÿ Wastewater reduction and management in our
production
Ÿ Resource and energy efficiency, through solar-
powered manufacturing
Ÿ Ensure no use of harmful ingredients are used in any
of our products.
Ÿ Leverage partnerships to create lasting socio-
economic solutions.
Employment and skill development-HACO employs
close to 400 people, partners with hair care businesses
in East Africa, and trains them on global standards in
hair care. HACO has trained over 15,000 women in the
salon and hair care, creating numerous entrepreneurial
opportunities and economic impact through indirect
employment. It has also created strong partnerships
with local academia and aims to have more of these
partnerships with various institutions across the
region.
HACO’s efforts for local sourcing and Agricultural
value chain–sources its natural oils from small-scale
farms in rural Kenya that are either owned by or
primarily employ women in their workforce. HACO
uses solar power to significantly reduce its carbon
footprint and increase self-sufficiency. Through its use
of solar energy, HACO was able to displace a total of
202 tonnes of CO2 last year.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run,
and what are your future goals for the organization?
HACO Industries is expanding its reach to be a
household name for skin care, home care and hair care
products in Africa. We are working to be on the
frontline of showcasing Africa’s ingenuity to the world.
We aim for our brands to be the most preferred
African-made brands with a commanding presence in
every household by 2030.
Simply put, HACO is intent on running a sustainability-
driven business model through an empowered African
workforce that will drive the delivery of African brands
for African people in Africa and beyond.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs
who aspire to venture into the dynamic industry?
I would say, “Be curious and stay curious.” The world is
changing fast, and it is only by continuous learning and
improvement will stay ahead. I like the word agility
because it represents the kind of character that is
desirable in this unpredictable world. And if you
continue to learn, your ability to be agile is enhanced,
and you can adopt, pivot, leapfrog and set the pace.
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36. Sabine Dall'Omo
Chief Execu ve Officer
Sub-Saharan Africa
Siemens Pty LTD
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37. Emergence of Women
Leadership in the Africa's Energy
and Power Sector
n recent years, the energy and power sector in
IAfrica has seen a significant emergence of women
leaders. This trend is driven by several factors,
including the increasing recognition of the
importance of gender diversity in leadership roles,
the growing number of women entering the energy
sector, and the increasing focus on sustainable
development and social responsibility.
One of the key drivers of this trend is the growing
recognition of the importance of gender diversity in
leadership roles. Studies have shown that companies
with more diverse leadership teams tend to perform
better and are more innovative. This has led many
organizations in the energy and power sector to
actively seek out and promote women leaders.
Another factor driving the emergence of women
leaders in the energy sector is the increasing
number of women entering the field. Women now
make up a significant portion of the workforce in the
energy sector, and many are pursuing careers in
leadership roles.
Finally, the growing focus on sustainable
development and social responsibility is also
contributing to the emergence of women leaders
in the energy sector. Women are often seen as more
attuned to social and environmental issues, and
companies are increasingly recognizing the
importance of incorporating these concerns into
their business practices.
Overall, the emergence of women leaders in
the energy and power sector in Africa is a positive
trend that is likely to continue. By promoting gender
diversity in leadership roles, companies can improve
their performance, drive innovation, and contribute
to sustainable development in the region.
Siemen's support for women entrepreneurs in
Africa
Empowering female entrepreneur's matters to
Siemens. We know that promoting diversity and
inclusion in entrepreneurship leads to a more
innovative and dynamic business environment. We
Understand that women bring unique perspectives,
experiences, and skill sets can help drive growth and
success in business environments. In additions
supporting female entrepreneurs helps to address
gender inequalities in business and contribute to a
more equitable society, as outline in the UN 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Women face many barriers to success, such as lack
of access to capital, networks, and resources. By
providing support, businesses can help overcome these
CXO
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38. challenges and provide women with the tools
they need to succeed. Furthermore, investing in
female-led businesses can also have a positive
impact on the economy, as women tend to reinvest
their earnings back into their families and
communities. Ultimately, supporting female
entrepreneurs is not only good for business, but
also for society.
African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP)
AWEaP is premised on the conviction that to
eradicate energy poverty on the African continent,
Africa needs commercially viable, multi-stakeholder-
driven initiatives that will ensure the meaningful
economic participation of women in the energy
and power sector.
To achieve this it has been delivering market
orientation webinars where value chains in the
energy and power sector are explained by experts
in the industry.
Siemens' support of the AWeaP webinars as a
gold sponsor is not only based our shared value
with AWeaP to help eradicate energy poverty on
the African continent but also to support women in
the energy industry to actively participate in
conversation and in the acceleration of
transformation of energy in Africa.
At Siemens we take equity and the empowerment
of women seriously and we believe that to ultimately
find sustainable solutions to some of the world's
greatest challenges, including the energy crisis, it is
critical to recognize the important contributions
of women as decision-makers, custodians,
participants, experts and educators in the
energy industry.
Through our participation in these webinars,
we believe that there's greater potential to involve
more women, who can contribute to finding better
solutions to the energy crisis faced by some
African countries like South Africa.
About Sabine Dall'Omo
Chief Executive Officer Siemens Sub-Saharan
Africa
Regarded as one of Africa's most influential
women in engineering, Sabine Dall'Omo has
consistently put her best foot forward and broken
boundaries in this male-dominated field.
She currently serves as the Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) and board member for Siemens in
South Africa, following a successful career at the
company for over thirty years. She works tirelessly
to push the continent forward in terms of science
and technology by ensuring that innovative ideas
are harnessed into tangible solutions for
society.
In 2021, Sabine was appointed as the Deputy
Chairperson of the NEPAD Business Foundation
and as an honorary member to serve on the Board
of Trustees for the Deutsche Welthungerhilfe e. V. ;
in addition to these roles Sabine has also been
appointed onto the Presidential Advisory Council
on Investment (PACI).
Outside the office, Sabine has a passion for everything
aviation. This qualified pilot has travelled extensively
throughout Africa taking in majestic views while
frequenting craft markets.
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