Togo: WEN-Africa Concludes Conference On Gender Inequalities In Energy

The Women in Energy Network-Africa (WEN-Africa) has concluded its 2026 conference in Lomé, the capital of the Republic of Togo.

The conference focused on reducing gender inequalities in the energy sector.

The event brought together institutional partners under the theme: “Addressing Gender Inequalities in Energy: Partnerships for Sustainability.”

The conference, which ended on Wednesday, included panel discussions led by partner institutions and energy sector representatives from several African countries.

Speakers highlighted WEN-Africa’s mission and progress since its launch, and shared partner experiences.

Participants also reviewed the benefits of joining the platform, existing best practices, and the impact of partnerships in narrowing gender gaps in the energy sector in sub-Saharan Africa.

The conference was attended by several dignitaries, including Kwawu Mensan Gaba, the World Bank’s Energy Global Practice Manager for Western and Central Africa, and Robert Koffi Messan Eklo, Togo’s Minister Delegate for Energy and Mineral Resources.

Gaba said the platform aims to strengthen women’s participation in energy policy, planning, and operations, build technical and leadership skills, and foster partnerships that support inclusive and sustainable energy development.

He added that the initiative also seeks to help women and young people use energy access to develop economic activities, support education, improve health outcomes, and drive innovation in their communities.

Eklo welcomed the Lomé meeting as a step toward greater equality in the sector.

“By gathering here in Lomé, we are taking a collective step to ensure that Africa’s energy transition is not only clean and resilient but also inclusive and gives women their full place,” he said.

Launched in February 2024, WEN-Africa is supported by the World Bank and aims to increase women’s participation and employment in Africa’s energy sector in partnership with international institutions.