AOG 2025 Spotlights Women’s Transformative Role in Angola’s Oil Sector Over 50 Years
This year’s Angola Oil & Gas 2025 conference and exhibition highlighted gender inclusion in the energy industry with a panel titled “Female Leadership: The Transformative Role of Women in Angola’s Oil Sector Over the Last 50 Years.” The session, which took place last week, showcased the growing influence of women across Angola’s oil and gas value chain and their contribution to shaping a more innovative and resilient industry.
The session featured participation from Maria Fátima Fernando, Block Manager at Angola’s national concessionaire, the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG); Filomena Oliveira, Member of the Executive Committee for Exploration and Production at Sonangol; Deise Vilarinho Bernado, Deputy Inspector General of the Inspection Office at Angola’s Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas; and Katia Epalanga, Member of the Executive Council of Sonangol.
The speakers reflected on how the sector, historically male-dominated, has evolved into a more inclusive space thanks to greater access to education, targeted mentorship programs, and policies promoting gender equality. Women are now actively leading technical, operational, and strategic areas—from offshore engineering and project management to corporate governance and policy-making.
“Women have proven that technical excellence and leadership in the oil and gas sector know no gender boundaries. By opening more doors for young professionals, we ensure that Angola’s energy future is stronger and more inclusive,” stated Fernando.
Panel members also emphasized that this progress has resulted in new perspectives within the sector, improving decision-making and driving innovation. The discussion also acknowledged persistent challenges, including barriers to career progression, work-life balance, and ensuring consistent access to training and opportunities.
“Diversity is not a symbolic gesture; it is a driver of innovation and resilience. The Angolan oil sector thrives when women bring their perspectives and expertise to the table,” added Oliveira.
“Our role as women in leadership is to inspire change and deliver results. At Sonangol, we see female leadership as essential to building a more innovative, responsible, and globally competitive energy company,” added Epalanga.
Looking ahead, Angola’s energy sector stands to benefit from a new generation of women entering the workforce, supported by stronger advocacy networks and capacity-building programs. The panel concluded that the progress made over the last 50 years should serve as a foundation to accelerate gender inclusion, ensuring women continue to play a central role in driving Angola’s oil and gas industry forward.
“The progress we have made is the result of education, mentorship, and advocacy, but the journey is far from over,” stated Bernado, concluding: “We must continue building systems that empower women to lead at all levels of the industry.”
