CSI Energy Group focuses on promoting Africa energy transition

Nairobi, KENYA: THE newly appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the CSI Energy Group, a major player in energy in Africa, Ms Natacha Emilien has vowed to focus on promoting a ‘just’ energy transition in the continent.

The group recently announced Ms Emilien as its new CEO as part of a consolidation of its teams.

She previously held the position of Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. In the statement released over the weekend, the group elaborated that ‘just’ energy transition not only involves a shift towards renewable and/or more sustainable energy sources but also prioritizes access to electricity in regions often lacking adequate infrastructure.

A ‘just’ transition also benefits all layers of society more equitably, particularly small entrepreneurs and the most vulnerable communities.

This includes access to energy at affordable rates, retraining and/ or creating local jobs in new energy industries, and collaborating with female entrepreneurs as subcontractors in the group’s value chain. With her extensive expertise and strategic vision, Ms Emilien is ideally placed to lead this complex and essential transition for a sustainable energy future in Africa.

Trained as an engineer, she has experience in petroleum and gas engineering projects and industrial risk management since 2005. Her expertise also extends to other areas, including financial services and strategic and innovation consulting.

In 2023, Ms Emilien returned to her engineering roots by joining CSI Energy Group. Natacha’s promotion to this key role attests to CSI Energy Group’s commitment to maintaining a culture that values career growth, inclusion, empowerment, and professional development in Mauritius and Africa. It also underlines CSI Energy Group’s determination to recognize and promote talents that will lead the organization in achieving its objectives.

“As an entrepreneur and intrapreneur, my career has been a quest for opportunities within impact-driven organizations. To this day, I am proud to be part of the management of CSI Energy Group. Our mission is to support a ‘just’ energy transition in Africa, to bring energy security, better and more equitable access to energy, sustainable and more inclusive for the continent’s minorities.

“I firmly believe that the energy sector in Africa has enormous potential to create significant global impact. I am committed to dedicating my time, skills, and energy to this noble cause,” she stated.

At the heart of CSI Energy Group’s strategy is a commitment to sustainable growth and rigorous governance – aware of the need for transformative leadership in this dynamic era.

“I am particularly grateful to be part of an organization that places so much emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). I believe in the power of DEI to drive innovation and positive change. I look forward to contributing to progress in this area. As Deputy Group CEO, I continue to support the promotion of women leaders who, like me, seek to make a positive impact in the energy sector,” she said.

“I also commit to leading the teams of CSI Energy Group with clarity of mind, courage, and kindness – following in the footsteps of our founder and Group CEO, Chris Glasson,” she added.