Working as an expat in Energy
Updated on 4 September, 2023
Sector introduction
The energy sector in Africa plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, industrial development, and improving the quality of life for the continent’s population. Africa’s diverse energy landscape encompasses traditional sources, such as oil and coal, as well as a growing emphasis on renewable energy solutions. Several African countries are making significant strides in harnessing their energy resources and transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.
Energy infrastructure and investment
Africa’s energy sector has been witnessing increased investment in infrastructure, technology, and exploration of energy resources. Countries like Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, and Ethiopia have been at the forefront of energy development. Significant oil and gas reserves in countries like Nigeria are attracting international investments, while others are focusing on expanding their electricity generation capacity through renewables like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
Diversification and renewable energy
A notable trend in Africa’s energy sector is the emphasis on diversification and the transition to renewable energy sources. Many countries are recognizing the environmental and economic benefits of adopting cleaner energy solutions. Solar energy, in particular, is gaining momentum due to Africa’s abundant sunlight. Initiatives like the Desert to Power project aim to develop massive solar installations across the Sahel region to provide reliable electricity to millions.
Access to energy and rural electrification
Despite progress, a significant portion of Africa’s population still lacks access to reliable electricity. This challenge has spurred innovative solutions for rural electrification. Mini-grids and off-grid solar solutions are being deployed to bring power to remote areas where traditional grid infrastructure is impractical. These efforts not only improve living conditions but also create opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Sustainable practices and environmental impact
Sustainability is becoming a central theme in Africa’s energy sector. With the global focus on climate change, African countries are making efforts to adopt environmentally friendly practices. These include embracing renewable energy, reducing gas flaring and emissions from oil production, and incorporating energy-efficient technologies into industrial processes.
Challenges and opportunities
The energy sector in Africa is positioned for growth, even in the face of challenges like inadequate infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and political instability. Remarkably, these challenges have catalysed innovative solutions and partnerships. A collaborative effort between international organisations, governments, and private companies is actively addressing these issues and fostering an environment conducive to the sustainable development of energy.
Local capacity building and job creation
The growth of the energy sector in Africa offers significant job opportunities. From engineers, technicians, and project managers to researchers and policy experts, a wide range of skills are in demand. African governments and international partners are increasingly focusing on capacity building to ensure that local professionals are equipped to lead in the energy transition.
Prospects for professionals in Energy
The African energy sector offers a wide range of job opportunities that can shape the continent’s energy future. Specialised engineers and technicians are in high demand. Additionally, professionals in project management, environmental sustainability, and policy development play critical roles in shaping the future of the renewable energy landscape. As the sector continues to expand, there is a growing need for skilled workers who can contribute to the development and implementation of sustainable energy solutions.
Working as an Expat in the African energy sector
Expatriates working in Africa’s energy sector have the chance to engage in projects of strategic importance. While challenges like infrastructure and regulatory complexities may exist, the experience of contributing to the development of energy resources and improving access to power can be highly rewarding. Cultural diversity and the chance to work on innovative solutions make expat roles in this sector appealing.
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Their team demonstrated a deep understanding of our needs and maintained
outstanding communication throughout the process. They were always available and
responsive, which greatly facilitated our decision-making.
Thanks to JobnetAfrica’s expertise, we successfully hired a highly qualified Supply Chain
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SureChill
At ETG we have worked various times with Jobnet, and their customized searching process always helped us to find good candidates. I think every company has experienced the painful situation of spending 3 months to search for a proper candidate and then ending-up without a good match, our collaboration with Jobnet made sure to avoid such situations and loss of efforts.
Export Trading Group
The quality of candidates presented was exceptional, and it was evident that JobnetAfrica thoroughly understood our requirements and the nuances of our business. One aspect that particularly stood out was the personal touch they brought to their engagement with us. JobnetAfrica took the time to genuinely understand our needs, which translated into a more targeted and effective recruitment process. Their communication was impeccable, keeping us informed and updated at every stage, which greatly facilitated our decision-making process.
De Heus Animal Nutrition Kenya
Both Inez and Inari have got a solid understanding of our requirements, and their commitment and perseverance to matching the right candidates with the right roles is clearly visible. JobnetAfrica diligently helped out in talent sourcing and profile matching efforts, despite constant changes in job requirements at the beginning of searching stage.
They have an excellent pool of candidates, and we subsequently hire a position via them. Looking forward to working with them again in future.
JB Cocoa
One of the benefits was that Inez and Ingrid, who were on this journey with us, totally understood was our company culture and had an interest in it.. So, I was able to explain what type of person I was looking for in this role.
Incentro
I’ve experienced a very pleasant collaboration with JobnetAfrica, where we were able to switch quickly with efficient communication, allowing us to fill our vacancy within a reasonable timeframe. Highly recommended!
Tradin Organic
I think you took quite a bit of time to speak with me and other people in the organization, to understand the business and really get to the bottom of the job descriptions. I mean it’s one thing seeing a job description on paper. It’s another thing to figure out exactly what the role requires and what sort of profiles could be needed.”
Sucafina
I think whenever I evaluate any partner who is working with us, I think there are four things that I majorly focus on as a TA manager. One is the Return on the investment we are doing in terms of finding the right talent at the right time, at the right pricing….. So, the way I think JobnetAfrica is meeting the timelines is appreciable. Then the quality of work was there, and quality is something I really focus on and really matters to me with the kind of talent that we are acquiring. So, I think JobnetAfrica really maintained that quality and really understood what we were looking for.
ARISE IIP
Their network is impressive and the candidate selected was top-notch. They made us feel like we were their top priority, with good communication and support. We got our top performing executive, thanks to JobnetAfrica.
Serengeti Energy
We knew the job search would be a challenge. Inari and Inez guided us through their recruitment process and showed us exactly what was, and what was not available in the market, within our set budget. With expectations being managed throughout the process, we managed to find the most suitable candidate for the job. Based on the success we have had, we would like to recommend JobnetAfrica to any company looking for skilled professionals in Africa.
Middle East & South Africa at Stolt-Nielsen Limited
We first tried to recruit a Program Manager in West Africa ourselves, but not very successful. JobnetAfrica is focused on Africa, is quickly up to speed and has a great understanding of what is needed. Which resulted in the placement of a very strong candidate.
Beyond Beans Foundation
I was really happy with how JobnetAfrica handled the process. Everything was done for me, the negotiations, the meetings, the Zoom invites etc. I had no stress at al! Everything was well organized by the JobnetAfrica team and it was quite a relief for me.
Biyinzika Poultry International Ltd, Uganda
We were looking for a COO in Tanzania and were looking for a local candidate. We were worried that an international search company couldn’t come up with good candidates. JobnetAfrica provided a wide pool of good candidates. I will definitely recommend JobnetAfrica to other companies. Growing companies, like ourselves, in the manufacturing and agricultural sector would benefit from JobnetAfrica’s services.
Natural Extracts Industries Ltd., Tanzania
To be frank, recruiters are sometimes annoying. They want to sell as quickly as possible and you don’t know what you are going to get. Some recruiters just shoot at everybody to find candidates, JobnetAfrica already has a good network. That is a big addition and other benefits are having a good relationship with the team and being able to communicate well.
Portside, Ghana
JobnetAfrica has fast and clear communication. You ask, and they deliver. Within given time frames. The briefings were thorough and immediately we felt understood. This feeling was reinforced when receiving the profiles of the candidates proposed. Really fast they were able to fill two of our outstanding vacancies, in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. We will definitely keep using their services!
Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
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