Expanding electricity access across Africa depends on strong financing structures, coordinated partnerships, and systems that translate policy commitments into real, measurable impact.
In this episode of the #MyEnergyLife Series, we spotlight Barbara Maame Esi Andoh, Senior Specialist, Energy Finance at Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL). With experience spanning energy access, policy advisory, and climate finance, Barbara shares her journey from an unexpected entry into renewable energy to working on Mission 300, a bold initiative to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
Guest Profile
Full Name
Current Company Name
Current Job Title
Senior Specialist, Energy Finance
Specialization
Energy access and transition, clean and low-carbon technologies, DRE systems and business model innovation, climate action strategies and renewables, philanthropy and international development.
Country of Origin
Ghana
Tell us about your journey in the energy industry.
My professional journey has been an exciting one, full of unexpected twists and turns. After completing my Master’s in Oil and Gas Economics in the UK on a prestigious scholarship from my country, I returned home eager to contribute to the growing oil and gas sector. However, after months of searching, I found no opportunities in that space.
Along the line, a friend introduced me to a renewable energy startup that needed an operations manager. It was completely outside my plans and comfort zone, but I took the opportunity, and it became my first real introduction to the renewable energy sector.
I learned a great deal in that role, which laid the foundation for the work I do today. Over the years, I progressed from working on energy access projects that provided electricity to underserved communities to advising governments on renewable energy policies, projects, and energy efficiency initiatives.
I am currently at an exciting point in my career, working on an ambitious mission to help provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030.
What do you do in your current role at your company?
I currently work on the Mission 300 team at SEforALL, where I support over 30 African countries in delivering on their National Energy Compacts.
My role involves analyzing each country’s energy priorities, including policies and energy access projects, and developing tailored monitoring systems to track progress. I also work closely with country Compact Delivery and Monitoring Units, helping to build their capacity to track implementation and report progress toward electrification targets.
In addition, I engage regularly with key Mission 300 partners, including the World Bank and the African Development Bank, to ensure coordination, troubleshoot challenges, and resolve country-specific issues.
It’s encouraging to see the level of commitment from many countries, and while there is still work to be done, it’s rewarding to see progress in connecting more people to electricity.
Could you describe your typical day at work?
No two days are ever the same. To stay organized, I usually plan my schedule either the evening before or early in the morning.
A typical day involves coordination, analysis, and problem-solving across the countries and teams I support. I start by reviewing updates, responding to emails, and analyzing country data to track progress toward energy access targets. I also work on monitoring and reporting systems to ensure progress is properly documented.
I regularly engage with partners like the World Bank and African Development Bank to ensure alignment and resolve issues. The days I enjoy the most are when I meet government teams in person to discuss progress and challenges. Those moments really bring the impact of our work to life.
What are some of the challenges you have faced in the industry?
One of the most significant challenges, especially in the Global South, is inadequate financing for the energy transition.
While there are strong global commitments to climate finance, there is still a gap between pledged funds and actual disbursement to developing countries. Only a small share of global clean energy investment currently goes to regions with the greatest energy access needs.
This is one of the challenges Mission 300 aims to address by coordinating governments, development finance institutions, multilateral banks, and the private sector to improve the mobilization and deployment of funds.
What is the most fun thing you love about your work?
The most fulfilling part of my work is the scale of the impact.
Knowing that what we do contributes to improving lives across an entire continent is incredibly motivating. It’s not just about policies or projects on paper. It’s about real people and real change.
For example, an electrified health centre in Sierra Leone can now provide care through the night, and a school in Tanzania can prepare hot meals using clean energy. These are the moments that make the work feel real.
For me, the joy is truly in the impact.
How do you balance work and life?
I’ve come to believe that perfect balance is sometimes an illusion, so I focus more on excellence than perfection.
I believe in seasons; different phases of life require different priorities. Right now, I am raising a young family while growing in my career, and that requires intentionality.
What helps me is effective time management, prioritization, and being fully present wherever I am. When I am working, I focus on delivering results. When I am with my family, I try to be fully present.
It’s less about perfect balance every day and more about showing up where I’m needed most, consistently and intentionally.
What are the core hard skills someone in your field should have?
Strong technical and analytical skills are essential in this field.
Data analysis is critical, as energy planning and policy decisions are largely data-driven. Closely linked to this is data visualization, which is the ability to present complex insights clearly through dashboards and reports for decision-makers.
Strong report writing is also important to communicate technical information effectively. In addition, project management, stakeholder coordination, and monitoring and evaluation skills are crucial, given the number of partners and moving parts involved in energy projects.
Finally, financial mobilization is a crucial skill. Understanding how projects are funded and how to attract investment from development partners and the private sector is important.
What soft skills should someone in your field have?
Clear communication is essential, especially the ability to explain complex technical and financial concepts to different stakeholders.
Strong interpersonal skills are also important, as much of the work involves building and maintaining relationships. Problem-solving and adaptability are critical because each country and project comes with unique challenges.
Teamwork is key, as most work in this space is highly collaborative. Finally, time management and prioritization are necessary to manage multiple projects while maintaining quality and impact.
What is the best thing about your work?
The best thing about my work is the exposure and continuous learning.
Working across different African countries gives me a deeper understanding of diverse energy challenges and opportunities. I also value engaging with development finance institutions and private investors, which helps me understand what it takes to unlock funding for impactful projects.
Being part of a collaborative team of experts also makes the work enjoyable and motivating.
What would you consider a highlight of your career?
A key highlight of my career has been working on Mission 300, supporting over 30 African countries to expand electricity access.
Seeing tangible impact, from electrified health centres to more productive communities, while collaborating with governments, investors, and partners, has been incredibly rewarding.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
I teach a group of young people every weekend, equipping them with practical life skills, which brings me a lot of fulfilment.
I also enjoy travelling with my family and spending quality time with loved ones. In quieter moments, I enjoy reading or watching a good movie.
How do you think that your work makes a difference in the energy space?
My work contributes by helping translate energy access ambitions into real outcomes.
By supporting countries to deliver on their National Energy Compacts, I help strengthen implementation, improve coordination, and ensure progress is tracked and sustained. I also help bridge gaps between governments, development partners, and private investors.
Ultimately, the impact is seen in improved electricity access and better quality of life for communities.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?
Stay curious and be open to unexpected paths.
I originally planned to work in oil and gas, but found my path in renewable energy, and that decision shaped my career. The energy sector is broad and constantly evolving, so be willing to learn, adapt, and step outside your comfort zone.
Always remember the impact. Energy is not just about infrastructure or policy but about improving lives. If you stay focused on that and keep learning, you will find your place.
Barbara’s journey highlights how careers in energy do not always follow a straight path, but with openness, adaptability, and purpose, unexpected opportunities can lead to meaningful impact.
Her work across policy, financing, and implementation reflects the scale of coordination required to expand energy access across Africa. By supporting countries to move from commitments to delivery, she is helping translate ambition into real progress on the ground.
This is the #MyEnergyLife Series, where we spotlight the professionals driving Africa’s energy transition.
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See you in the next article!