Community Spotlight:Meet with Maeva Rakotoarisoa

10th November 2025 | Energyz Black

Welcome to the 5th edition of the Energyz Black Community Spotlight series, a periodic publication aimed at highlighting, engaging with, and empowering Black professionals in the energy sector.

Can you share a bit about your journey into the energy and sustainability sector? What initially drew you to this field?
Maeva: I studied Management with Finance at Warwick Business School. While I was initially drawn to finance, I wanted to apply my skills to a sector with real impact. Coming from Madagascar, where power cuts are common, I often asked myself why reliable energy access was such a challenge.

That question stayed with me, and eventually I decided to pursue a career in the energy sector. I completed a Master’s in Energy Economics at the French Institute of Petroleum, which gave me exposure to both oil & gas and renewables. At first, I was focused on oil and gas, but as awareness of climate change grew and renewable technologies advanced, I became increasingly drawn to clean energy.

I went on to complete another Master’s in Energy Trade and Finance at Bayes Business School, where I deepened my knowledge of renewables and the global energy landscape. After graduating, I joined Globeleq as an intern, and what was meant to be a six-month internship has turned into nearly six years with the company. I’m based in London, but all of our projects are in Africa, which allows me to work internationally while staying connected to my home continent.

What excites you most about your current role at Globeleq?
Maeva: For me, it’s the sense of fulfillment. Our work is about bringing energy solutions that support Africa’s growth while contributing to the energy transition.
Globeleq is a UK-based company, backed by DFIs like BII (UK) and Norfund (Norway). We develop, finance, own, and operate power plants across Africa, with projects in South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and more. Our portfolio includes both renewable and gas plants.

As a Senior Associate in Business Development, I work on projects from origination through to pre-construction. That includes structuring financing, coordinating with engineering teams on solutions, visiting sites in countries like South Africa and Egypt, and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, from governments and utilities to financial institutions.

What excites me is the diversity of challenges and the impact: in some markets, our role is to reduce energy poverty; in others, it’s helping large industries decarbonize. I also enjoy the international collaboration, working with colleagues across Africa, Europe, and even the U.S. It feels special to live in London while contributing to Africa’s development.

Have you faced regulatory or cultural challenges in your work across regions?
Maeva: Absolutely. Every country and market has its own dynamics. We often work with governments, utilities, and private companies, each with different expectations and priorities. Political changes, like elections, can also create uncertainty.

The key is transparency and alignment, making sure our project ambitions match the needs of our counterparts. It requires constant communication, flexibility, and an understanding that the context can change quickly. That’s both the challenge and the beauty of working across diverse African markets.

How have you navigated working in what is often seen as a male-dominated industry?
Maeva: The energy sector is still male-dominated. I realized that early in my career. Conferences, meetings, and industry spaces often have limited female representation.

What has helped me is mentorship and community. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors, both male and female, who have guided me through key moments and opened opportunities. Representation matters; it makes you feel less alone and gives you role models.

At the same time, I believe everyone can contribute equally regardless of gender. Mentorship and networks like Energyz Black or Women in Energy are powerful ways to create supportive communities. And if those spaces don’t exist, we shouldn’t be afraid to build them.

You were recognized as one of the Women in Hydrogen 50 Rising Stars. What did that mean to you?
Maeva: That was in 2023, during an exciting period when my team was developing a large-scale green hydrogen project in Egypt. We were a small group working on a pioneering technology for our company, and it gave me the chance to take ownership of workstreams and grow quickly.
I came across the award through the Petroleum Economist and thought it would be a great way to spotlight Africa’s role in green hydrogen. With my manager’s support, we submitted a nomination, and I was fortunate to be selected.

For me, the award reinforced the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and seizing opportunities. It also highlighted how critical platforms that amplify women’s voices are, because they encourage others, build community, and ensure young professionals see themselves represented.

What advice would you give to young professionals entering the energy and sustainability sector?
Maeva: First, keep upskilling. The sector is broad, and there is room for different skills, including engineering, finance, law, and policy. Stay curious, take courses, follow industry news, and seek out experiences that build your expertise.

Second, build your network. I truly believe your network is part of your net worth. Don’t be afraid to reach out, follow up, and attend events, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Opportunities often come through people.

Third, have a can-do attitude. Be willing to take on responsibilities, even if you don’t have all the answers yet. Learn fast, ask questions, and show initiative. Soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and the ability to work under pressure are just as important as technical knowledge.

Q: What would you say to young Black professionals considering a career in energy?
Maeva: Don’t let being the “only one in the room” discourage you. Early in my career, I sometimes felt out of place, but I realized there is always a reason you’re there, your skills, your qualifications, your perspective.

Diversity brings value. By being yourself and contributing your ideas, you’re enriching the industry. Surround yourself with mentors and supportive communities, and don’t hesitate to create spaces where they don’t exist.

Q: How do you see the energy transition evolving over the next decade?
Maeva: I think it will accelerate, but unevenly. Some countries will move faster than others depending on policy, resources, and financing.

Africa has a unique opportunity because it’s still developing its energy systems, it can leapfrog directly into renewables and cleaner technologies, bypassing some of the fossil-heavy stages other regions went through.

Globally, innovation in storage, green hydrogen, and financing mechanisms will play a huge role in meeting net-zero targets.

Q: What has been the most interesting project you’ve worked on, and why was it the most interesting to you?
Maeva: I’d say the Green Hydrogen Project in Egypt. It was fascinating because the technology was completely new to me. I didn’t know we could actually power industries by splitting water, it felt groundbreaking.

What made it especially exciting is that the technology is still in its early stages, so no country is really “behind.” That creates a unique opportunity for African countries to step forward and be part of shaping a new global industry. Egypt, in particular, has strong renewable resources, existing infrastructure, and close proximity to Europe, making it a strategic location.

The project gave me the chance to see how African countries can position themselves as key players in this nascent industry. It was also international, I traveled to Copenhagen, Belgium, and other places, engaging with European companies and looking at how hydrogen was being developed globally. It wasn’t just about Africa, it was about connecting Africa to the world.

Overall, it was large-scale, innovative, and incredibly exciting. I’d say it was one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my career so far.

The 5th edition of the Energyz Black Community Spotlight was compiled by CollabQuest team.

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