Elizabeth Masitsa’s green career journey

When Elizabeth Masitsa graduated with a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Moi University in 2019, she stepped into a world where women were few and far between. She started her academic career as a graduate assistant and programme coordinator as the only woman in Zetech University’s engineering faculty. Over time, she realised the effects of working in a male-dominated environment.

She knew it was time for a change. Elizabeth wanted more than just a job, she wanted to innovate, grow, and make a real impact. But the transition wasn’t easy. Job hunting took five long months, and many opportunities were in rural areas where safety concerns made it harder for her, as a woman, to consider them.

Then came a breakthrough. Through a programme by shortlist, she landed a role as a Learning and Development Coordinator at Bidhaa Sasa - a start-up that finances and distributes renewable energy products to rural households.

That opportunity changed everything. Her income grew by 25%, but more importantly, she joined an organisation that believed in her potential and invested in her growth. She earned a Training of Trainers Certificate, completed the Leadership for Growth course at Amani Institute, and gained the confidence to navigate the renewable energy space with independence. "In those 1.5 years, I grew more than in any of my previous roles."

With that solid foundation, Elizabeth took another big step. In December 2023, she joined Médecins Sans Frontières as a Learning and Development Associate & Technical Producer. Now, she’s setting her sights on global opportunities, this time, without fear.

Looking back, she knows that taking a chance on a green economy role opened doors she never imagined. To young professionals still figuring things out, she has one message:

Silent signals - Who might hire you soon?

The rapid expansion of Africa’s green industry indicates that several companies are likely to be hiring soon due to recent significant developments in funding or expansion. keep your eyes on this companies: 

• Sonatrach & Sinopec, Signed an $850M contract for hydrocarbon development in Algeria.

• Ezz Elarab Automotive Group has launched the locally assembled Proton Saga.

• East Africa’s power interconnection plan has secured financing to boost export revenues by providing clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to South Sudan.

• Morocco’s National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) has secured a €300 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for its electricity division.