The African Energy Chamber recognised Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel and Yetunde Sorinola two Sahara Group executives for outstanding leadership, innovation, and talent development in energy, underscoring the company’s growing influence in Africa’s power and gas landscape.
Landmark Industry Recognition
The African Energy Chamber has named Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, Head of Integrated Gas Ventures at Asharami Energy, and Yetunde Sorinola, Chief Financial Officer of Egbin Power Plc, among its 2025 “20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars.” Highlighting momentum behind women’s leadership across oil, gas, and renewables, as Africa balances power access with diversity at the heart of its Energy Transition Agenda.
Recognition Announced for 2025
The announcement was made as part of the African Energy Chamber’s annual listing for 2025, marking a significant milestone for both awardees and Sahara Group. However, the statement did not provide details on the African Energy Chamber’s selection methodology for the “20 Under 40”.
Honourees and Their Impact
Lucciano-Gabriel has been credited for spearheading Sahara’s midstream gas business, expanding access to cleaner energy solutions, and championing innovative gas ventures that drive inclusive growth. Sorinola, leading the finance operations at Egbin Power Plc, Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest privately-owned thermal plant, was recognised for her track record in financial stewardship, project governance, and fostering sustainability through capital-intensive energy initiatives.
Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, Executive Director at Sahara Group, said of the honorees: “Mariah and Yetunde embody the Sahara spirit of resilience, innovation, and excellence. Their achievements demonstrate our commitment to Making A Difference by nurturing talent that can thrive on the global stage while bringing energy to life responsibly for communities across the continent and the globe.” NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, commented: “These women are not only recognised for their amazing careers, but for their work and commitment across their respective communities.”
Corporate Commitment to Talent and Diversity
Sahara Group credits its recognition to a people-first strategy focused on nurturing expertise and providing platforms for employees to maximize their abilities. “Our core values of being disruptively creative and a two-edged sword style of empowering every member of our team to harness their potential, drive innovation, and deliver impact that transcends borders,” said Bethel Obioma, Head of Corporate Communications.
For Lucciano-Gabriel, the honour serves as “a powerful reminder that Africa has the talent and vision to lead global energy conversations” and fuels her resolve to “keep pushing boundaries, driving innovative gas solutions that can fuel inclusive growth.” Sorinola dedicated the accolade to the Egbin and Sahara team, reflecting, “Reliable power is the foundation of economic progress and community empowerment, and our focus at Sahara remains on championing financial governance, sustainability, and mentoring the next generation of leaders who will power Africa’s future.”
Broader Implications for Africa’s Energy Sector
This recognition comes as the sector emphasises accelerating access to reliable power, nurturing female leadership, and advancing Africa’s role in global energy transition agenda efforts.
The African Energy Chamber’s initiative mirrors industry priorities for inclusive, next-generation talent development and strong corporate governance, positioning Sahara Group as a key industry player focused on both operational growth and equitable impact.
Sector Trends
Sahara Group operates in more than 42 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, employing over 5,000 staff. The recognition of its leaders joins a series of sector accolades amid growing calls for gender diversity and inclusive talent pipelines across the global energy value chain.
According to the International Energy Agency, increasing female participation and leadership has become a business imperative, with recent data showing the number of women in senior roles rising but still lagging global parity targets.
