Linda Mabhena-Olagunju, Founder and CEO of DLO Energy Resources Group, leads renewable energy projects while advancing inclusion in Africa’s power sector.
Founded in 2011, DLO Energy Resources Group is a 100% Black woman-owned investment and advisory firm operating across Africa’s energy value chain. Under Mabhena-Olagunju’s leadership, the company has grown into a key player in renewable energy, particularly in wind power development.
In 2014, DLO co-developed two utility-scale wind farms under South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), a landmark government initiative designed to accelerate private sector investment in clean energy. These projects contributed significantly to diversifying South Africa’s energy mix while demonstrating the viability of large-scale renewable infrastructure on the continent.
Today, the company continues to expand its footprint, with operational wind assets and solar photovoltaic projects under development in both South Africa and Nigeria. This strategic expansion reflects a broader continental push toward sustainable energy solutions amid growing demand and climate pressures.
Strategic Influence Beyond Business
Mabhena-Olagunju’s impact extends well beyond project development. She has built a reputation as a trusted advisor and board-level strategist, contributing to both public and private sector decision-making.
She previously served as Special Advisor on Gender to South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, where she worked to advance women’s inclusion in the energy sector. Her advisory roles have also spanned global institutions, including the University of Oxford, the Zayed Future Energy Prize, and Energy for Access.
In addition, she chairs the J.P. Morgan Abadali Fund, further reinforcing her role at the intersection of finance, infrastructure, and development.
Driving Skills and Innovation in Energy
Recognising that Africa’s energy future depends not only on infrastructure but also on human capital, Mabhena-Olagunju launched the DLO Skills Initiative in 2022. The platform leverages artificial intelligence to deliver training in technical and entrepreneurial skills tailored to the renewable energy sector.
This initiative reflects a forward-looking approach to workforce development, equipping young Africans with the competencies needed to participate meaningfully in the global energy transition.
Mabhena-Olagunju’s leadership is underpinned by a strong academic and professional foundation. She holds a law degree from the University of Cape Town and a Master of Laws with distinction from the University of Aberdeen. She is also a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Legatum Foundry Fellow, a programme designed to support high-impact African entrepreneurs.
Her career spans advisory roles across Africa, Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, positioning her as a globally connected leader with deep expertise in energy systems, investment, and policy.
Redefining Leadership in Africa’s Energy Transition
Linda Mabhena-Olagunju’s journey reflects a broader transformation taking place across Africa’s energy sector. As countries shift toward cleaner, more sustainable energy systems, leadership that combines technical expertise, policy insight, and inclusive vision is becoming increasingly critical.
Through her work, she is not only building infrastructure but also reshaping narratives, demonstrating that African women are central to driving innovation, investment, and long-term sustainability in the energy space.
Africa’s energy transition presents both a challenge and an opportunity. With rising demand, climate vulnerability, and the need for equitable growth, the continent requires solutions that are both scalable and inclusive.
Leaders like Mabhena-Olagunju are helping to define that path. By aligning renewable energy development with skills building, gender inclusion, and strategic investment, her work offers a model for how Africa can power its future sustainably, while ensuring that growth benefits a broader cross-section of society.
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