Natacha Emilien: A vision to support a new era of ‘just’ and sustainable energy transition in Africa
January 11, 2024 – As part of a consolidation of teams within CSI Energy Group, Natacha Emilien has been promoted to Deputy Group CEO of the company. She previously held the position of Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. Based in Mauritius, Natacha Emilien leverages her experience and skills to positively impact the energy sector in Africa by using the strategic positioning of the country to meet the specific and diverse needs of the African continent. By traveling regularly across Africa, she ensures a close synergy between local expertise and global perspectives, thus embodying the bridge between Mauritius and Africa in the energy field.
In her new role as Deputy Group CEO, Natacha Emilien will particularly focus on promoting a ‘just’ energy transition in Africa. This key concept, at the heart of CSI Energy Group’s mission, aims to balance economic imperatives with environmental needs and social justice. A ‘just’ energy transition not only involves a shift towards renewable and/or more sustainable energy sources but also prioritizes access to electricity in regions often lacking adequate infrastructure. A ‘just’ transition also benefits all layers of society more equitably, particularly small entrepreneurs and the most vulnerable communities. This includes access to energy at affordable rates, retraining and/or creating local jobs in new energy industries, and collaborating with female entrepreneurs as subcontractors in the group’s value chain. With her extensive expertise and strategic vision, Natacha Emilien is ideally placed to lead this complex and essential transition for a sustainable energy future in Africa.
Trained as an engineer, Natacha has experience in petroleum and gas engineering projects and industrial risk management since 2005. Her expertise also extends to other areas, including financial services and strategic and innovation consulting. In 2023, Natacha returned to her engineering roots by joining CSI Energy Group.
Natacha’s promotion to this key role attests to CSI Energy Group’s commitment to maintaining a culture that values career growth, inclusion, empowerment, and professional development in Mauritius and Africa. It also underlines CSI Energy Group’s determination to recognize and promote talents that will lead the organization in achieving its objectives.
“As an entrepreneur and intrapreneur, my career has been a quest for opportunities within impact-driven organizations. To this day, I am proud to be part of the management of CSI Energy Group. Our mission is to support a ‘just’ energy transition in Africa, to bring energy
security, better and more equitable access to energy, sustainable and more inclusive for the continent’s minorities. I firmly believe that the energy sector in Africa has enormous potential to create significant global impact. I am committed to dedicating my time, skills, and energy to this noble cause,” states Natacha.
At the heart of CSI Energy Group’s strategy is a commitment to sustainable growth and rigorous governance – aware of the need for transformative leadership in this dynamic era.
“I am particularly grateful to be part of an organization that places so much emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). I believe in the power of DEI to drive innovation and positive change. I look forward to contributing to progress in this area. As Deputy Group CEO, I continue to support the promotion of women leaders who, like me, seek to make a positive impact in the energy sector,” says Natacha.
“I also commit to leading the teams of CSI Energy Group with clarity of mind, courage, and kindness – following in the footsteps of our founder and Group CEO, Chris Glasson,” concludes Natacha.
About CSI Energy Group
CSI Energy Group is a diversified network of Africa-focused companies providing resilient solutions in the energy sector on the continent, through 3 strategic business units; contracting (high engineering, procurement, construction), development and financing of energy transition and renewable energy projects, and investment.
With over two decades of experience in 12 countries and more than 200 successfully completed projects in renewable energy, electricity and infrastructure, oil and gas, and mining, we are committed to having a positive impact and promoting sustainable development in the region.
At CSI Energy Group, we believe that access to electricity is a human right. CSI Energy Group exists to enable a ‘just’ energy transition in Africa and to improve access to electricity.
