My name is Linet Moraa, a 31-year-old Bachelor of Business Administration graduate. I am currently a Sales Specialist in the Renewables Industry, with experience across multiple capacities, from administration, digital and in-person marketing, to sales management and expansion strategy, alongside contributions to risk management and compliance policy-making.
At what point did you realise that you wanted to work in the energy sector?
I’d say it happened by chance. As a customer service and sales professional, my career journey has passed through several industries, legal, medical, and more. Then, an opportunity in the Solar Industry came along. I gave it a shot… and it clicked!
I came, I saw, I stayed, and the rest, as they say, is history.
What lessons did you have to learn when you got into the energy sector?
One of the biggest lessons I encountered was realizing that Solar, unlike many other industries, is not automatically seen as a cheaper or easier alternative.
Instead, it’s about building value: helping customers understand that investing in sustainable energy pays off through reliability, freedom from utility outages, and reduced long-term costs.
It’s not an easy message to sell, but the impact stories, the money saved, and the lives transformed make every challenge worth it. Each project brings renewed purpose to keep going, market after market.
What does it take to excel in your field?
Continuous learning is critical. The renewables sector evolves rapidly: new technologies, product innovations, shifting government policies, everything is in constant motion.
To excel, you must learn, unlearn, and relearn relentlessly.
You must understand your products inside and out, know your environment , your suppliers, stakeholders, partners, competitors, and stay a step ahead. Once equipped with this ecosystem knowledge, you can confidently and creatively drive business growth.
Are there specific challenges as a woman in energy?
Operating in the East African energy sector as a woman comes with unique challenges:
- Representation: Women are still few and far between, especially in senior leadership and technical roles.
- Bias: There can be moments when your expertise is underestimated simply because of gender, requiring you to constantly “prove” your credibility.
- Access to opportunities: Networking spaces and decision-making circles can sometimes feel male-dominated, requiring extra intentionality to build your presence and voice.
Despite these hurdles, I have found strength in resilience, collaboration, and excellence.
I believe that by consistently delivering results and building strong networks, women in energy not only break barriers but also set new standards for leadership and innovation
Which are your strongest areas?
Throughout my career, I have integrated strong interpersonal skills into every role I have undertaken.
Whether working with customers, partners, team members, or regulatory authorities, I aim to connect, understand, and influence.
The goal is always the same: fit into the room, make sure the room listens, and extract the insights needed to drive the next phase of growth.
What is your greatest achievement so far?
- Spearheaded business expansion both regionally and internationally across Eastern Africa.
- Increased market share significantly in competitive territories.
- Built and mentored high-performing teams — from local sales executives to international key account managers.
- Earned the Grandmaster Award for Business Leadership in Distribution from SolarQuarter Africa, recognizing my contributions to the sector
- What are your future goals?
Having made a meaningful impact in the renewable energy space, my next ambition is to pivot into Corporate Governance and build something of my own.
I have enrolled in the UN Global Compact Academy, ensuring that my future ventures prioritize Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Human Rights at their core.
Big news is on the horizon — stay tuned!
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