Victoria is a lawyer and an Energy and Mining expert, with extensive experience working on various projects in the different parts of the Globe. She is a holder of a PhD in International Energy Law and Policy (Dundee). Victoria is the Founder and Executive Director of the African Energy and Minerals Management Initiative. She is the CEO and lead consultant at Nalule Energy & Minerals Consultants (NEM- www.nemenergyco.com).
She is an Energy Arbitrator at the Energy Disputes Arbitration Center (EDAC), Turkey. She is also a Senior Research Fellow in Mining Law & Governance at the Institute for Oil, Gas, Energy, Environment and Sustainability Development (OGEES). She is a committee member at the International Law Association (ILA): and at Access for Women in Energy-an international NGO.
Victoria is an author and has widely published on topics relating to oil, gas, renewable energy, climate change, mining and International Arbitration. Her latest five books covering energy, mining, land access and Extractives, energy arbitration, and negotiation in Extractives.
Victoria offers extensive experience in the Energy and Mining sectors having worked with various institutions; regional and international organizations including assignments for The Queen Mary University of London (EU Energy Project); The International Energy Charter Secretariat in Belgium; The Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment in New York; the East African Community Secretariat in Tanzania; the Southern African Development Community Secretariat in Botswana; International Arbitration Case Law in New York; Uganda Christian University; to mention but a few. She has also worked with both the private and public legal sectors.
She has presented as a speaker and panellist in several forums and conferences. She has also advised African governments on oil, gas and mining projects including training officials from the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company: leading a capacity building training for an international NGO OXFAM: appearing as an expert witness before the Commission of Inquiry into Land matters in Uganda; presenting comments on the South African Petroleum Bill before the country’s Policy Makers; leading a team of energy experts in reviewing Energy/Mining laws and policies for countries such as Namibia, Ethiopia, Uganda etc.
Victoria has an active YouTube Channel and Podcast both focused on energy and mining discussions. She is one of the few people who got her PhD in less than 3 years below the age of 30 years. For more, visit www.victorianalule.com.
She shared her story through this interview.
Why did you choose this profession?
I am a lawyer by background, but I specialised in energy and mining. These sectors are key for the economic development of any country. For instance, energy is essential for our everyday life, it is used in schools, healthcare facilities, industries, transportation to mention but a few. The mining sector is also equally important especially in this energy transition and climate change era. For instance, critical minerals such as cobalt are crucial for empowering renewable energy technologies. Despite of all this, not many women are involved in these sectors. Additionally, at an international level, not many Africans participate in the formulation of international energy and mining policies. This therefore inspired me to get involved in these sectors with the main aim of leaving my mark at the global level.
What is your motivation for working in that field?
My motivation is to find new solutions to the ever changing and challenging problems that characterise the energy and mining sectors. Whereas these sectors present lots of economic opportunities, there are also underlying challenges which we cannot ignore. For instance, gender injustices are common in the mining sectors. Additionally, most of the local communities suffer the negative impacts associated with extractives (oil, gas, mining) and yet they barely have an equal share of the profits. At an international level, many developing countries have for decades negotiated or entered into unfavourable agreements with the international energy/mining investors. These challenges motivate me to keep working hard to ensure that we tackle the various injustices that characterise the energy/mining sectors.
I also love to share knowledge and influence global policy, in this respect, I have a YouTube channel with over 138 videos focused on energy and mining. At the age of 33yrs, I am also a recognised and respected global expert in these sectors with over 5 books and numerous articles and research insights. Through the NGO I lead, the African Energy and Mining Management Initiative (AEMI), we have been able to mentor different young people who are interested in these sectors. Through my consultancy firm, Nalule Energy and Minerals Consultants (NEM Energy), we have been able to train and advise governments on issues concerning oil, gas, energy, mining and climate change.
In summary, my passion about energy and mining motivates me to work hard everyday!
What can you tell other women who think Energy/mining is a man’s field?
This is the perfect time for women to take lead in the energy and mining sectors. There are various initiatives at the national, regional and international level to ensure gender justice in the extractive industries. Women should utilise these opportunities and ensure that they also have an equal share of the profits/benefits associated with extractives. You should start from where you are and use what you have! No need to wait for a perfect moment, today is the day to make your move in the energy and mining sectors.
Any other message you have.
What I have come to appreciate over the years is that we need to surround ourselves with people who can pour into our cups! Women must look out for other women who can support them, most importantly they should also be willing to return the favour. We live in a world where people intentionally cultivate their circles. Men have mastered the art of the ‘inner circle’, women have to do the same. Work with people who are willing to pour into your cup as much as you want to pour into theirs.
