At 51 years old, Ludovina Bernardo becomes the first woman to lead the National Hydrocarbons Company (ENH), assuming the position of Chairperson of the Board of Directors (PCA) on August 19, 2024. With a career spanning more than 25 years in the public sector, Ludovina brings extensive experience in strategic management, planning, and public policy development to ENH.
Career and Experience
Born in Mozambique, Ludovina Bernardo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Universidade Politécnica and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Higher Institute of Public Administration (ISAP). Additionally, she has completed training in Strategic and Operational Planning, Administration, and Local Governance.
Before assuming leadership of ENH, Ludovina served as Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce since February 2020. Throughout her career, she held various prominent roles, including National Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Ministry of Planning and Development, National Director of Communications at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, and Advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Ludovina Bernardo also coordinated major national impact projects, such as the Niassa Strategic Development Plan (2007–2017) and the Maputo Strategic Development Plan (2015–2022), focusing on mobilizing investments for structural projects. She also led programs such as “Industrializing Mozambique,” aimed at increasing the country’s economic competitiveness.
Challenges and Prospects
At the helm of ENH, Ludovina Bernardo will face the challenge of consolidating Mozambique’s position as a key player in the hydrocarbons industry. With estimated reserves exceeding 180 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, the country is positioned among the world’s largest producers, making it crucial to manage these resources strategically and sustainably.
Under her leadership, ENH is expected to strengthen its commitment to energy transition, economic diversification, and the development of local capacities, ensuring that the benefits of the sector are widely distributed among the Mozambican population.
The appointment of Ludovina Bernardo marks a historic milestone in female leadership in Mozambique, reaffirming the country’s commitment to promoting gender equality in strategic decision-making roles.
