In a world where the energy sector is transforming at an unprecedented pace, few leaders stand out for their vision, resilience, and commitment to sustainable growth. One such figure is Eng. Heba Korra, Vice President of Korra for Energy & Investment Projects. Recognised by Forbes among the Arab world’s most influential businesswomen, Eng. Heba has dedicated her career to steering her company—and the industry—towards a greener, more resilient future. In this candid conversation, she shares her career journey, the challenges she has overcome, her vision for the future of energy, and her advice for the next generation of leaders and women in business.
As Vice President of Korra for Energy & Investment Projects, what have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
One of the defining challenges I faced early on was proving that I truly deserved the position I hold today. It required relentless dedication—understanding the market deeply, building trust within the team, and delivering tangible impact. I focused on cultivating strong relationships based on communication and respect, which laid the groundwork for our shared long-term vision.
Externally, navigating economic volatility and structural reforms demanded resilience and strategic thinking. What helped me most was having a clear sense of purpose: to leave a lasting imprint on the company and build a culture rooted in values. For me, success is about creating a sustainable entity and a team that believes in our vision and moves forward with confidence.
Forbes recognised you as one of the most influential businesswomen in the Arab world. What does this mean to you?
It was a moment of deep gratitude—to God first, and then to my team. This recognition reflects our collective commitment and vision over the years. It’s not just a personal milestone; it’s a reminder that Arab women can lead and drive impact in sectors like energy and engineering. This recognition fuels my responsibility to open doors for more women to take seats at decision-making tables in major sectors like construction and energy.
What key strategic decisions have you contributed to that helped Korra grow sustainably and strengthen its market position?
One significant step was implementing a comprehensive restructuring and governance framework. We transformed how we operate, embedding transparency and accountability into our culture. Another milestone was our strategic move from a specialised contractor to a full general contractor, managing large-scale projects end-to-end. We also pioneered energy efficiency solutions when the national framework was still developing. These choices positioned us as a trusted partner for complex projects and reinforced our reputation in the market.
How do you assess the renewable energy landscape in the Arab region today?
The region is at a turning point. Countries are committing to cleaner alternatives, driven by climate goals and growing local demand. We’re blessed with abundant sun and wind, and with the right collaboration between public and private sectors, the Arab world can be a global clean energy player. However, this requires clear policies, investment incentives, and local capacity building.
What role does Korra play in supporting this transition?
We’re deeply committed to delivering innovative, sustainable energy solutions. Our projects help reduce CO₂ emissions by 600,000 tonnes annually—that’s like removing 375,000 cars from the road for a year. We provide end-to-end solutions to optimise energy use in factories and commercial facilities, partner with global leaders, drive digital transformation, and invest in solar power. Our goal is to help build a new energy culture rooted in efficiency and sustainability.
With rapid technological advancements, how ready is Korra to embrace digitalisation and modern innovations?
Digitalisation is no longer optional—it’s critical for sustainability. We’re integrating AI and IoT into our systems, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and intelligent energy management. We’re also embedding advanced digital systems in our projects to help clients make data-driven decisions, save costs, and boost efficiency. For us, innovation is a necessity, not a luxury.
How do you see the role of the private sector in achieving renewable energy goals?
The private sector is not just a partner—it’s a driving force. With agility, innovation, and strong financing capabilities, we can translate big ambitions into actionable solutions. Collaboration with governments is vital to strike the right balance between environmental goals and practical execution.
What challenges do women face in this field, and what is your advice to empower more women in energy and business?
The energy sector still carries traditional perceptions, but that’s changing. The real challenge is breaking outdated moulds and proving that competence, not gender, earns respect. My advice to women is to stay focused on your purpose, let your work speak for itself, and keep learning. Values are your anchor—they shape decisions and give you courage to face challenges.
How does Korra help strengthen women’s roles in energy?
We believe in opportunities based on merit, not gender. We support our female employees through equal opportunities, flexible environments, and clear pathways to leadership. We’re proud of the substantial percentage of women on our teams, and we’re determined to grow this further.
What are Korra’s strategies for regional and international growth?
Our expansion is based on careful market analysis. We’re focusing on Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, and selected African countries, tailoring our services to each market’s unique needs. It’s not just about expanding geographically but also about enhancing our technologies and forging strategic partnerships to deliver real value wherever we operate.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learnt that you’d share with aspiring entrepreneurs?
Sustainable success takes time and resilience. There are no shortcuts. Stay anchored in your values—they build trust and guide you through uncertainty. Invest in people and partnerships; they’re the fundamental foundation for lasting impact. And remember, setbacks will come, but your vision and ability to adapt make all the difference.
How do you balance your role with your personal life, and what advice do you have for working women?
Balance isn’t a formula—it’s an art. Leadership means enabling others to lead. By empowering my teams, I created space to maintain balance. My advice to women is to trust others, delegate, and remember that saying “no” can be as valuable as saying “yes”. True success starts with being in harmony with yourself.
Eng. Heba Korra’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose, vision, and resilience. Her leadership at Korra for Energy & Investment Projects is helping shape a more sustainable energy future—not only for Egypt but for the entire region. As she paves the way for clean energy and greater representation for women in business, her message is clear: success is not given—it is built, step by step, with dedication, integrity, and a bold belief in the future.
