Interviewed by – Alvyn Ulrish Shad Savrimuthu
Dr. Farrah Jahangeer, Director of Sustainable Energies For Aprica Ltd (SEFA), represents the forefront of innovation in electromobility and renewable energy. With her leadership, SEFA is driving significant change in Africa and Small Island Development States, addressing the global challenge of climate change through sustainable development. This article delves into Dr. Jahangeer’s entrepreneurial journey, her insights from the Women Entrepreneur Awards, and her vision for SEFA’s future.
What inspired you to start your own business and what has been the most rewarding part of your entrepreneurial journey so far?
After a personal experience, I identified a knowledge gap which I decided to bridge by embarking on an entrepreneurial journey. I bought my first EV a few years ago and all was exciting until three weeks later the EV charger broke down. The car dealership refused to repair or replace it. I was building up a lot of anxiety and decided to resolve the situation myself. I decided then to disrupt the system by democratizing EV chargers for all. That is, providing EV charging infrastructure for everyone adopting EVs without having to go through car dealerships. I partnered up with a top-ranked international EV charger manufacturer and started to distribute them locally.
Being in an emerging market, it was initially difficult to forecast the growth of the business. Given that I am from an architectural background, I had to embark on an independent learning pathway to master the knowledge and skills required in the field. Reaching 100th EC charging installation was the most rewarding part. It was an indicator of our professional growth.
Participating in the Women Entrepreneur Awards must have been a significant experience. Can you share a key learning or insight you gained from being a part of this event?
One of my SEFA colleagues initially encouraged me to participate in the Women Entrepreneur Awards because I had never participated in such award programs before. I joined with the intention to share my experience and to learn from others. WEA programme allowed us to see the different facets of entrepreneurship and also allowed us to bond with other women entrepreneurs, which is very rare if you work in a male-oriented domain. Women entrepreneurship is often undermined but many studies have shown that it has a positive impact on local economies. WEA is a platform that values women entrepreneurship and creates greater visibility.
It has been a very insightful experience, especially when learning that my hurdles and difficulties were similar to other participants. It is always refreshing to see the creativity and resourcefulness that women have.
Looking ahead, what is one major aspiration or goal you have for your business in the coming years?
Tougher challenges lie ahead for SEFA but we are steadfast on our mission to democratize the EV charging infrastructure and to create an ecosystem for electromobility. We intend to launch a EV learning programme for professionals and graduates. Amid this global mass production of EV, we see very little effort dedicated to knowledge sharing and transfer on EV.
We also intend to launch a new payment solution to facilitate EV charging at public stations.
As the winner of the ‘Most Innovative’ award, what innovative approach does SEFA employ in its projects and initiatives?
As a team of dedicated young professionals, we are very geared towards the latest technologies and to a sustainable approach. We undertake a lot of research and testing before developing EV charging infrastructures. We aim to provide the latest EV charging technology that helps develop client autonomy, facilitates energy management and is adapted to the local context. We think globally but act locally.
What is a unique aspect of SEFA that sets it apart in the electromobility and renewable energy sector?
The electromobility field is still at its infancy but rapidly evolving. We therefore need to keep up the pace locally. We adopt a guidance and client-centric approach which sets us apart from other competitors in the field. We have the advantage of being pioneers in this field and therefore we are able to set the tone. It goes without saying that the field of electromobility will not be able to thrive unless renewable energy sector is further developed. We ensure that our charging infrastructures are compatible with both grid and renewable energy sources.
About SEFA: Founded in 2021, SEFA, under Dr. Jahangeer’s guidance, is committed to creating energy-efficient and clean cities during the global shift towards climate resilience. With a focus on developing charging infrastructures for electric vehicles (EVs), the company aims to democratize electromobility. The team, comprising professionals from diverse backgrounds, collaborates with international manufacturers to ensure quality service. SEFA’s mission is deeply rooted in innovation, client-centric approaches, and compatibility with renewable energy sources, setting a new standard in the electromobility and renewable energy sectors.
For more details on SEFA’s mission and products, visit their website here.
