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Please describe the expectations of the end customers that you address . What are their pain points today ?
Hilary notes that her customers prioritise cost savings despite much buzz around the energy trilemma . With electricity costs on the rise and an uncertain pricing landscape , businesses are often anxious about budgeting for operating expenses . Additionally , they frequently seek finance partners to fund their energy solutions . While there is some interest in energy security and green tagging , these concerns are less pressing due to the current lack of load-shedding .
Which generic technologies and innovations can make a difference to your end customers business ?
Hilary highlights that recent significant price reductions in solar panels and battery storage solutions have made these technologies highly attractive for most sites . The lower costs result in shorter payback periods and a cost per kWh that is significantly more competitive than Eskom ’ s projected tariffs in the near future .
Which non-competitive business in the region do you admire for innovative usage of technology ? charge them using renewable energy . Governments and the private sector in Africa are actively seeking to capitalise on the rapidly expanding electric vehicle , EV market , projected to reach US $ 21.39 billion by 2027 .
Countries like Rwanda , Tunisia , Uganda , and Kenya are leading the charge with various incentives and policy interventions . Rwanda offers rent-free land for charging stations and tax exemptions on EVs and parts , while Tunisia and Uganda have reduced customs duties and VAT on EV-related equipment .
Kenya ’ s private sector is also making significant strides , with local e-mobility startups raising US $ 52 million , the highest in Africa .
Which aspects of your job role do you find rewarding and which challenging ?
It is highly rewarding to provide customers with solutions that enhance the viability of their businesses . This success often leads to the more challenging task of future-proofing the customer ’ s business for resilience and long-term sustainability , which can also increase the business ’ s value .
How do you best like to de-stress and re-charge off work ?
Hilary admires the innovative use of technology in the electric vehicle industry , and points out that NEC can
Being outside doing anything anywhere , we spend too much time inside ! p
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