16 Aug Significant opportunities for female entrepreneurs in SA’s renewable energy sector
16 August 2021: As the renewable energy sector in South Africa continues to mature, there are significant opportunities to enhance the diversity narrative for the sector, particularly with the entry of more female entrepreneurs, explains Svilen Voychev, MD of Valsa Trading, a solar systems distributor in South Africa.
“The renewable energy landscape is an area with great opportunities for entrepreneurs, especially businesswomen. While this technical space has been traditionally male-centric, and while progress has definitely been made for a more representative, transformed and diverse sector, there is space for young female entrepreneurs to make a significant impact on the country’s energy landscape.”
With twelve years of successful entrepreneurship behind him, Voychev says that to make it in the industry, it is necessary to become an expert in what you do. “I don’t mean you need to be an expert in all things, but you have to become an expert in what you do. Do it well, do it the best. Your competence has nothing to do with you gender and when you are able to express your skill level, barriers will come down and people will want to work with you because they know you can get the job done, and done well.”
He says that the renewable energy space requires many niche skills and competencies which offers much opportunity for professional and personal development. “Play to your strengths.”
Voychev adds that while formal education is important, nothing beats on-the-job experience. “No textbook can teach you the intricate nuances of the sector. The best advice I can give to any individual seeking to make it in this field is to grab every opportunity to learn, network and ask questions. It is important to understand the renewable energy space, like any other sector, when venturing into any new busines opportunity even in the renewable energy business.”
Further, to make your business a success, Voychev believes that attitude is vital. “If you believe you have the competence, and are willing to gain the experience, no one can doubt you. It is important to foster a mindset of determination so that you are resilient in the face of adversity.”
Meanwhile, Voychev founded VALSA in 2009, and today the company proudly hosts a workforce made up equally of women and men.
“Gender parity in the workforce is important, and it needs to go right up to management and technical levels. For too long, women have traditionally taken up administrative or support functions, and we must continue to work towards equal representation in terms of gender diversity across all levels of the work force.”
Valsa’s senior management has a growing female complement of 15 individuals who are instrumental in the company’s success. “We are not the only company in the industry which is leading by example. I have certainly noticed that the workforce demographics are changing in the renewable energy sector and across many sectors across South Africa. I encourage women to continue to be a part of driving change and powering up the much-needed infrastructure required to build a legacy for all future generations of South Africa,” concludes Voychev.