Chief Financial Officer, Roam
"The scale of the opportunity is massive, and the need is urgent"
In a compelling discussion at COP28, Rajal Upadhyaya, CFO at Roam, unveils the ambitious strides being made in e-mobility within the sub-Saharan African market. Roam is pioneering electric vehicles, specifically buses and motorcycles, to maximise environmental impact and enhance public health in regions like Nairobi, where over five million daily journeys occur. The key to success, according to Upadhyaya, lies in ensuring these solutions are financially viable, offering significant savings that bolster commercial appeal.
Africa, with its untapped potential for technological innovation, stands at the forefront of Roam's mission. Despite the challenges of securing affordable funding due to perceived risks in commercial ventures, Roam's model thrives without government subsidies, ensuring scalability. Upadhyaya emphasises the importance of cross-sector collaboration and learning from global markets to accelerate progress.
COP28 provides a platform for such exchanges, enhancing collaboration and innovation. The ultimate goal is to drive urgent, large-scale change, proving that sustainable practices can be as economically rewarding as they are environmentally beneficial. This vision not only positions Africa as a leader in e-mobility but also inspires optimism for a sustainable future.
