Ndia Magadagela: CEO & Co-Founder, Everlectric - Driving the growth of electric vehicles as a service in Africa

African Business Stories

Ever wondered how a young girl from a village in Limpopo could co-found a pioneering electric vehicle business in South Africa? Join us as we sit down with Ndia Magadagela, the visionary behind EverElectric, and unravel her inspiring journey from her roots in Africa's Eden to the forefront of electric mobility. India shares captivating stories of her childhood, the entrepreneurial spirit imbued in her by her parents, and the pivotal experiences that set her on the path to innovation.
Discover the meticulous planning and strategic pivots that helped India transition from a corporate career in mergers and acquisitions to launching a startup in the electric vehicle industry. Learn about the initial challenges of targeting the taxi industry, the clever pivot to logistics, and how India and her co-founders leveraged each other's strengths to navigate the ups and downs of their venture. This episode is packed with insights on the importance of having co-founders, mutual respect, and the dynamics of working together to overcome obstacles like high import duties and inadequate charging infrastructure.
We also delve into the unique challenges and opportunities for female entrepreneurs in South Africa. Ndia opens up about her arduous journey of raising capital, facing numerous rejections, and the eventual triumph of securing seed financing. Hear about the evolving landscape for manufacturing electric vehicles in South Africa, recent policy reforms, and the collaborative spirit within this emerging industry. This episode is a heartfelt testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and the remarkable impact of women in business. Don't miss this deep and enriching conversation that promises to inspire and inform.

Ndia, a Qualified Chartered Accountant, holds a B.Compt (Hons) degree in Accounting Sciences and a post graduate diploma in Auditing both from the University of Pretoria. She started her career at Deloitte in Pretoria after which she went into Development finance. She is an ex Senior Deal Maker at the Industrial Development Corporation where she spent 7 years and later became a Principal in Mergers and Acquisitions at the JSE listed Momentum Metropolitan Holdings.

In 2016 she was nominated for the Top employee in manufacturing divisions at the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa. She was named 2023 Leading Entrepreneur by the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) and one of the Top women in Mobility in Africa for 2023. Ndia is a non-executive director on a number of Boards. She is a guest lecturer on Mergers and Acquisitions and has worked as a member of the Technical Advisory Panel to Infrastructure South Africa under the Department of Public works.
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Chapter

1. Ndia Magadagela: CEO & Co-Founder, Everlectric - Driving the growth of electric vehicles as a service in Africa (00:00:00)

2. African Female Entrepreneurs (00:00:01)

3. Electric Vehicle Industry Market Expansion (00:13:14)

4. Partnership Benefits in Electric Vehicle Industry (00:18:20)

5. Challenges and Opportunities for Female Entrepreneurs (00:31:18)

6. African Business Stories Podcast Farewell (00:45:37)