What’s Next — Abraham van der Merwe on how Stage Zero differs from other solar providers

In this What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Abraham van der Merwe discusses how South Africans can save on electricity with Stage Zero.

Van der Merwe is the founder and CEO of Stage Zero — a renewable energy provider that specialises in embedded generation and energy storage solutions for residential and commercial customers.

He is an accomplished investor with over 20 years of experience in the embedded systems and telecommunications industries.

Van der Merwe boasts a keen knack for identifying and turning business opportunities into sustainable enterprises and has co-founded and managed several successful companies — such as Frogfoot, Rootspark, Nextier, and Recursive Capital.

Across all these companies and roles, Van der Merwe has benefited from his extensive knowledge of telecommunications, renewable energy, and data centres, as well as his impressive general business experience.

The interview

In this What’s Next interview, van der Merwe reveals what led to the creation of Stage Zero and how it differs from other South African solar providers.

He explains why load-shedding ceased in 2024, how this impacted the market, and his thoughts on the future of load-shedding in South Africa.

Van der Merwe then details how Stage Zero helps its clients install solar and notes the process and advantages of going off-grid.

He concludes the interview by unpacking Stage Zero’s plans for the future and how those interested in its offerings can get in touch.

Watch the interview with Abraham van der Merwe below.