Tag: Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric has pushed for sustainable, resilient, hyper-efficient, and digitally connected housing infrastructure to pave the way for people-centric and environmentally responsible buildings.

Offer Manager, Digital Building Anglophone Africa, Mark Freeman, gave the advice in Lagos during the launch of a new range of innovative products designed for industrial, commercial and residential use, headlined by its all-in-one panel board, DBSeT, at Radisson Blu, Lagos.

He said the launch of the products was timely as it comes when the country is moving to closing the housing deficit in the country.

 “With a 28 million building deficit in the country, DBSeT ensures that new and existing infrastructure can be sustainable, resilient, hyper-efficient, and digitally connected paving the way for people-centric and environmentally responsible buildings.

“The panel board delivers potential savings of up to 50per cent on maintenance costs. Its connection to EcoStruxure simplifies compliance with building energy codes, reduces installation efforts, and makes complex conversions seamless, ultimately lowering both cost and downtime,” he said.

Alongside the DBSeT, Schneider Electric unveiled other solutions including the Altivar Soft Starter Range, ATV6100, Easy9 EU, Digital Switchboard, Tesys Deca Advanced LC1D115A-150A, RM Air Set (SF6-Free), Medium Voltage Switchgear (SF6-Free), EVlink, PrismaSeT, Masterpact MTV, KNX Solution, and the AVN430 & 490.

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The event brought together Schneider Electric executives and partners, including Country President, Schneider Electric West Africa, Ajibola Akindele; CEO, Bolamark Engineering Limited, Alhaji Fatai Bola Azeez; Marketing Manager, West Africa, Omobolanle Omotayo, and Product Manager, Schneider Electric, Grace Olorunsola.

The DBSeT panel board is set to redefine electrical safety standards by combining connectivity, flexibility, and premium design. Engineered for residential, commercial, industrial, and critical infrastructure, DBSeT provides end-users with greater control and efficiency in managing critical loads through intelligent integration of components such as Power Tags, concentrators, and contactors – transforming the panel into a connected digital powerhouse.

Speaking on the occasion, Akindele said: “At Schneider Electric, we are committed to delivering reliable and innovative solutions that drive efficiency and safety in energy management. DBSeT is the ultimate solution for modern electrical safety requirements adaptable across industries while ensuring maximum functionality and customer-specific compatibility.”

Olorunsola further highlighted the user benefits, saying: “DBSeT ensures comprehensive electrical safety with improved connectivity, versatility, and premium design. Beyond guaranteeing uninterrupted performance and reduced downtime, it adapts to various incoming connections within a single enclosure. Its Green Premium certification and eco-friendly packaging also reinforce our commitment to sustainability.”

Through this launch, Schneider Electric continues to drive digital transformation by integrating process automation with energy management technologies. By connecting products, controls, software, and services from endpoint to cloud, the company empowers homes, buildings, data centres, infrastructure, and industries with efficient, sustainable, and future-ready solutions.

Winners have shared a total of €4,500 in the 2025 edition of the Enactus Nigeria National Competition. The event which was sponsored by Schneider Electric is Battery Innovation Award and was held at the Civic Centre in Lagos. Winners received €2,000 for first place, €1,500 for second place, and €1,000 for third place.

The annual competition featured two main initiatives: the Battery Innovation Challenge and the Core Program, designed to empower university students to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that address pressing community needs. This initiative formed part of Schneider Electric’s ongoing commitment to training one million students by 2025, a goal it continues to advance through impactful partnerships in education and entrepreneurship.

Present at the national finals were key stakeholders including Country President, Schneider Electric, Ajibola Akindele; Country Director, Enactus Nigeria, Michael Ajayi; Access to Education Project Coordinator, Schneider Electric, Funmilayo Olakitan; Marketing Manager, Anglophone West Africa, Schneider Electric, Omobolanle Omotayo; Business Development Manager, A2E, Schneider Electric, Adebayo Agbaje among other representatives.

Akindele restated Schneider Electric’s commitment to training youths to be future-ready.  “Contributing our quota toward upskilling youths for the future is a key priority at Schneider. One of our core values is impact. Young people across communities are solving real problems, and our role is to support and empower them to do so on a bigger scale,” he said.

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This year’s competition brought together over 33 universities across Nigeria, federal, state, and private, who participated in both the Core Program and the Battery Innovation Challenge. Preparations spanned over a year, with student teams designing community-based solutions that promote sustainable waste recycling and battery efficiency.

In the Battery Innovation Challenge, three institutions emerged as top winners. Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTUM) secured first place with ENERGIV, Energiv converts plastic waste into carbon nanotubes to enhance lithium-ion batteries, improving conductivity and lifespan. Ahmadu Bello University took second place with Cell Matrix, a smart battery management system (BMS) using machine learning and embedded sensors to monitor battery health, detect anomalies, and optimize charging cycles. Kaduna Polytechnic came third with SmartVolt, an adaptive charging algorithm using real-time sensor data to intelligently manage charging speeds, thereby extending battery lifespan and reducing energy waste.

After clinching first place in the Battery Innovation Challenge, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTUM) once again emerged National Champion of the Enactus Core Program with its sustainable initiative, BettaCoal Energies. BettaCoal Energies is a startup transforming local cooking and food packaging with three key solutions: smokeless briquettes, an improved air-circulating stove for faster cooking, and biodegradable food containers for restaurants. It aims to improve rural health, create jobs in underserved communities, and boost the profitability of small food businesses.

As the winner of the National Core Program, JOSTUM will represent Enactus Nigeria at the Enactus World Cup 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, from 25-28 September.

Also speaking, Olakitan, said: “It was truly rewarding to see how forward-thinking these youths are, developing entrepreneurial and business skills that will equip them for the future. For Schneider Electric, this is more than a partnership, it’s part of our long-term commitment to train 1 million youths by 2025 and directly contributes to SDGs 7, 11, and 12.”

Ajayi also said: “The energy, creativity, and commitment demonstrated by these students reflect the power of youth-led innovation in addressing real-world challenges. Through our partnership with Schneider Electric, we are not only building capacity but also inspiring a generation to take bold steps toward a more sustainable and equitable future. This competition is a clear example of how collaboration between the private sector and academia can drive lasting impact.”

Schneider’s purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.

“Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency; we are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.

“We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all,” the company explained.

Schneider Electric has restated its commitment to supporting the Federal Government in realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Its Country President, Ajibola Akindele, who restated the commitment when the company marked its 25 years of industrial and social impact in Nigeria, said over the years, the company has delivered sustainable solutions across critical sectors including consumer packaged goods (CPG), oil and gas, manufacturing, hospitality, residential, and construction.

Akindele said the entry of the global leader in energy management and industrial automation into the Nigerian market in 2000, the company’s operations have played a pivotal role in advancing the country’s energy, industrial, and educational sectors.

He highlighted Schneider’s expansion to other African countries as a reflection of dedication to their core mission in providing access to energy and supporting the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals since 2015.

 “Schneider Electric has actively contributed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by United Nations in Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Quality Education, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action.”

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From powering tech cities to securing pipelines with our EcoStruxure IoT solutions, sustainability has remained at the heart of our mission as we deliver impactful, future-ready solutions.

“Similarly, we have successfully expanded our business footprint into Ghana, Sierra Leone and other African countries,” he said.

Ajibola further spoke on key milestones the company has achieved over the course of the 25 years presence, “As part of our commitment to technical education and workforce development we have established over 25 training centre partnerships across Nigeria, trained thousands of students, executed more than a 100 teacher missions, and equipped educators with the skills to nurture the next generation of energy industry professionals. In addition, thousands of individuals have been trained within communities, reinforcing Schneider Electric’s dedication to community empowerment and green skills development,” he said.

Schneider Electric has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s job creation market and regional expansion with a workforce growth from 40 to 250+ employees in Nigeria, a partner base of 300 including distributors, retailers, contractors, system integrators, and panel builders. Through its partners, Schneider Electric has created thousands of jobs in Nigeria, contributing to Schneider Electric’s global network of over six million partners.

As part of its commitment to innovation and community development, the company established a 200-capacity multi-modal testing facility in Rivers State, providing critical support for digital learning and examination processes.

In 2024, Schneider Electric reinforced its presence in Nigeria with the launch of a new office, a move that corroborates its long-term vision for growth and sustainability in the region. The company’s contributions to the industry were further recognized in 2024 when it was awarded Employer of the Year in the Energy and Utilities Sector by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), a testament to its commitment to workplace excellence and employee development.

As Schneider Electric marks this milestone, the company remains steadfast in its mission to drive innovation, sustainability, and inclusive progress in Nigeria and across the African continent. “Looking ahead, we are committed to shaping the future of energy and automation, supporting economic development and empowering communities through technology.” Akindele said.

Schneider’s purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.

“Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency. We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.

“We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all,” he said.

Schneider Electric has said its supply chain decarbonisation efforts continue to gain momentum, as operational CO-emissions from Schneider Electric’s top 1,000 suppliers were reduced by 48per cent, just two points away from the year-end target.

This, it said, reflects the growing impact of the Zero Carbon Project, which combines local solutions, on-site support, renewable energy insights, and targeted training.

This was contained in its Q2 2025 extra-financial results, marking a pivotal moment as the company enters the final stretch of its 2021–2025 Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) program.

Speaking on the report, Chief Sustainability Officer, Esther Finidori, said the feat performed underscored the company’s belief in education as a driver of long term transformation.

“As an impact company and the World’s Most Sustainable Company, we believe that education is one of the most powerful drivers of long-term transformation. Surpassing 1 million people trained in energy management is a proud moment and a reminder of what’s possible when purpose meets action.

“With six months left in our 2021–2025 Schneider Sustainability Impact program, our priority is clear: accelerate with determination and deliver lasting impact,” Finidori said.

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With six months remaining, the company said it will continue to demonstrate its commitment to measurable, inclusive, and transformative progress across its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. The company’s SSI score reached 8.06 out of 10 this quarter, reflecting sustained momentum across key sustainability pillars.

 During the period under the review, Schneider Electric was honored as the World’s Most Sustainable Company by TIME and Statista for the second consecutive year. This recognition follows its recent distinction as Europe’s Most Sustainable Corporation by Corporate Knights, reinforcing the company’s leadership in sustainability.

The report showed that the company delivered tangible results, including surpassing its goal of training 1 million people in energy management, a cornerstone of its commitment to inclusive energy transition and youth empowerment.

This milestone, aligned with World Youth Skills Day 2025, is driven by the Youth Education & Entrepreneurship Program, active in over 60 countries. The program equips underserved communities with technical and entrepreneurial skills to participate in the energy transition.

Recent initiatives highlight the program’s global reach and impact. They include in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, digital twin technology is used to train displaced communities in solar repair and e-waste recycling.

Another is the Conserve My Planet program engages students in India, Kenya, Vietnam, and Thailand through hands-on sustainability projects.

“In Brazil, mobile training benches bring renewable energy education to incarcerated youth, supporting reintegration and reducing recidivism. These initiatives share a common thread: when education meets technology and purpose, systemic change becomes possible,” the company said, adding that it maintained sustained progress across key sustainability pillars.

“Schneider Electric also reported continued progress across several core sustainability indicators: 734 million tons of CO-emissions saved and avoided for customers since 2018, crossing the 700-million-tonne milestone.

“The Decent Work Program reached 79per cent coverage in Q2 2025, up 39 points year-over-year, reflecting improved working conditions and compliance, particularly in the Middle East and East Asia & Japan,” the company said.

Schneider Electric has surpassed its goal of training some one million people in energy management, a cornerstone of its commitment to inclusive energy transition and youth empowerment.

According to its Q2 2025 extra-financial results released at the weekend, a significant step as it enters the final stretch of its 2021–2025 Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) programme, it said the milestone, aligned with World Youth Skills Day 2025, is driven by the Youth Education & Entrepreneurship Programme, active in over 60 countries.

The program, it said, equips underserved communities with technical and entrepreneurial skills to participate in the energy transition.

Commenting on the significance of the empowerment, its Chief Sustainability Officer, Esther Finidori, said: “As an impact company and the World’s Most Sustainable Company, we believe that education is one of the most powerful drivers of long-term transformation. Surpassing 1 million people trained in energy management is a proud moment, and a reminder of what’s possible when purpose meets action. With six months left in our 2021–2025 Schneider Sustainability Impact program, our priority is clear: accelerate with determination and deliver lasting impact.”

Schneider Electric which prides itself as leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, said with six months remaining, it will continue to demonstrate its commitment to measurable, inclusive, and transformative progress across its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. The company’s SSI score reached 8.06 out of 10 this quarter, reflecting sustained momentum across key sustainability pillars.

Other significant milestones achieved during the period, according to the result include digital twin technology is used to train displaced communities in solar repair and e-waste recycling in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh; the Conserve My Planet program engages students in India, Kenya, Vietnam, and Thailand through hands-on sustainability projects; and mobile training benches bring renewable energy education to incarcerated youth, supporting reintegration and reducing recidivism in Brazil.

“These initiatives share a common thread: when education meets technology and purpose, systemic change becomes possible,” it said.

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Schneider Electric also reported continued progress across several core sustainability indicators including saving 734 million tons of CO₂ emissions and avoided for customers since 2018, crossing the 700-million-ton milestone; supply chain decarbonisation efforts continue to gain momentum, as operational CO₂ emissions from Schneider Electric’s top 1,000 suppliers were reduced now by 48per cent, just two points away from the year-end target. This reflects the growing impact of the Zero Carbon Project, which combines local solutions, on-site support, renewable energy insights, and targeted training.

The Decent Work Program also reached 79per cent coverage during the period under review, up 39 points year-over-year, reflecting improved working conditions and compliance, particularly in the Middle East and East Asia & Japan.

“Schneider’s purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.

“This quarter, Schneider Electric was honored as the World’s Most Sustainable Company by TIME and Statista for the second consecutive year. This recognition follows its recent distinction as Europe’s Most Sustainable Corporation by Corporate Knights, reinforcing the company’s leadership in sustainability.

“Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency. We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.

“We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all,” the company said.

A digital transformation in energy management and automation firm, Schneider Electric, has unveiled a new digital platform designed to help organisations decarbonise their supply chains at scale.

The solution, called Zeigo Hub, marked a significant step forward in enabling companies to meet their Scope 3 emissions targets and advance toward net-zero goals with confidence and clarity.

Speaking on the initiative, VP of SaaS Sustainability Solutions at Schneider Electric, Laura Eve, said: “A decarbonised supply chain is no longer a ‘nice to have’—it’s a strategic imperative. With Zeigo Hub, we’re equipping companies with the tools and insights they need to transform their supply chains into engines of sustainable resilience.”

Global supply chains face increasing pressure from customers, regulators, and other stakeholders to report, disclose, and act on emissions.  Zeigo Hub addresses this increasing need for progress and transparency by offering a modular, action-oriented approach to sustainability.

The platform empowers organisations to engage suppliers of all sizes, track emissions across multiple supplier tiers, and drive measurable results through education, tools, and expert support.

According to the company, the initiative marked a new era of supplier engagement and innovation as Zeigo Hub was built to empower supplier participation at every stage of the sustainability journey, no matter their size, maturity, or experience. The platform removes traditional barriers to engagement with guided onboarding, a streamlined user interface, and built-in educational tools that help suppliers immediately begin calculating and managing their emissions.

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Unlike static data capture tools, Zeigo Hub fosters two-way collaboration through tailored learning pathways, decarbonization toolkits, and benchmarking dashboards. This creates a dynamic, accessible environment where suppliers can take informed, measurable action, and sponsors can scale impact across their supply chain.

The platform’s robust analytics engine provides real-time visibility into supplier engagement, emissions trends, and progress toward science-based targets. Data is structured to support CDP, CSRD, and TCFD disclosures and internal sustainability reporting, ensuring transparency and alignment with global standards.

Every supplier invited to Zeigo Hub receives access to tailored decarbonisation roadmaps and solution providers, enabling concrete emissions reductions at scale. Sponsor organisations cover all participation costs, removing cost barriers for suppliers and enabling wide, inclusive involvement. As part of Schneider Electric, Zeigo Hub connects seamlessly into a trusted global ecosystem of sustainability experts, consulting services, and decarbonisation solutions, offering organisations depth of support and credibility that extends beyond a standalone software platform.

Zeigo Hub leverages advanced agentic AI capabilities to accelerate decarbonization, enhance data-driven decision-making, and scale impact across complex value chains and is the first product to be deployed in Schneider Electric‘s AI-native ecosystem, announced on May 15, 2025, which brings together Schneider’s market-leading expertise in sustainability and innovations in artificial intelligence. Zeigo Hub’s agentic AI features will enhance and personalize the user onboarding experience by simplifying data entry with web scraping and uploading tools, customizing participation invitations, and providing additional program oversight on behalf of corporate program sponsors.

Schneider Electric is already a recognised leader in supply chain decarbonisation, both through its work with major brands and through its own award-winning internal supply chain initiative, the Zero Carbon Project. Since 2021, the company has launched more than 20 global supply chain decarbonisation programmes, including various industry consortium programmes like Energize, Catalyze, and Materialize. To date, Schneider Electric has worked with over 40 brands, sponsoring programmes that have over 2,700 suppliers registered.

Zeigo Hub will serve as the technology enabler and instrument for collective action for these supply chain programs, making decarbonisation at scale easier than ever.  By fostering collaboration between buyers and suppliers, the platform helps organisations build a culture of continuous improvement and shared accountability. This approach not only accelerates emissions reductions but also strengthens supply chain resilience and enhances long-term business value.

“Zeigo Hub represents a bold leap forward in supply chain sustainability. It’s about turning ambition into action—empowering every supplier, every partner, and every organisation to contribute to a net-zero future.

“Zeigo Hub is now available to organisations worldwide. To learn more about how Zeigo Hub can support your supply chain decarbonisation journey, visit https://www.zeigo.com/zeigo-hub, Eve said.

Schneider Electric has identified technology that has enhanced digital transformation, electrification and circularity as three factors that are driving profitability and long term profitability in Nigeria’s fast-paced Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry.

In CPG industry, manufacturers are faced with a difficult balancing act. Pressured by inflation, currency volatility, and investor demands for short-term returns, many are focusing on immediate profitability ultimately at the expense of long-term sustainability. This has led to a widespread misconception that financial performance and environmental responsibility are mutually exclusive.

In truth, Nigerian manufacturers can and must pursue both.

Speaking on the transformative emerging trends to drive sustainability and profitability in the manufacturing industry, Country President at Schneider Electric, Ajibola Akindele, said: “Three transformative trends are emerging as key enablers of this dual pursuit: electrification, digital transformation, and circularity. These trends are helping businesses not only withstand current market pressures but also position themselves for long-term growth and resilience.”

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According to Akindele, electrification is a crucial step forward. Nigeria’s CPG sector, particularly food and beverage manufacturing, relies on energy-intensive processes such as boiling, frying, and baking. “Transitioning from diesel-powered systems to electric alternatives presents major efficiency and sustainability gains. But this shift requires a careful evaluation of infrastructure through electrical audits, as well as investment in solutions that ensure energy reliability like microgrids, solar hybrid systems, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). These technologies are helping manufacturers cut costs, improve uptime, and reduce carbon emissions,” he said.

In the context of regional collaboration and innovation, Schneider Electric recently hosted a CPG-focused partner event in Ghana. The event showcased advanced technologies tailored for the industry and brought together key stakeholders across West Africa. Attendees included Key Account Manager, CPG & MMM, Simeon Omughelli, and Marketing Manager at Schneider Electric, Omobolanle Omotayo, among others. This engagement exemplifies Schneider’s commitment to supporting manufacturers across the region with the tools and strategies needed to meet today’s energy and productivity challenges.

Akindele argued that digital transformation complements electrification by bringing intelligence and agility to operations. Smart sensors, cloud-based platforms, and AI-driven analytics are enabling Nigerian manufacturers to gain real-time visibility across production, warehousing, and distribution. Yet, technology alone is insufficient. Companies that invest in process improvement and workforce upskilling are unlocking the true potential of digitalization; improving product quality, reducing downtime, and boosting operational efficiency. Predictive maintenance and digital twins are already yielding results for manufacturers in hubs like Lagos, Aba, and Kano.

The third pillar of circularity is redefining how Nigerian CPG companies manage resources and waste. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting practices like ingredient optimization, sustainable packaging made from local materials such as cassava starch, and repurposing off spec products. EPR regulations from National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) are now driving take back and recycling efforts. Consumer research indicates a strong preference across a large majority of urban buyers for brands with visible sustainability commitments.

“Nigeria’s CPG sector is at a turning point. Electrification, digitalization, and circularity are no longer buzzwords, they are competitive imperatives. Manufacturers that embrace this integrated approach will not only strengthen profitability but also future-proof their businesses in a values-driven market,” Ajibola said.

Schneider Electric, he said, is proud to support this transition. From enabling smart factories in Agbara to advancing circular innovations in Ota, the company is helping Nigerian CPG companies turn ambition into action and build a more sustainable, profitable future.

Schneider Electric is a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.

Schneider Electric has restated its commitment to women development through deliberate actions.

The company said it is building a workforce that is truly representative of the world it serves, adding that it is essential to create a future-fit, sustainable business

Outgoing Cluster President for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric, Devan Pillay, while reacting to Gender Leader Award it received from Africa CEO Forum held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast between May 12 and 13, 2025 said the company is committed to women development.

He said: “At Schneider Electric, we are building a workforce that is truly representative of the world we serve; it is essential for creating a future-fit, sustainable business.

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“We are deliberate in our approach, from hiring, promoting, and developing women at every level, to ensuring that policies such as hybrid work models and care can empower women to lead and thrive. The Africa CEO Forum Gender Leader Award is a wonderful acknowledgment of our continued commitment to gender equality in the workplace.”

Also speaking on the occasion, Vice President of Human Resources for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric, Tanya Ramlagan, said: “We are incredibly proud of this recognition.  It is undoubtedly a testament to our commitment to inclusive leadership; this award not only celebrates the progress we’ve made but also strengthens our commitment to build pathways for women to grow, thrive, and shape the future of energy and technology across Africa.”

The Gender Leader Award acknowledges those organisations operating in Africa that have shown a significant and continuous commitment to gender diversity and inclusion. It is part of the Africa CEO Forum’s larger objective to provide practical, innovative solutions that empower African businesses and promote sustainable, inclusive development.

This year’s award recognised Schneider Electric’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace across its African operations. The company’s African leadership is spearheaded by women, with female leaders at the helm – currently for French-speaking Africa and, starting 1 June, for English-speaking Africa.

The winner of the Gender Leader Award must have representation of women on the board of directors of African subsidiaries; have percentage of women on the executive committee in Africa; initiatives to support female leadership and inclusion; and must have strategy for promoting women’s leadership at various levels (mentoring and sponsorship programmes, young talent programmes etc.), level of achievement versus what remains to be done.

Schneider Electric has made significant strides in advancing women into senior leadership positions, championing mentorship initiatives, and integrating gender equity into every facet of its operations.  Furthermore, through the company’s Africa Talent Programme, Schneider Electric aims to empower and invest in local expertise, reinforcing its commitment to fostering an inclusive employee initiative across the continent.

The Africa CEO Forum, founded in 2012, has evolved into a year-round platform connecting Africa’s top decision-makers with global investors and institutions. The Gender Leader Award is an extension of this role, not only celebrating organisations that have significantly increased the number of women in executive roles but also implementing strategies to promote female leadership and resultant social initiatives that enhance women’s inclusion across the continent.

Schneider Electric has reaffirmed its commitment to its partners and customers in Nigeria through the launch of its “Power Up Naija” campaign. Designed to strengthen relationships and promote safe product use, the campaign rewards customers with attractive gifts for every qualifying bundle of Schneider Electric products purchased.

Speaking on the initiative, Marketing Manager, West Africa, Schneider Electric, Omobolanle Omotayo, said the company will continue to build strong, lasting relationships with its partners and customers:

“At Schneider Electric, we pride ourselves not just on delivering world-class products, but also on building strong, lasting relationships with our partners and customers, The Power Up Naija campaign is a testament to our ongoing commitment to supporting and empowering them,” Omotayo said.

As part of the initiative, the company hosted roadshows at Okija Market in Port Harcourt and Gudu International Market in Abuja. These events provided a platform to engage directly with customers, showcase the reliability and safety of Schneider Electric’s range of products, and emphasize the importance of purchasing from authorized distributors to avoid counterfeit products.

With a robust network of over 300 resellers across the country, Schneider Electric is also encouraging new retailers to join its growing partner network, seizing the opportunity to build a more sustainable and electrified future together.

The roadshows drew impressive participation from electrical retailers, electricians, and end-users, who were educated on Schneider Electric’s safety standards and rewarded for their loyalty.

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“Being part of Schneider Electric’s partner network has been incredibly rewarding. The Power Up Naija campaign is not only motivating us to drive more sales but also empowering us with tools to educate customers about product safety and authenticity. It’s encouraging to see a global brand invest in grassroots engagement and genuinely support its distribution partners,” one Schneider Electric authorized reseller, said.

This initiative comes at a particularly significant time, as Schneider Electric celebrates 25 years of driving energy management and automation innovation in Nigeria. For two and a half decades, Schneider Electric has played a critical role in supporting Nigeria’s industrial, commercial, and residential sectors with cutting-edge solutions that prioritize efficiency, reliability, and safety.

By combining customer appreciation with education on the dangers of counterfeit products, Schneider Electric continues to demonstrate its leadership and responsibility in the Nigerian market. The company remains focused on providing trusted products and strengthening its network of authorized distributors to ensure every customer experience is secure and rewarding.

By Motunrayo Akintunde

Schneider Electric has urged authorities to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption and emissions as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries with its rapid adoption driving an unprecedented rise in data center energy consumption in the country.

Country President, Schneider Electric, Anglophone West Africa, Ajibola Akindele, who gave the advice against the backdrop of the increasing number of data centres and the green future, said now is the best time to think and act on sustainability.

Akindele said: “The best time to act on sustainability was years ago; the second-best time is now. As AI accelerates demand for data processing and storage in Nigeria, immediate action is needed to reduce energy consumption and emissions. By integrating sustainable strategies and leveraging AI-driven optimisations, businesses can drive long-term efficiency while contributing to a greener future.”

As Nigeria embraces digital transformation, data center operators, businesses, and policymakers must therefore collaborate to mitigate AI’s environmental impact while maximizing its benefits.

The company said as Nigeria embraces digital transformation, data center operators, businesses, and policymakers must collaborate to mitigate AI’s environmental impact while maximizing its benefits. With Nigeria’s digital economy expanding and the demand for high-performance computing increasing, stakeholders must take decisive steps to integrate sustainability into data center operations.

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According to Deloitte, data centers will account for two per cent of global electricity consumption by 2025, amounting to approximately 536 terawatt-hours (TWh). This figure is expected to double within the next five years to 1,065 TWh, fueled by AI and other high-energy applications.

Investment in mission-critical infrastructure is fueling this growth. The global data center market size is calculated at $125.35 billion in 2024 and is projected to rise to $364.62 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 11.39per cent over that period, largely driven by gen AI. While this growth unlocks new possibilities for industries and communities across the world, it also poses significant sustainability challenges. The growth trajectory underscores the need to reimagine not only how data centers source, manage, and consume energy, but also how their underlying infrastructure is sourced, managed and consumed.

The company stressed the need for sustainable data centers as AI is reshaping industries, improving productivity, and is projected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030—more than the combined economies of China and India. However, AI workloads consume significantly more power, generate more heat, and require advanced cooling systems, increasing energy demand and carbon emissions. If left unchecked, these trends could strain Nigeria’s already overburdened power grid and hinder the country’s sustainability goals; achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

To address these challenges, Nigerian data center operators and industry leaders must focus on three key areas: enhancing sustainability strategies to mitigate AI’s environmental impact, tackling Scope 3 emissions, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks.

The company identified six practical solutions for a sustainable future which include assessment of existing infrastructure and processes for efficiency gains by conducting energy audits to identify inefficiencies in cooling systems, server utilization, and power management can lead to substantial energy savings.

It also advised organisations to adopt energy-efficient infrastructure by upgrading to modern servers, deploying liquid cooling technologies, and incorporating renewable energy sources will significantly reduce carbon footprints. Retrofitting older data centers with advanced solutions can improve efficiency and sustainability.

It urged partners with suppliers who prioritize decarbonizing their supply chain and mitigating Scope 3 emissions because a large portion of emissions stem from the supply chain. Nigerian businesses should work with suppliers committed to reducing Scope 3 emissions and implementing sustainable manufacturing practices, Schneider Electric added.

On the use of advanced reporting tools, the company said real-time energy monitoring and automation tools help operators track and optimize energy use, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and corporate sustainability targets.

It urged businesses to optimize resource allocation with AI and machine learning because AI can help solve the very challenge it creates. Machine learning algorithms can optimize energy distribution, predict maintenance needs, and integrate renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Finally, Schneider Electric stressed the need to continuously reassess and improve because sustainability requires an ongoing commitment. Nigerian data center operators must regularly reassess their strategies, benchmark against global best practices, and adopt cutting-edge solutions to remain on track.

“With sustainability now a key consideration for investors, regulators, and consumers alike, Nigerian enterprises that embrace these strategies will be better positioned to lead in the digital economy. For organizations lacking the expertise or resources to implement these solutions, partnering with sustainability-focused vendors can help develop and execute a robust plan,” the company asserted.