Schneider Electric Champions Inclusive Energy Transition at EAIF 2026, Showcases Climate Smart Village Model for Africa

-

By Irene 


At the 2026 Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) Energy Access Investment Forum held in Nairobi, Schneider Electric reaffirmed its commitment to driving an inclusive energy transition across Sub-Saharan Africa, placing access, affordability, and sustainability at the center of its strategy.

Speaking during the opening of the four-day forum, the global energy technology firm outlined its ambition to help deliver sustainable electricity access to 100 million people by 2030. The company emphasized that expanding clean energy access is not only a climate priority but also a critical driver of social and economic development in underserved communities.

According to the International Energy Agency, over 666 million people worldwide still lack electricity, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for the largest share. The agency warns that without accelerated interventions, achieving universal energy access by 2030 remains unlikely.
In response, Schneider Electric is advocating for “energy democracy” through decentralized and community-driven solutions such as mini-grids and off-grid solar systems. These approaches are designed to reach remote populations while strengthening local economies and governance structures.

A key highlight at the forum was the introduction of the Climate Smart Village model—an integrated, technology-driven solution that combines clean energy access with local entrepreneurship, vocational training, and digital tools. The model aims to ensure that communities not only gain electricity but also build long-term economic resilience.

“Access to energy must go hand in hand with strengthening human capacity and fostering local entrepreneurship,” said Ayush Gupta, Director of Global Strategy & Business for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric. He noted that since 2009, the company has combined clean energy solutions with skills development and impact investment to empower communities sustainably.

The company also showcased practical solutions tailored for last-mile communities. Among them is the Homaya Advanced Solar Solution, which provides reliable electricity to homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, supported by digital monitoring through EcoStruxure™ Energy Access. Another innovation, the Altivar Solar ATV320, enables solar-powered water pumping, boosting irrigation, food security, and access to clean water in off-grid regions.

Schneider Electric highlighted its growing impact, noting that its initiatives have already supported over one million people, empowered 11,000 entrepreneurs across 60 countries, and provided clean electricity access to more than 61 million individuals.

The company drew inspiration from successful implementation of its Climate Smart Village model in India, where integrated solar systems have transformed rural communities by powering agriculture, businesses, and public services. The initiative has doubled household incomes, reduced migration, increased women’s participation in economic activities, and cut carbon emissions significantly.

Country President for East Africa, Ifeanyi Odoh, emphasized the importance of localized solutions in Africa’s energy transition journey. He noted that combining renewable energy with community engagement and strong partnerships can unlock economic opportunities while building climate resilience.

As EAIF 2026 continues, Schneider Electric’s message remains clear: sustainable energy access, when designed around people and local realities, has the power to transform communities and accelerate inclusive development across Africa.

Popular posts from this blog

IGAD Executive Secretary Calls for United AI and Cybersecurity Strategy to Secure Horn of Africa

-
Image
By irene  The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, has issued a compelling call for regional collaboration in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity measures to safeguard the future of security, development, and digital resilience across the Greater Horn of Africa. Speaking during the Regional Consultative Seminar on Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity for Security, Cooperation, and Resilience, Dr. Gebeyehu emphasized the transformative potential of technology when guided by ethical leadership and human-centered values. “Technology best serves humanity when we, as humanity, guide its development,” he said, while addressing dignitaries including Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for ICT Hon. William Kabogo and the Norwegian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Gunnar Andreas Holm. The IGAD chief cited AI as a critical tool in enhancing regional law enforcement capabilities, combatin...
Read more

Campaigner CitizenGO Ann Kioko Leads 12,000 Kenyans in Urgent Plea to President: Reject UN SOGI Vote, Defend Family and National Values

-
Image
By irene Mwende  NAIROBI, KENYA – Ann Kioko, the Campaign Director for CitizenGO Africa, has delivered a powerful petition on behalf of 12,620 concerned Kenyan citizens, urging President William Ruto to immediately clarify and retract Kenya’s recent vote at the United Nations in favor of extending the controversial mandate on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI). In a strongly worded statement, Kioko expressed deep urgency and grave concern over Kenya’s July 5, 2025 vote endorsing the renewal of the so-called UN Independent Expert on SOGI. According to Kioko, this decision was made without any public consultation or national debate and starkly contradicts the spirit of Kenya’s Constitution, which recognizes the family as the natural and fundamental unit of society. “The SOGI mandate is far from a neutral human rights mechanism,” Kioko said. “It has evolved into a politicized tool used to pressure sovereign nations to accept ideologies that threaten ...
Read more

Safeguarding the Bar: Kevin Kachapin’s Pledge to Restore Integrity and Dignity in Legal Practice

-
Image
By Irene  At a time when the legal profession faces growing pressure from unethical practices and unqualified actors, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Council Member candidate Kevin Kachapin has issued a strong call to defend the integrity of advocacy. Speaking on the need to safeguard the profession, Kachapin warned that the rise of quacks and masqueraders posing as advocates poses a serious threat to both the public and genuine practitioners. He noted that such practices erode trust in the justice system and expose clients to grave risks, while hardworking advocates see their profession devalued. Equally concerning, Kachapin said, is the culture of unethical undercutting within the profession, where legal services are cheapened at the expense of quality, competence, and fairness. He emphasized that legal practice must be anchored on integrity, professional skill, and fair competition — not shortcuts that undermine standards. “This is not about gatekeeping,” Kachapin said. “...
Read more