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The Schneider Electric’s Access to Energy programme has empowered over 38,000 youth across Anglophone Africa through education and entrepreneurship initiatives focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. The programme offers training in technical skills, renewable energy and business development, equipping young people to participate actively in Africa’s green economy.
The company partners with local schools and NGOs to create inclusive learning environments and provide practical tools for clean energy adoption. The initiative supports national development goals on climate action and job creation while fostering innovation among the continent’s youth population. Participants have launched energy-related start-ups and community projects that contribute to sustainable development.
“Our approach encompasses essential developmental elements such as business communication, etiquette, organisational skills, basic project management, and time management. Our youth development initiatives are both robust and forward-thinking, focusing on various aspects of early career development,” noted Nimmita Maharaj, Diversity and Transformation Director, Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric.
The programme also emphasises technical training, including Schneider Electric’s vendor-neutral EcoStruxure IoT architecture, client and customer site visits, and commercial exposure in areas like e-commerce and channel marketing.”In this way, we are proactively addressing business skills requirements for the future and nurturing brand loyalty from an early stage,” added Modlay Davids, Talent Acquisition and Employer Branding Lead, Human Resources at Schneider Electric.
Schneider Electric’s commitment to gender equity is evident, maintaining a 60/40 male-to-female split in its youth programmes, ensuring young women are equally represented and empowered, particularly in STEM fields.”Joining Schneider Electric as a graduate trainee has laid the perfect foundation for my career. As a young female working in a male-dominated environment, Schneider Electric has fostered my confidence greatly through the culture of inclusivity and the ‘How Women Rise’ programme, which focuses on breaking barriers and female empowerment.
In addition, I have been able to impact the lives of other young women at high school and tertiary level, educating them about careers in STEM, something that is very close to my heart. Through this, I contribute to youth development in my community and impact their thinking positively,” shared Londiwe Mngadi, Senior Design Firm Engineer.
Thulani Myeni, Tender Engineer, reflected, “The experience at Schneider Electric has been more than just about professional development, acquiring technical expertise or business acumen. It has allowed me to grow personally and has empowered me to give back to my family, the financial security I have gained allows me to support my family in a way I never thought possible, thereby contributing to and making an impact on my community and society at large. The company’s commitment to youth development is not just strategy on paper. Schneider Electric truly invests in young minds, providing the tools and opportunities we need to succeed. It’s a place where you can learn, grow and make a real difference.”
