Schneider Electric Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Energy Transition in Sub-Saharan Africa at ARE EAIF 2026 Nairobi

 By Gedion Nzyoki -

• Schneider Electric reaffirmed its commitment to clean energy access in Africa
• The company showcased decentralized energy solutions at ARE EAIF 2026 in Nairobi
• Its Climate Smart Village model highlighted the link between energy access and community development

NAIROBI, KENYA | April 21, 2026 –The Global energy technology company Schneider Electric has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating an inclusive energy transition across Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on expanding access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity for underserved communities.

Ayush Gupta, Director of Global Strategy and Business for Anglophone Africa, Access to Energy at Schneider Electric, alongside other officials, addresses members of the press during the forum. (Photo: Courtesy).

The commitment was highlighted during the opening of the Energy Access Investment Forum 2026, hosted by the Alliance for Rural Electrification at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on Tuesday. 

The four-day conference has brought together key energy stakeholders to discuss the expansion of decentralized renewable energy solutions across the region.

Schneider Electric’s renewed push comes at a time of growing concern over global energy inequality. According to the International Energy Agency, more than 666 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for the largest share of the deficit. 

The agency estimates that 18 of the 20 countries with the largest electricity access gaps are located in the region.

Distributed renewable energy systems, including mini-grids and off-grid solar solutions, were highlighted as critical tools for reaching remote and vulnerable communities.

During the forum, Schneider Electric called for stronger international collaboration to promote what it described as “energy democracy” and more inclusive energy governance. 

The company stressed that shifting from centralized power systems to community-led, decentralized energy models is essential to addressing the energy trilemma of access, affordability, and reliability.

A key highlight of Schneider Electric’s participation was the introduction of its Climate Smart Village model, an integrated approach that combines clean energy technologies with community-centred development.

The model, which has already been implemented in India, has delivered significant socio-economic benefits. In the villages of Sehal and Chatti in Jharkhand, an 85-kilowatt solar system powers irrigation, agricultural processing, public services, and local businesses. 

The initiative has doubled household incomes over four years, reduced seasonal migration, increased women’s participation in economic activities, and cut carbon emissions by an estimated 60,000 kilograms annually.

Schneider Electric said the model could be adapted for Sub-Saharan Africa to support similar community transformation outcomes.

The company also showcased several solutions aimed at improving energy and water access in off-grid areas. Among them was the Homaya Advanced Solar Solution, which provides clean electricity to households, schools, healthcare facilities, and micro-entrepreneurs. 

The solution is supported by the company’s EcoStruxure Energy Access platform, which helps ensure system reliability and continuity of service.

Another innovation presented at the forum was the Altivar Solar ATV320, a solar-powered water pumping system designed to improve access to clean water and support irrigation. 

The system automatically adjusts to available solar energy, helping to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen food security.

Schneider Electric said its Access to Energy initiatives have already reached more than 61.7 million people globally, supported 11,000 entrepreneurs in 60 countries, and empowered more than one million people through clean energy access programmes.

The company has set a target of reaching 100 million people by 2030 through expanded access to sustainable energy solutions.

Speaking during the forum Ayush Gupta, Director of Global Strategy & Business for Anglophone Africa, Access to Energy at Schneider Electric, said energy access must go hand in hand with local capacity building and economic empowerment to create lasting impact.

“Access to clean and reliable electricity can transform communities by unlocking economic opportunity and strengthening resilience,” Gupta said, adding that localized, partnership-driven solutions will be critical to scaling energy access across the region.

ARE EAIF 2026 emphasized that universal energy access will require partnerships, innovation, and community-centered approaches. 

Schneider Electric’s showcase demonstrated how decentralized clean energy can help transform underserved communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.