NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 21 – Schneider Electric has reiterated its focus on expanding access to clean and reliable electricity across Sub-Saharan Africa, as it showcased decentralised energy solutions at the Alliance for Rural Electrification Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) 2026.
The company used the forum to highlight the growing urgency of closing the energy access gap, with data from the International Energy Agency indicating that over 666 million people globally still lack electricity, the majority in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Schneider Electric said distributed renewable energy systems such as mini-grids and off-grid solar solutions will be critical in reaching underserved and remote communities, where grid expansion remains limited.
“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.
He noted that the company has integrated electricity access with vocational training and support for small businesses to improve long-term economic outcomes in communities.
During the four-day forum, the firm presented several technologies, including solar-powered systems designed to support households, healthcare facilities, schools and small enterprises in off-grid areas.
It also introduced the Climate Smart Village model, which combines renewable energy with local economic activities such as irrigation and small-scale processing to improve livelihoods.
“Access to clean and reliable electricity can transform communities by unlocking economic opportunity and strengthening resilience,” said Ifeanyi Odoh, Country President for East Africa.
The company said its initiatives have so far reached more than 61 million people globally, as it works toward a target of 100 million beneficiaries by 2030.
The forum comes amid increasing focus on decentralised energy as a practical solution to Africa’s power challenges, particularly in rural areas where access remains low and demand for affordable, reliable electricity continues to grow.
