Schneider Electric reports significant progress in its Middle East and Africa initiatives, blending technology, skills training, and strategic partnerships to expand clean energy access and cut emissions, while highlighting ongoing efforts and future opportunities.
Schneider Electric reports that its regional efforts in sustainability are making noticeable progress across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), blending technology deployments, skills training, and partnerships to broaden energy access and curb emissions.
Based on the company’s own report, the initiatives within the framework of its global 2021–2025 Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) program have brought clean energy to over 3.5 million people in the MEA region over the last five years. They mentioned that in 2024 alone, they provided clean electricity to more than a million individuals, while also supporting upwards of 300 schools and clinics throughout East Africa. Moreover, nearly 90,000 people across 32 countries received training in energy and sustainability-related skills, including over 7,200 women who got targeted training in sustainability.
The range of activities is quite broad. Schneider highlights examples like deploying distributed energy systems, smart grids, and off-grid innovations. These efforts, the company claims, have prevented over 800 million tonnes of CO₂ globally and provided energy access to around 50 million people. In the Gulf region, Schneider is working with the Chalhoub Group to cut Scope 3 supply chain emissions by 30% by 2032. Meanwhile, in Egypt, their technology now powers the Al Galala seawater desalination plant in Ain Sokhna, a facility that is reportedly serving millions, improving efficiency, and lowering emissions. Then there’s the project in Marsa Matrouh, via a partnership with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, that delivered solar energy and clean water to more than 5,000 residents, the report states.
“These milestones are built on Schneider Electric’s recent announcement of scoring 8.06 out of 10 on the sustainability index for Q2 2025 and being recognized by TIME and Statista as the world’s most sustainable company,” the company stated in its regional update. Walid Sheta, who is President of the Middle East & Africa Zone at Schneider Electric, was quoted as saying, “This progress reflects the partnerships we’ve established and the dedication of our teams across the region. We still have quite a way to go, but I’m honestly proud of how far we’ve come in supporting communities with energy access, helping local industries decarbonize, and building capabilities that will benefit the region for years to come. Remember, sustainability isn’t really a finish line, it’s more like a shared journey.”
Additional industry and corporate filings give further context to these claims. Schneider’s sustainability impact reports show that they’ve provided access to clean energy for tens of millions of people worldwide. Their Q4 2024 results highlight over 53 million individuals globally with access to reliable, clean energy. They also note recognition for gender equality by Equileap and inclusion in FT’s diversity rankings. Independent sources and disclosures reveal investments and partnerships with off-grid providers, such as Zola Electric, BBoxx, and other African solar companies. These are used to scale productive-use energy solutions, which is pretty interesting, right?
A few projects stand out for their digital approaches to improving grid performance. Schneider points to a complete digital overhaul of Senegal’s national grid. They claim this upgrade cut power recovery times from three hours to just three minutes, saving approximately 10 GWh annually , worth roughly €21 million in energy costs. They also mention they’ve already completed around 90% of the work to replace fossil-fuel-powered industrial trucks with electric counterparts in some operations.
Partnerships with international bodies and non-governmental organizations play a big role. The company has expanded collaboration with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) through their Utilities for Net Zero Alliance, announced at Dubai’s World Governments Summit. This partnership aims to develop digital learning platforms to boost utility capacity in the Global South. The Schneider Electric Foundation’s work with Plan International is also highlighted as a way to promote skills training for women.
While all this sounds promising, well, to me at least, it’s worth noting that some figures in the regional statement need to be interpreted carefully. The report mentions 3.5 million beneficiaries in MEA over five years. But their global reports talk about over 50 million people impacted worldwide. They don’t include detailed data from government or independent sources on specific national grids, microgrids, or the actual impact of energy access. Their totals for emissions avoided aggregate projects globally, rather than attribute reductions to specific MEA installations, which is an important distinction.
The company also emphasizes employment and skills development. Their regional efforts included tailored training for youth, women, and displaced populations. As they mentioned, nearly 90,000 people across 32 countries received training in energy and sustainability skills. Last year, Schneider highlighted investments through their Gaia Energy Impact Fund and local partnerships supporting early-stage renewable energy companies in Africa. Industry experts say these investments aim to unlock finance for distributed renewables and stimulate local supply chains.
For policymakers and climate-tech stakeholders in the UAE, the update offers some strategic pointers. Digital grid management and smart asset architectures could decrease outage times and minimize energy losses. Deploying off-grid or mini-grid solutions can quickly bring services to remote communities. Plus, skills development, especially targeting women and youth, can help grow the local talent needed to operate and maintain new energy systems effectively.
The company presents its regional work as part of a bigger, system-level approach. Their MEA sustainability campaign leverages Schneider’s open digital architecture, EcoStruxure, across water, energy, healthcare, buildings, manufacturing, and data centers. The program’s goal is also to expand advisory services across the Gulf, Africa, and Türkiye to help companies turn their net-zero commitments into real, on-the-ground actions.
All of Schneider’s regional claims fit into the broader picture of their global ambitions. They have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 across their entire value chain, with intermediary targets for Scopes 1 and 2 by 2030. The future of their role in the energy transition in MEA will depend heavily on scaling financially viable projects, maintaining strong partnerships with utilities and governments, and ensuring accurate, independent measurement of both access and emissions reductions. For now, they’re positioning the region as a key area where digitalization, distributed renewables, and skills training are converging to boost energy access and reduce carbon footprints.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/schneider-electric-delivers-clean-energy-access-to-over-35mln-people-across-the-middle-east-and-africa-qcyf0skj – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://gecnewswire.com/schneider-electric-brings-clean-energy-to-3-5m-people-in-middle-east-africa/ – Schneider Electric has made significant strides in delivering clean energy across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. Their efforts have helped avoid over 800 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions and provided energy access to 50 million people. In 2024 alone, they delivered clean energy to over one million people, supporting more than 300 schools and clinics across East Africa. Over the past five years, their initiatives have enabled clean energy access to more than 3.5 million people in the region. In partnership with Plan International, the Schneider Electric Foundation has helped over 7,200 women gain sustainability-focused skills across Africa. In Egypt’s Marsa Matrouh, they facilitated the delivery of clean water and solar energy to over 5,000 people, reducing CO₂ emissions by 40 tonnes annually. They have also completed 90% of the work on replacing fossil fuel-powered industrial trucks with electric ones. In Senegal, a complete digital transformation of the national grid reduced power recovery times from three hours to three minutes and saved 10 GWh annually, equivalent to about €21 million in energy value. In the Gulf, Schneider Electric is collaborating with Chalhoub Group to help the retailer reduce Scope 3 supply chain emissions by 30% by 2032, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in the retail space. In Egypt’s Ain Sokhna, Schneider technology now powers the Al Galala seawater desalination plant, the largest in the region, serving millions while reducing emissions and improving efficiency. These efforts underscore Schneider Electric’s commitment to sustainability and their role in advancing the energy transition across the MEA region.
- https://www.se.com/ww/en/assets/564/document/505452/schneider-sustainability-impact-q4-2024-results.pdf – Schneider Electric’s Q4 2024 Sustainability Impact report highlights significant progress in their global sustainability initiatives. The company has provided access to clean and reliable energy to over 53 million people, including 2.5 million in East Africa, India, and Bangladesh, who now have access to essential medical equipment and facilities. Schneider Electric has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Companies for Gender Equality globally by Equileap in 2024, based on assessments of women’s representation, gender pay gap, leave and flexible options, and policies in place. The company is also proud to be included once again in the FT Leader in Diversity ranking, highlighting their commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity thrives. These achievements reflect Schneider Electric’s dedication to advancing sustainability and inclusion across its global operations.
- https://www.se.com/ae/en/about-us/newsroom/news/press-releases/schneider-electric-strengthens-collaboration-with-irena-under-utilities-for-net-zero-alliance-67a9c4a35c6609f97d0a8192 – Schneider Electric has enhanced its collaboration with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) under the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA). This expanded partnership aims to support capacity building for utility companies in the Global South. Schneider Electric and IRENA will collaborate on a digital learning platform to provide accessible e-learning for utility players in the Global South, advancing joint global renewable energy efforts. The agreement was announced on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai, underscoring the commitment to accelerating the transition to a renewables-based energy system and supporting the UAE’s vision for a sustainable and diversified economy.
- https://www.blueconnections.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Schneider_Electric_2023_Sustainability_Report.pdf – Schneider Electric’s 2023 Sustainable Development Report outlines the company’s initiatives to provide access to affordable, clean, and sustainable energy solutions in Africa. The report highlights investments in companies such as Zola Electric in Tanzania, BBoxx in Ghana, Nuru in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zonful Solar Energy in Zimbabwe, and ZIZ Energy in Chad. These investments aim to provide access to clean productive use energy and support economic development through energy access solutions. The report also details the impact assessments of these initiatives, including improved quality of life for beneficiaries and increased farming incomes due to solar-based mini-grids.
- https://www.zawya.com/en/projects/industry/interview-schneider-electric-energises-sustainable-transformation-in-northeast-africa-and-levant-hpblk839 – An interview with Schneider Electric’s leadership discusses the company’s efforts in reducing CO₂ emissions and providing access to green electricity in Northeast Africa and the Levant. The company has successfully reduced emissions by 263 million tonnes by Q3 2023 and committed to providing 50 million people with access to green electricity by 2025, having already reached 30 million individuals. Schneider Electric is also focused on achieving net-zero CO₂ emissions across its entire value chain by 2050, with an interim target of becoming net-zero ready for Scopes 1 and 2 by 2030. The company continues to address the carbon footprint of its products by leveraging green materials, reducing transportation by localising production, and replacing harmful SF6 gas with dry air in medium voltage switchgear.
- https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/786946-local-social-and-environmental-action-propels-schneider-electric-sustainability-impact-program-toward-year-end-target – Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Impact Program has made significant progress toward its year-end targets, with an overall score of 5.76 out of 10 by the end of the third quarter of 2023. Local initiatives include installing solar power solutions at a children’s clinic in Kenya, providing 20,000 people with access to clean electricity and improving the quality of life of the local community. In collaboration with Enactus in Mexico, 60,000 students from over 400 universities and colleges engaged in training initiatives to drive social impact in local communities. Schneider Electric and the Gaia Energy Impact Fund II raised €40 million to support renewable energy projects in Africa, funding startups and entrepreneurial projects with a strong environmental and social focus. Additionally, Schneider Electric’s contribution to Barcelona’s district cooling project was rewarded with the Best Energy Innovation Award from El Periodico de la Energia.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative was published on December 11, 2025, and has been reported by multiple reputable outlets, including Zawya and GEC Newswire. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is December 10, 2025, indicating a freshness of 1 day. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative includes updated data but does not recycle older material.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quote from Walid Sheta, President of the Middle East & Africa Zone at Schneider Electric, appears in earlier material, including a LinkedIn post dated December 6, 2025. The wording is identical, suggesting potential reuse of content.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from Zawya, a reputable news outlet. The report mentions Schneider Electric, a well-known company, and includes a direct quote from Walid Sheta, whose public presence and role are verifiable.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about Schneider Electric’s initiatives in the Middle East and Africa align with the company’s known sustainability efforts. The narrative includes specific details, such as the number of individuals trained and the regions served, which are consistent with previous reports. The language and tone are appropriate for the region and topic.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, with no significant discrepancies or signs of disinformation. The direct quote from Walid Sheta appears in earlier material, suggesting potential reuse of content. However, the overall reliability and plausibility of the report are high, leading to a PASS verdict with high confidence.
