Schneider Electric , the global leader in energy management and automation, and recognised sustainability leader, has been awarded the Gender Leader Award at this year’s Africa CEO Forum, held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast from 12 to 13 May 2025.

The Gender Leader Award acknowledges those organisations operating in Africa that have shown a significant and continuous commitment to gender diversity and inclusion. It is part of the Africa CEO Forum’s larger objective to provide practical, innovative solutions that empower African businesses and promote sustainable, inclusive development.

This year’s award recognises Schneider Electric’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace across its African operations. The company’s African leadership is spearheaded by women, with female leaders at the helm – currently for French-speaking Africa and, starting 1 June, for English-speaking Africa.

The winner of the Gender Leader Award must meet the following criteria:

• Representation of women on the board of directors of African subsidiaries.
• Percentage of women on the executive committee in Africa.
• Initiatives to support female leadership and inclusion.
• Strategy for promoting women’s leadership at various levels (mentoring and sponsorship programmes, young talent programmes etc.), level of achievement versus what remains to be done.

Schneider Electric has made significant strides in advancing women into senior leadership positions, championing mentorship initiatives, and integrating gender equity into every facet of its operations.  Furthermore, through the company’s Africa Talent Programme, Schneider Electric aims to empower and invest in local expertise, reinforcing its commitment to fostering an inclusive employee initiative across the continent. 

“At Schneider Electric, we are building a workforce that is truly representative of the world we serve; it is essential for creating a future-fit, sustainable business,” comments Devan Pillay, outgoing Cluster President for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric.

“We are deliberate in our approach, from hiring, promoting, and developing women at every level, to ensuring that policies such as hybrid work models and care can empower women to lead and thrive. The Africa CEO Forum Gender Leader Award is a wonderful acknowledgment of our continued commitment to gender equality in the workplace.”

Tanya Ramlagan, Vice President of Human Resources for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric, adds: “We are incredibly proud of this recognition.  It is undoubtedly a testament to our commitment to inclusive leadership.

“This award not only celebrates the progress we’ve made but also strengthens our commitment to build pathways for women to grow, thrive, and shape the future of energy and technology across Africa.”

The Africa CEO Forum, founded in 2012, has evolved into a year-round platform connecting Africa’s top decision-makers with global investors and institutions. The Gender Leader Award is an extension of this role, not only celebrating organisations that have significantly increased the number of women in executive roles but also implementing strategies to promote female leadership and resultant social initiatives that enhance women’s inclusion across the continent.