By: Devan Pillay - Cluster President, Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric

Business success and sustainability have become inextricably linked; however, the definition of the latter is not as simple as it seems. For one, sustainability extends to include companies’ most valuable assets, its people. 

As a global company with a presence in over 100 countries, Schneider Electric is consistently driving conversations around sustainability at the highest levels of leadership. We proactively engage with C-suite executives and other stakeholders who, regardless of their geographical location, have ambitious sustainability goals.

Whether in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, or Zambia, we see businesses setting targets that align with global climate action plans and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These companies recognise the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges our world faces today, and they are increasingly committed to driving sustainable transformations in their operations.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Africa faces unique hurdles. For many countries in this region, the order of priorities, as described by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, often means that basic needs—such as access to reliable electricity—are still unmet for a large portion of the population.

In some Southern African countries, electricity grid connectivity ranges between 40% to 70%, starkly contrasting the near-universal grid access enjoyed by most European nations. Within this context, moving communities from coal- or wood-fired heating and cooking appliances to electricity, regardless of the energy source, is already an important step forward.

Furthermore, Africa has a youthful population, representing a sizeable portion of the globe’s youth demographic. This presents unique and exciting prospects for implementing sustainability throughout the continent’s growing business landscape.

Schneider Electric’s commitment

At our Anglophone Africa operations, our annual One Voice survey consistently shows that our commitment to sustainability is a key driver of employee satisfaction. Schneider Electric’s focus goes beyond green energy; we embrace diversity, inclusion, and responsible business practices, ensuring that sustainability is not only about the planet but also about the people who inhabit it.

And isn’t this the essence of sustainability—ensuring that businesses contribute positively to environment as well as the well-being of their workers, communities, and customers. It’s about creating value for people as individuals, enhancing their health, well-being, skills, and employability, and providing them with opportunities for growth and advancement.

Thus, organisations like Schneider Electric have a responsibility to contribute to this broader approach to sustainability. By aligning our operations with the UN’s SDGs, we are committed to ensuring that our business practices not only generate shareholder value but also respect the environment, support local communities, and create meaningful work for future generations.