Schneider Electric, a global company specialising in energy management, automation and sustainability, has officially launched its first Innovation Hub in Africa. Situated within its new English-speaking headquarters in Midrand, the hub represents a major milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to innovation and investment on the continent.

The Midrand Innovation Hub joins a global network of over 40 registered Schneider Electric Innovation Hubs and serves as a dynamic, interactive space showcasing how sustainability and digitalisation can be applied across sectors. This includes energy, buildings, data centres, industry and power grids.

“We are building an ecosystem that thrives on collaboration, innovation and relevance to the African context; one that values local talent, fosters local partnerships and drives local solutions,” said Canninah Dladla, cluster president for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric. “The Innovation Hub enables us to create a truly dynamic experience that embodies Schneider Electric’s purpose: enabling all to maximise energy and resources while bridging progress and sustainability.”

Dladla also highlighted the continent’s vast potential. “Indeed, Africa holds immense potential and this hub is designed to help our customers and partners unlock it through digitalisation, innovation and collaboration.”

The hub offers visitors a guided, tailored experience beginning with Schneider Electric’s company story, presented through an interactive touchscreen. From there, guests are led through specialised zones that bring Schneider Electric’s solutions to life, including:

• Software Portfolio: Featuring AVEVA Operations Control, eTAP and EcoStruxure software platforms.

• Industrial Automation Solutions: Live conveyor systems, EcoStruxure Plant and Machine tables with control units, sensors and real-time analytics.

• Building Solutions: Demonstrations of access control, lighting, HVAC and room automation technologies.

• Power and Grid Solutions: Showcasing low and medium voltage equipment, including the innovative SF₆-free AirSet switchgear, protection relays and microgrid solutions.

• Secure Power: A live server room setup illustrates Schneider Electric’s data centre and UPS technologies.

In line with global Innovation Hub standards, the space is modular and designed to evolve with the latest technologies. It is available for advance booking by partners, consultants and system integrators who wish to host clients and demonstrate industry-specific solutions. Staffed by dedicated Innovation Hub managers and an operations specialist, the facility will soon benefit from Schneider Electric’s global Innovation Hub Ambassador Programme, empowering employees to act as expert guides for visiting stakeholders.

The Innovation Hub is hosted within Schneider Electric’s newly opened headquarters , which the company notes is a model for sustainable building practices in Africa. The facility was purpose-built to shrink its environmental impact, achieving:

• 37% lower monthly energy consumption

• 34% reduced monthly water use

• 32 tonnes of CO₂ emissions saved monthly.

The building also features a 200 kWp rooftop solar installation, accounting for an additional 15 tonnes of CO₂ savings each month. A complete microgrid solution, including a battery energy storage system, is planned for future implementation, reinforcing Schneider Electric’s sustainability-first approach.

Operational systems within the headquarters are powered by the company’s own technologies, including EcoStruxure Buildings Operation and Power Monitoring software. These tools enable intelligent lighting and HVAC control throughout the Innovation Hub and other customer-facing areas.

Schneider Electric believes the launch of the Innovation Hub marks the next step in the company’s global strategy to bring its technology closer to customers in Africa in order to foster collaboration, building capacity and to accelerate the adoption of sustainable digital solutions.

By combining local relevance with global expertise, Schneider Electric notes it is continuing to reinforce its leadership in digital transformation, innovation and environmental stewardship across the continent.