Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, will soon officially launch its new System Integrator (SI) Programme – SI Energise 2.0 – which will mark a major change in how the company partners with industrial automation specialists across Southern, East and West Africa.

The programme is designed to help System Integrators (SIs) shift beyond traditional, project‑based hardware delivery and embrace higher‑value, lifecycle‑driven solutions powered by EcoStruxure, Schneider Electric’s open-architecture IoT platform and AVEVA software, analytics and digital services.

Oriel Soupen, Industrial Automation Channel Marketing Manager, SSA at Schneider Electric, says the programme reflects the company’s commitment to building a more resilient, digitally empowered industrial sector across the continent.

“Africa’s industries are evolving rapidly. Customers want partners who can support them from design to optimisation, not just during installation. This programme enables our SIs to deliver that full lifecycle value; consistently, confidently and at scale,” she says.

A competency‑driven model

The new SI Programme introduces a modern, competency‑based framework that develops deep expertise in digitalisation, software and lifecycle services. It includes 18 Schneider Electric competencies aligned to EcoStruxure Plant and Machine, and 10 AVEVA industrial software competencies covering SCADA, MES, cloud analytics and performance optimisation.

“Competencies are the new currency of industrial transformation. They ensure our partners can design, simulate, deploy and support advanced architectures that integrate automation, software and data. This is essential for industries that want to modernise, improve reliability, and unlock new efficiencies,” explains Soupen.

Partners progress through three subscription-based tiers, namely Registered, Certified and Master, with each representing increasing capability, performance and co-innovation maturity. This tiered structure creates a clear, motivating pathway for growth, helping SIs build credibility and differentiate themselves in competitive markets.

Digital tools and expert support

The new SI programme also provides extensive technical and commercial support, including access to product application engineers, system architects, subject matter experts and software packs for development and testing. Partners also gain access to Schneider Electric’s digital ecosystem, including mySchneider, configurators, design accelerators, and licence management tools.

“We want our partners to deliver with confidence, so by giving them the right digital tools and expert guidance, we reduce engineering time, minimise project risk and help them deliver high‑quality outcomes across the full lifecycle of an industrial asset,” says Soupen.

This approach reinforces Schneider Electric’s broader ambition to create an ecosystem where industrial technology experts can innovate faster, collaborate more effectively, and deliver solutions that are sustainable, interoperable, and future-ready.

Driving growth through joint market engagement

The programme strengthens Schneider Electric’s joint go‑to‑market motion with SIs, offering structured incentives, co‑marketing opportunities and direct deal support. This includes visibility through Schneider Electric channels, co‑branded marketing assets and collaboration on strategic opportunities in priority segments such as water, mining, CPG and infrastructure.

“Our partners are central to how we serve industry; thus, we are committed to helping them grow, differentiate and win more business in the sectors that matter most to Africa’s economic development. When our partners succeed, industries become more efficient, more sustainable and more competitive,” Soupen points out.

Africa’s next generation of industrial tech experts

More than 60 South African SIs have already joined the programme, including Master and Certified partners. Schneider Electric plans to expand this model across Southern, East and West Africa, creating a continent‑wide network of industrial technology experts capable of delivering sustainable, digitally enabled transformation.

“Africa deserves world‑class industrial capability. By empowering our System Integrators with advanced tools, software and lifecycle expertise, we are helping them lead the next chapter of industrial innovation, which is connected, data‑driven and built for long‑term impact,” concludes Soupen.