Schneider Electric, Agence Française De Developpement (AFD) and the South African Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) have partnered to invest in South Africa’s energy sector. The first agreement is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the DHET, Schneider Electric and the second, a bilateral agreement between Schneider Electric and AFD.

The agreements focus on creating training opportunities for South Africa’s youth. The five key objectives include training of 10,000 people till 2027 on energy-related subjects, the training of trainers, capacity building for the practical skill requirements for trade testing, the rollout of digital education programmes through the Schneider Electric Academy in Anglophone Africa, and support for South African entrepreneurs in the energy space. A total of 1.2 million euros has been allocated to this programme by AFD, Schneider Electric and the Schneider Electric Foundation.

This builds on previous initiatives to expand the French South African Schneider Electric Education Centre (F’SASEC) network, established by the French Ministry of Education, Schneider Electric Foundation, Schneider Electric South Africa and various educational institutions in South Africa. The F’SASEC network focusses on upskilling students with advanced practical training in the field of energy to prepare students for industry requirements. 

In May 2021, Schneider Electric became one of the first companies in South Africa to join the “French Skills Label” programme.  The French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI) in collaboration with the French Embassy of South Africa launched the French Skills Label which is issued by the embassy. The French Skills Label highlights what French companies are doing in terms of internal and external training for South Africans. 

“Young people are our future, and we must give them the skills and the opportunity to access successful careers,” said Zanelle Dalglish, Director Sustainable Development and Academy, Schneider Electric Anglophone Cluster. “We want to collaborate to equip as many South Africans as possible with the knowledge and expertise to enable access to the economy from the energy sector. They are the people who will accelerate our energy transition to green, renewable energy sources. And we’re grateful for the support from the AFD and the Schneider Electric Foundation to expand our programmes, so we’re able to train more young people in the country.”