SADC – the region of abundance

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

3 November 2023

Schneider Electric endeavours to be the most local of global companies, and this is certainly the case when it comes to our approach in the SADC region. Encompassing 16 nations, this emerging region falls within our Anglophone Africa purview and features an abundance of natural resources and developments.

Our approach to the region is defined by five key segments: Power and Grid, Water and Wastewater (WWW) and Cloud and Services Provider (CSP), Mining, Mineral and Metals (MMM) and Energy and Chemicals. In each of these segments lies significant opportunity to add value from Schneider Electric and our experienced partner network’s perspective.

The move towards greener energy

The role of digitisation cannot be overstated; it is the golden thread that runs throughout our segments. Taking a closer look at the SADC power and grid segment, South Africa’s power energy provision challenges are well-known and quite pervasive.

However, there is always the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, and with the recent announcement of a R19 billion energy development policy loan, granted by the World Bank, South Africa will undoubtedly move towards establishing long-term energy security and a low carbon transition.

In other parts of SADC, we’re seeing countries mobilise to enhance renewable energy sources and strengthening of their distribution systems. Here, the digitisation of these networks is gaining momentum, offering electrical solutions, and facilitating the transition to renewables.

This transition often involves a hybrid approach, incorporating various energy sources such as coal-fired power plants, hydroelectric power, and Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) like microgrids powered by solar and wind. It also aligns with our global peers’ sustainability goals and ensures energy resiliency.

Harnessing untapped potential

Taking a closer look at countries like Mozambique, Namibia, and Angola, these are all set to significantly contribute to the region’s economic and sustainability growth trajectory.

Mozambique has vast untapped hydropower, wind and solar resources. It is endowed with enough natural resources to provide the country with energy and job security. Furthermore, a report by USAID states the country has approximately 187GW of power generation potential.

To this end, Schneider Electric recently established a local office in Maputo, Mozambique. Our aim is to meet local requirements; the legislative framework has been designed to promote inclusivity and ensure significant local participation. This includes the employment of local resources, talent development, and support for ancillary businesses within the country.

Looking at Namibia, the country has vast natural resources, opening doors for collaboration and investment. In line with the power and grid segment development in SADC, there is a push towards renewable energy sources and the establishment of green hydrogen economies as a sustainable energy generation source.

Here Schneider Electric, for example, has robust solutions for clean hydrogen production, aligning with this emerging market’s needs.

In the second part of this blog series, I will delve deeper into other key segments and look at other exciting areas of growth in the SADC region.

Ends