Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management, automation, and sustainability, has officially launched its first Innovation Hub in Africa. This marks a major step in the company’s ongoing investment across the continent. The Innovation Hub is located at Schneider Electric’s new, modern English-speaking head office in Midrand, Johannesburg.
This new Hub joins Schneider Electric’s global network of more than 40 registered Innovation Hubs and brings the company’s vision for sustainability and digital transformation to life. It offers customers, partners, and stakeholders across Africa a hands-on environment to explore Schneider Electric’s integrated solutions for energy, buildings, data centers, industry, and power systems.
“We are creating an ecosystem focused on collaboration, innovation, and relevance to Africa. It values local talent, builds local partnerships, and delivers local solutions. Through this Innovation Hub, we aim to offer a dynamic experience that reflects Schneider Electric’s mission: helping everyone make the most of energy and resources, while advancing both progress and sustainability. Africa holds enormous potential, and this Hub is here to help unlock it through innovation and digital technology,” said Canninah Dladla, Cluster President for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric.
A Custom Experience for Visitors
The Innovation Hub offers a guided, personalized experience. It starts with the company’s story, presented on an interactive touchscreen. From there, visitors explore tailored sections that demonstrate Schneider Electric’s wide range of solutions:
- Software Portfolio: Showcasing AVEVA Operations Control, eTAP, and EcoStruxure software tools.
- Industrial Automation: Featuring live conveyor systems and automation displays with sensors, control units, and intelligent machines.
- Building Solutions: Highlighting energy-efficient controls for lighting, HVAC, room management, and access systems.
- Power and Grid: Displaying low and medium voltage products, SF₆-free AirSet switchgear, protection relays, and microgrid technologies.
- Secure Power: Including a live server room setup to demonstrate data center and UPS solutions.
The Innovation Hub follows Schneider Electric’s global standards, making the space adaptable and always up to date with the latest technologies and innovations.
Partners, consultants, and system integrators can reserve the Innovation Hub in advance for client presentations. The space can be customized to highlight specific solutions for different industries.
The Hub is staffed by a dedicated Innovation Hub Manager and Operations Specialist. The company also plans to expand this team through its global Innovation Hub Ambassador Program, allowing employees to serve as guides for visitors when needed.
Built for Sustainability
The Innovation Hub is located within Schneider Electric’s new English-speaking headquarters, which showcases advanced sustainability features. Compared to the previous office, the new building uses:
- 37 percent less energy each month
- 34 percent less water
- 32 tons fewer carbon emissions monthly
A 200 kWp rooftop solar system supports the building, contributing to 15 tons of CO₂ reduction per month. Plans are underway to install a full microgrid with battery energy storage to further enhance environmental performance.
The building integrates Schneider Electric’s own EcoStruxure Buildings Operation and Power Monitoring software. These systems manage lighting, HVAC, and other utilities inside the Innovation Hub and surrounding customer areas.
The launch of this Innovation Hub reinforces Schneider Electric’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and digitalization, and brings its advanced technology even closer to customers throughout Africa.
