Uganda, Schneider Launch Smart Solar

Key Figures & Findings: At the Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) 2025 in Kampala, Schneider Electric, a France-headquartered global leader in energy management and automation, unveiled its Climate Smart Village, an IoT-powered solar solution designed to close Uganda’s energy access gap. The platform aims to deliver clean, affordable energy to off-grid communities, supporting homes, streetlights, farms, and agro-processors. According to Ifeanyi Odoh, GM for East Africa, this innovation could replicate India’s success, where household incomes rose by up to $830 annually and youth migration declined. The project aligns with Schneider’s Access to Energy program, which exceeded its 2025 goal of connecting 53.4 million people globally by the end of 2024.

Insights: Uganda has just 18.9% grid access nationally, mostly concentrated in urban areas. Schneider’s Access to Energy initiative has already connected 53.4 million people globally, exceeding its 2025 target of 50 million.

Future Implications: If the Uganda pilot proves successful, the Climate Smart Village model could be replicated across Sub-Saharan Africa starting in 2026. The inclusion of digital tools and gender equity may set a new benchmark for rural electrification schemes continent-wide.

Source: PML Daily