By: Ifeanyi Odoh - Country President, Schneider Electric East Africa 

In this, the second and last in the blog series on East Africa’s growth and prospects for 2025 and beyond, I will taking a closer look how developments today can impact the future. 

We’re making history.  With Africa’s GDP nearing $3 trillion, there’s no denying the continent’s is on a major economic trajectory.  And within this fantastic growth, lies East Africa which, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB) is set to grow by 5.7% in 2025. 

There’s no doubt that the East African economy has shown remarkable resilience and longevity.  Like its word-renowned marathon runners, the region has is driven by commitment, support and collaboration. 

The water volunteers 

And it’s only the beginning, in a world driven by industrialisation and lightning-speed technological advancement, innovation will be a key driver of this progress. Like the indispensable water table volunteers standing next to the road during a marathon, AI and innovation like Electricity 4.0 will provide vital support in the region’s growth. 

AI-enabled technologies will make critical infrastructure such as power systems more intelligence whilst Electricity 4.0 will offer opportunities to create smarter, more efficient energy systems. 

For those that haven’t heard of Electricity 4.0, introduced by Schneider Electric, it represents the convergence of digital and electric technologies at scale. The idea is to create a smarter, more efficient, and greener energy system1. Here are some key aspects of Electricity 4.0. 

At its core it aims to provide smart energy solutions for homes, buildings, data centres, industries, infrastructure, and grid using digital technologies to optimise energy use and reduce wastage. 

By leveraging digital and electric technologies, Electricity 4.0 helps tackle the climate crisis by promoting the use of renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency. 

The long-distance partners 

East Africa must also foster local innovation and require partners to do so.  The region’s businesses and entrepreneurs must be encouraged to design and manufacture solutions tailored to regional needs will create jobs and build resilience within the local economy.  

Supporting these efforts with robust distribution networks and supply chains will ensure sustainable growth. 

Furthermore, East Africa must not only identify challenges but also take deliberate steps to address them. A collaborative environment must be encouraged, enabling the region to work together to benefit all communities, be it rural or urbanised. 

Indeed, achieving East Africa’s full potential requires intentional efforts across sectors. This includes collaboration with local and global partners, scaling training programmes, and fostering innovation. 

As a perfect example, recently, the Schneider Electric Foundation, in partnership with the Teresia & Fidelis Foundation launched the Conserve My Planet programme at St. Augustine Secondary School in Nairobi as part of our Youth Impact Through Learning’s Youth Education & Entrepreneurship program. This initiative is part of Schneider Electric’s global commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness amongst young people. 

The programme is designed to equip students in high schools in Kenya with knowledge and practical skills in energy conservation, renewable energy, and environmental responsibility.  Indeed, the Conserve My Planet aims to empower the next generation in the country to become proactive stewards of the environment.  

At St. Augustine Secondary School, the programme will involve students from Form 1 to Form 4 (ages 15-18) through interactive hands-on learning experiences that will be educating students on climate change, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and conservation practices. 

East Africa's journey is a marathon, not a sprint. And as businessman, Ryan Holmes quite aptly put it: “You can run a sprint or you can run a marathon, but you can't sprint a marathon”. 

By combining its youthful energy, resilience, and a consistent focus on innovation, the region can build a future that is safe, sustainable, and prosperous. In doing so, East Africa will not only meet the needs of today but also lay the foundation for generations to come.