Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, and Humana People to People,a network of 29 national NGOs working for the sustainable development of vulnerable communities across 46 countries, have formalised their intent to collaborate on sustainable energy access initiatives. 

The Letter of Intent (LOI) outlines the framework of collaboration which will see the organisations working towards advancing socio-economic development in priority regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Priority countries include:

• West Africa - Guinea Bissau
• East and Central Africa - Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
• Southern Africa - Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• Asia - India and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos).

Jesper Wohlert, Director of European Partnerships at Humana People to People claims: "Access to sustainable energy is fundamental to advancing human rights and supporting the development of vulnerable communities. By combining our network’s on-the-ground impact with Schneider Electric’s technological expertise, we are bringing transformative energy solutions to where it’s needed most—powering schools, health centres, and helping people build better lives across rural areas.

“I am incredibly excited about our new partnership with Humana People to People. This collaboration is not just about providing sustainable energy solutions; it's about transforming lives and empowering communities, marking a significant step towards achieving our shared vision of a more equitable and sustainable future for all. We are committed to making a tangible difference, ensuring that everyone has access to reliable, clean energy solutions that drive social and economic development.” – Albert Fuchet, Global VP of Access to Energy.

Schneider Electric is today at the forefront of the global energy transition, leveraging its expertise in electrification, automation and digitisation. Through its Access to Energy programme, launched in 2009, Schneider Electric aims to narrow the energy gap by providing energy, affordable technology, and expertise to underprivileged areas.  

It is also one of the of three pillars of Schneider Electric’s Access to the Future imperative which has been designed to protect communities against the effects of climate change.

The Access to Energy programme supports projects across key sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, micro-enterprises, and rural electrification, while fostering economic growth through entrepreneurship and vocational training programs.

Humana People to People is an international organisation working for the sustainable development of vulnerable communities, particularly from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas and Asia. In their commitment to tackling some of the world’s major socioeconomic, environmental, and humanitarian challenges, Humana spearhead community-driven holistic development programmes, with a strong focus on social inclusion and supporting disadvantaged groups, including rural youth, women, and persons with disabilities. 

The organisation operates through an extensive network of independent NGOs, ensuring that initiatives are led by people from the very communities they serve, bringing invaluable local knowledge and expertise. In 2023, Humana has implemented over 1,500 development projects globally focused on Sustainable Agriculture and Environment, Community Development, Health, and Education—reaching over 17.9 million people.

Priority projects 

Schneider Electric and Humana People to People’s collaboration will prioritise projects that integrate sustainable energy solutions into broader socio-economic development programmes:

• Community development – enhancing rural livelihoods through clean energy solutions.
• Sustainable agriculture and climate action – supporting eco-friendly farming practices and carbon-reduction initiatives.
• Health and education – electrifying health centres and schools to improve service delivery.
• Gender equality and inclusivity – empowering women and marginalised groups through training and energy-related opportunities.
• Entrepreneurship and vocational training – providing technical skills and business support to encourage self-sufficiency.
• Emergency and humanitarian response – deploying sustainable energy solutions in crisis-affected areas.

To realise the abovementioned programmes, Schneider Electric will provide technical expertise and guidance on sustainable energy solutions, co-design and implement renewable energy projects and collaborate on vocational training programmes with a focus on electrical skills and entrepreneurship.

Humana People to People will in turn:

• Connect its network of NGOs with Schneider Electric for project implementation. 
• Coordinate local logistics to ensure alignment with community needs.  Partner with local stakeholders to enhance project sustainability. 
• Oversee vocational training through its network of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres.