Schneider Electric, the world’s most sustainable company and leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation has, has officially launched its Africa Explorer Programme—an exciting initiative aimed at elevating early-career African talent through international exposure, skills development, and leadership opportunities. 

The programme forms part of Schneider Electric’s Africa Talent Programme and aims to provide high-potential young professionals with international work placements for 18–24 months at Schneider Electric’s offices in markets such as India, South America and Europe. 

These placements allow participants to acquire invaluable skills, build global networks, and enhance their readiness for leadership roles within the organisation upon their return.

The programme is already underway, with four exceptional candidates from South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria on their assignments in Brazil and India.  The Africa Explorer Programme is also testament to Schneider Electric’s continued commitment to fostering sustainable business growth and talent development across critical African markets such as Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and the broader Sub-Saharan Africa region.

“The Africa Explorer Programme highlights our commitment to Africa as a critical growth market. Schneider Electric recognises that its success in addressing Africa’s energy and sustainability challenges depends on having the right skills and competencies within our workforce,” says Tanya Ramlagan, Vice President, HR, Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric. 

“Through initiatives like the Africa Explorer Programme, we are not only empowering individuals but also ensuring sustainable business practices and strengthening succession pipelines for critical roles.”

Speaking on the programme’s goals, Yewande Ayowole-Oso, Talent Leader for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric says: "This initiative is more than just a talent exchange. It is a strategic move to showcase the immense potential of African professionals while ensuring their growth within the organisation. By equipping them with global exposure and skills, we aim to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation and sustainable growth on the continent."

Selection Criteria and strategic goals

The Africa Explore Programme includes a rigorous selection process which ensures only the most promising candidates are chosen. Participants must demonstrate consistent high performance, a track record of leadership potential, and a strong commitment to personal and professional growth. 

The Africa Explorer Programme aims to:

• Establish talent export programmes that retain and upskill employees by building or borrowing within the organisation.
• Combine both geographic and lateral moves to grow skills across the organisation’s talent pool.
• Provide a flexible career path which include internal and cross-border company exposure and development to emerging and high-potential talent in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Offer a platform for employees to acquire the requisite skills and build competencies which in turn allow them to grow networks and enhance visibility for future leadership roles