Schneider Electric opens Africa’s first innovation hub in Johannesburg

Schneider Electric, a global frontrunner in energy management and automation, and a widely recognised sustainability champion, has inaugurated its inaugural innovation hub in Africa

This marks a key development in the company’s broader investment strategy across the continent. Situated within Schneider Electric’s new English-speaking headquarters in Midrand, Johannesburg, the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art features.

Now part of a global network of over 40 innovation hub s, the new Johannesburg site is designed to demonstrate the company’s commitment to sustainability and digital transformation to customers, partners, and stakeholders across Africa.

The innovation hub offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to engage with Schneider Electric’s integrated technologies spanning core sectors such as energy, buildings, industry, data centres, and power infrastructure.

“We are building an ecosystem that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and relevance to the African context; one that values local talent, fosters local partnerships, and drives local solutions. The innovation hub enables us to create a truly dynamic experience that embodies Schneider Electric’s purpose: enabling all to maximise energy and resources while bridging progress and sustainability," commented Canninah Dladla, cluster president for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric.

"Indeed, Africa holds immense potential, and this hub is designed to help our customers and partners unlock it through digitalisation, innovation, and collaboration."

Interactive and sector-specific experiences

The hub provides a guided and bespoke experience for each visitor, beginning with Schneider Electric’s story, told through an interactive touchscreen, and transitioning into a deeper look at the company’s end-to-end offerings.

Visitors explore multiple customised zones, such as:

• The Software Portfolio, with AVEVA Operations Control, eTAP, and EcoStruxure software.

• Industrial Automation, featuring real conveyor systems and EcoStruxure Plant and Machine tables with smart devices and sensors.

• Building Management, showcasing building control options for lighting, HVAC, access, and room automation.

• Power and Grid, with low/medium voltage equipment, SF₆-free AirSet switchgear, protection relays, and microgrid systems.

• Secure Power, including a live data centre room with UPS systems.

The space is modular and dynamic to align with Schneider Electric’s innovation hub standards, ensuring that the most recent technologies and solutions are always on display.

Partners, consultants, and system integrators can also pre-book the venue to tailor the setup to specific client needs or industry verticals. It is supported by dedicated innovation hub managers and an operations specialist, with plans to expand visitor engagement through the company’s global innovation hub Ambassador Programme.

A model for sustainable operations

Located within Schneider Electric’s newly built headquarters, the innovation hub also reflects the company’s commitment to eco-friendly building practices.

Compared to its previous facility, the new site offers significant sustainability improvements:

• 20% smaller physical footprint

• 37% monthly reduction in energy usage

• 34% decrease in water consumption

• 32 tonnes of CO₂ emissions saved each month

Further enhancing its environmental footprint, the facility incorporates a 200 kWp rooftop solar array, reducing carbon emissions by 15 tonnes monthly. Plans are underway to integrate a full microgrid with battery energy storage (BESS), further reinforcing Schneider Electric’s sustainability ethos.