Opening Kerry's new manufacturing site in Kigali, Rwanda (IMAGE SOURCE: Kerry Group)

Irish foods group Kerry has opened a new taste manufacturing facility in Rwanda to support local food and beverage producers

Located in Kigali, the site will expand Kerry’s capacity in the country to provide high-quality ingredients and world-class expertise to local food and beverage manufacturers.

The facility also builds on Kerry's presence in East Africa to deliver sustainable and authentic foods tailored to local preferences and delivers on its strategy to locate manufacturing and research and development facilities closer to high-growth markets across the continent.

“The establishment of this facility in Rwanda marks a significant step towards realising our vision to bring delicious and nutritious products, produced with world-class quality, to millions of African consumers,” said Jad Neaime, general manager, Kerry Africa.

“As the only global taste and nutrition solutions company producing in East Africa, we aim to partner with our customers to help them solve their unique challenges and grow their business by leveraging our innovative technologies and global network.”
  
The investment is part of a broader strategic business drive, which includes a €1bn investment in emerging markets to accelerate growth and sustainability in the global food industry.

Kerry has been present in East Africa since 2018 when it opened a technology and innovation centre in Kenya.

It has since expanded its capabilities through acquisitions and investments and its Africa manufacturing footprint now includes seven sites across Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, South Africa and Nigeria, as well as sales offices in Lagos and Nairobi.

In line with the group’s sustainability strategy, the new Kigali facility features zero waste to landfill, 100% utility equipment designed to the latest energy efficiency standards, and a fit-for-purpose wastewater treatment system.

“Rwanda's economy is fast-growing, driven by a thriving food processing industry,” said Neaime.

“Producing in Rwanda strengthens our localisation plans and brings us closer to our customers and their needs. This includes building local partnerships, expanding local sourcing and recruiting and upskilling local talent, to enable growth in the communities we operate.”

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Oriel Soupen, channel marketing manager at Schneider Electric South Africa. (Image source: Schneider Electric)

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has expanded its Alliance Partner Programme for Industrial Automation Distributors (IAD) to South Africa

This initiative aims to strengthen the company’s channel network, increasing accessibility to its industrial automation products, solutions, and services across the region.

By leveraging Schneider Electric’s extensive distribution network, the programme enhances product availability and market coverage while creating growth opportunities through advanced specialisations and skill development. Distributors benefit from comprehensive training, equipping them with the expertise needed to improve customer service and adapt to market demands.

According to Oriel Soupen, channel marketing manager at Schneider Electric South Africa, “The programme is a strategic initiative to enhance our distribution network and better meet the diverse needs of our industrial automation customers. By continuously improving the programme, we consider our Alliance Distributors as an integral part of the Schneider Electric strategy. These distributors maintain a customer-centric approach, boosting customer confidence by enhancing their solution capabilities within the automation space.”

A shared path to growth

Through the programme, Alliance Distributors gain access to a wider selection of industrial automation products and solutions, driving market demand and increasing sales potential.

Key areas of focus include:

• Enhancing expertise: Specialised training in two primary areas—EcoStruxure Machine and EcoStruxure Plant—alongside advanced specialisations in software, services, drives, sustainability, motion, and robotics.
• Certification process: Ensuring distributors receive training and align with Schneider Electric’s strategic goals.
• Expanding the partner network: Strengthening collaboration with system integrators and other partners to support project lifecycles.

Schneider Electric aims to empower its Alliance Distributors with a deep understanding of automation technologies and solutions. The objective is not only to sell individual products but also to provide comprehensive solutions that integrate seamlessly across systems.

Chris Neethling, channel sales manager at Schneider Electric, stated, “We want our Alliance Distributors to have the technical competency and capability to sell the full solution, not just individual products. They should be able to advise customers on complementary components and how different parts of the system work together. By empowering our partners, we can expand our reach and capabilities to support a broader partner ecosystem.”

The Alliance Partner Programme is structured into different tiers, each with specific requirements that distributors must meet to access additional benefits and support from Schneider Electric.

Also read: Schneider, Mitsumi boost East Africa’s power resilience

DHL Supply Chain, in collaboration with Scania Kenya, has introduced 25 Euro 5 biodiesel-powered trucks, marking a significant step toward more efficient road transport in Kenya and the broader East African region

This initiative, the first of its kind in the area, demonstrates both companies’ commitment to adopting cutting-edge transport technology, improving road safety, and enhancing fuel efficiency through specialised driver training and telematics integration.

Driving logistics innovation

The deployment of these state-of-the-art Euro 5 trucks is part of DHL Supply Chain’s broader strategy to modernize its fleet in Kenya using the most efficient solutions available.

Scania East Africa, which supplied these 25 vehicles, plays a crucial role in DHL’s operations. The company prioritises sustainability and adheres to its Scope 3 Science-Based Targets in alignment with the Paris Agreement. Scania actively promotes alternative fuel solutions, enhances vehicle efficiency, and supports industry-wide carbon reduction efforts.

Beyond Kenya, this collaboration extends to other markets, including a recent pilot of the first electric truck with a fuel-powered range extender at DHL’s German headquarters in Bonn. This partnership underscores Scania’s long-term vision for sustainable transport, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of road freight.

"At Scania, we recognize the urgent need for sustainable transport solutions across East Africa and beyond. This partnership with DHL is a reflection of our ongoing efforts to offer cleaner, more efficient alternatives that align with both regional and global sustainability goals. By introducing Euro 5 trucks powered by biodiesel, we are not only reducing emissions but also paving the way for a future where 100% renewable fuel adoption is possible. Our commitment extends beyond just providing vehicles—we continue to invest in innovations, services, and partnerships that support a long-term, greener transport ecosystem for the region," said Vincente Connolly, managing director, Scania East Africa.

Cutting emissions and boosting efficiency

The newly introduced Scania Euro 5 trucks offer substantial environmental benefits compared to conventional diesel models. These include:

• Lower nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, improving air quality.
• Enhanced fuel efficiency, maximising mileage while reducing overall fuel consumption.
• A reduced carbon footprint, helping customers meet their sustainability targets.

Prioritising safety and operational excellence

DHL’s commitment to safety and efficiency is further reinforced through AI-driven onboard cameras and Scania’s advanced Fleet Management System (FMS):

• AI-powered smart cameras monitor driver behavior, detecting fatigue and distractions to prevent accidents.
• Scania FMS enables real-time telematics tracking, optimizing route planning, fuel monitoring, and predictive maintenance to minimise downtime and enhance efficiency.
• Comprehensive driver training programs ensure optimal vehicle usage, promoting fuel savings and improved road safety.
• East Africa is at a critical juncture in its development, and reliable logistics and transport solutions are key to supporting this growth. The deployment of these Euro 5 trucks is a practical and immediate step to enhance the efficiency of our operations. This partnership reflects our commitment to innovation and road safety and shows our dedication to support economic growth in East Africa through state-of-the-art logistics solutions," said Tito Okuku, managing director of DHL Supply Chain for East Africa.

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