By Ayush Gupta
East Africa holds vast untapped solar potential, particularly in regions where electricity access remains limited. In Kenya, for instance, a significant portion of the estimated 13 million people without electricity live in areas with high solar irradiation, making them ideal candidates for off-grid energy systems that do not rely on the national grid.
In Tanzania, clean energy initiatives, including large-scale solar projects, are poised to benefit millions. The country’s National Renewable Energy Strategy (2024–2034) identifies at least a quarter of underserved regions as viable for renewable energy deployment.
Uganda, too, has made notable progress, expanding electricity access to more than eight million people since 2016, with renewables playing a central role in reaching remote communities.
Harnessing this solar potential is key to improving lives, driving economic growth, and building sustainable, resilient communities.
Feasibility of Solar
Across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, renewable energy sources such as hydropower and geothermal already contribute significantly to national grids. Kenya’s Olkaria geothermal complex, located in the Rift Valley, is among the largest in Africa.
However, extending traditional grid infrastructure to remote areas remains costly and logistically complex. In this context, solar power presents a practical, scalable, and cost-effective solution.
Solar installations can be deployed rapidly and require minimal maintenance. When paired with modern battery storage or hybrid systems, they provide reliable and continuous power—making them the ideal solution for communities that are off-grid or face unreliable electricity supply.
Beyond Household Electrification
For Schneider Electric, off-grid solar is not just about lighting homes. Through our global Access to Energy programme, we work with partners to deliver clean, reliable power to health centres, schools, agricultural operations, and small businesses across rural East Africa.
Reliable electricity in health facilities allows medical staff to work safely after dark and ensures vital equipment operates continuously—enabling vaccinations, refrigeration, and emergency care.
Electrified schools empower students to access digital learning tools and extend study hours, while solar-powered irrigation and agro-processing systems help farmers boost productivity and reduce post-harvest losses. Even small village shops benefit from better lighting and refrigeration, enhancing their profitability and resilience.
Mapping the Ecosystem for Impact
Schneider Electric’s approach in East Africa begins with mapping the entire energy ecosystem—from identifying funding sources such as investors, philanthropic foundations, and grant programmes to partnering with social organisations and local energy developers.
NGOs and community-based organisations provide invaluable local expertise, cultural insight, and trust—key ingredients for success. Schneider Electric complements these strengths by offering advanced technology, robust system design, and integration expertise to deliver solar solutions that are reliable, scalable, and built to last.
Working alongside trained local partners who understand on-the-ground conditions ensures that technology is properly deployed, maintained, and aligned with community aspirations.
Leveraging Technology for Sustainability
Designing a solar solution is only part of the challenge; ensuring that it performs reliably for years is equally critical. To this end, Schneider Electric integrates remote monitoring systems into its installations to track performance, flag faults, and alert maintenance teams.
This approach minimises downtime, builds trust with funders and community members, and ensures operational sustainability. Real-time monitoring also enhances transparency, allowing partners and investors to see how their contributions are creating measurable, lasting impact.
Learning from Global Best Practice
While each country presents unique challenges, Schneider Electric draws on lessons from successful initiatives in other regions. In India, for example, we’ve implemented projects that power healthcare centres and support local livelihoods, combining high-quality system design with capacity building for long-term sustainability.
These experiences have shown that close collaboration with NGOs and community partners—coupled with local training and maintenance—reduces costs, improves efficiency, and ensures communities can manage their systems confidently.
Although East Africa’s context is distinct, replicating proven models such as centralised renewable systems that serve multiple community services can accelerate deployment and amplify impact.
Looking Ahead
Schneider Electric plans to deepen its engagement in East Africa by focusing on four priority areas:
- Community infrastructure electrification – Prioritising schools and health centres to ensure they can operate effectively, regardless of grid availability.
- Livelihood enhancement – Expanding solar support for agriculture and small businesses to build resilience and income opportunities.
- Sustainable, monitored operations – Embedding remote monitoring and maintenance strategies to extend system life and protect investments.
- Collaborative partnerships – Strengthening cooperation with NGOs, funders, and impact investors to expand reach and deliver greater social and economic impact.
East Africa’s solar journey is not just about technology: it’s about transformation. By aligning innovation with community aspirations and combining global expertise with local partnerships, we can unlock energy solutions that are resilient, sustainable, and future-ready.
Ayush Gupta is the Director – Global Strategy & Business, Anglophone Africa, Access to Energy, Schneider Electric.
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