Schneider Electric on powering the Global South’s next phase of growth

This three-part Business Extra series, presented by The National in collaboration with Schneider Electric, focuses on powering the Global South's next phase of growth. The discussion took place before the Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa, with host Khaled Abuljebain speaking to Manish Pant, executive vice president for international operations at Schneider Electric.

Pant highlights the challenge faced by countries in the Global South as populations expand, cities grow, and electricity demand increases. Yet, he also sees this challenge as an opportunity. Emerging economies can leverage digital technology, intelligent grids, and cleaner forms of energy to build resilient energy systems for the future.

The conversation delves into the concept of energy resilience in an increasingly electrified world and how digitalization can enhance the visibility, control, and efficiency of electricity. Pant also touches on the role of artificial intelligence in optimizing energy use, particularly as growing computing demand puts additional strain on power systems.

The episode further explores Schneider Electric's projects in Egypt and Senegal, the role consumers can play in improving energy efficiency, and the importance of adapting globally developed technology to suit the specific conditions of individual markets.