Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, is accelerating its partner‑centric growth strategy with the launch of the EcoExpert partner programme for its Field Services division in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This new initiative formalises and expands the way the company collaborates with its broad ecosystem of partners, from panel builders and system integrators to existing EcoExperts, by providing deeper access to the company’s services portfolio, digital tools and technical expertise.

Nnadozie Ogbuehi, Vice President, Services for Sub-Saharan Africa, explains that the rationale for this move is rooted in the rapid transformation of the energy and industrial landscape across Southern Africa.

“We are seeing significant investment in electrification, renewable integration and digital infrastructure. At the same time, much of the region’s electrical network is ageing and urgently requires modernisation, maintenance and enhanced digital monitoring,” he says.

“No single organisation can meet this growing demand alone. That is why we are building a partner‑centric service ecosystem through the EcoExpert programme. This model enables qualified partners to deliver Schneider‑aligned services that strengthen reliability, safety and operational efficiency for our customers.”

Scaling service capabilities

By equipping partners with the right tools, training and technical expertise, Schneider Electric can scale its service capabilities sustainably and extend its reach across the region. This ensures it can serve the market consistently, on time and with the level of excellence that customers expect.

Through the EcoExpert partner badge, Schneider Electric integrates partners into its services value chain, aiding customers in extending asset life, modernising infrastructure, and digitising operations for sustainable management. This supports Schneider Electric’s regional strategy, offering customers local expertise backed by global standards.

The programme is designed to be structured, scalable and value‑driven. Eligible partners, such as panel builders, system integrators and service specialists, can apply to join the EcoExpert Field Services programme. Once accepted, they complete a focused onboarding process that includes technical certification, safety‑compliance training, and alignment with Schneider Electric’s service standards.

Opportunities for direct collaboration

“Partners then gain access to Schneider Electric’s training resources, digital service tools, proprietary diagnostic platforms, and service documentation. The programme also creates opportunities for direct commercial collaboration, enabling partners and Schneider Electric teams to jointly build and convert opportunity pipelines into successful, mutually beneficial projects,” says Ogbuehi.

“Our rollout roadmap focuses on establishing a strong foundation in the first phase. This begins with identifying partners that demonstrate solid technical capability, a strong safety culture and established customer relationships across key sectors such as energy, mining, manufacturing and commercial infrastructure.”

To qualify, partners must show proven electrical or automation expertise, a clear commitment to Schneider Electric’s service standards, robust safety and compliance practices, and a strong customer‑service mindset with local market presence.

Onboarding and certification

“During the first year, our priorities include partner onboarding and certification, technical and digital training, joint customer engagement, and the launch of the first modernisation and service projects through our combined network,” says Ogbuehi.

Partners will gain access to Schneider Electric’s structured technical training, service methodologies, and digital platforms that support diagnostics, monitoring and lifecycle management. Enablement will focus on modernisation services, digital service offers and best‑practice field execution. Beyond technical tools, partners will also benefit from commercial support, including co‑marketing, joint pipeline development and access to Schneider Electric’s expertise.

“The goal is not only to elevate partners’ technical capability but also to build their confidence to deliver consistently, safely and profitably. Ultimately, the programme is designed to ensure strong customer satisfaction while creating a sustainable, mutually beneficial income stream for local partners,” Ogbuehi concludes.