Schneider Electric Industrial Skills development has become a major focus as the company moves to strengthen engineering expertise across West Africa.
The global energy management and automation company says building local technical capacity is essential for industrial growth. The initiative comes as manufacturers face rising energy costs, operational challenges, and increasing pressure to improve efficiency.
Industry experts believe stronger engineering skills will help businesses remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.
Schneider Electric Expands Engineering Training
Schneider Electric recently organised a programme that brought together engineers and technical professionals from across the region.
Participants received hands-on training focused on configuring, protecting, monitoring, and optimising industrial motor systems.
These systems play a critical role in manufacturing plants, commercial facilities, and industrial operations.
The company designed the programme to help professionals improve their understanding of modern industrial technologies and best practices.
As industries become more automated, technical expertise continues to grow in importance.
Why Motor Systems Matter To Industry
Electric motor systems remain at the heart of industrial production worldwide.
According to the International Energy Agency’s Electric Motor Systems Platform, these systems account for about 53 per cent of global electricity consumption.
Within industrial environments, they represent nearly 72 per cent of electricity use.
Motor systems power essential equipment such as pumps, compressors, conveyor belts, refrigeration units, and ventilation infrastructure.
As a result, poor motor performance can increase operational costs and reduce productivity.
Industry stakeholders warn that inefficient systems often lead to unnecessary energy losses and equipment downtime.
Schneider Electric Highlights Need For Local Expertise
Speaking during the programme, Schneider Electric West Africa Country President, Ajibola Akindele, stressed the importance of developing local engineering talent.
According to him, modern industrial systems now rely heavily on data, connectivity, and efficiency.
He explained that industries require skilled professionals who can manage increasingly sophisticated technologies.
Akindele noted that conversations around industrial growth often focus on infrastructure, financing, and electricity generation.
However, he argued that operational efficiency at the equipment level is equally important for long-term success.
He added that stronger technical capabilities would help industries become more resilient and future-ready.
Training Focuses On Modern Industrial Technologies
During the sessions, participants explored several critical areas of industrial operations.
The training covered motor protection techniques, fault prevention strategies, real-time diagnostics, intelligent control systems, and digital monitoring tools.
Engineers also learned about industrial integration technologies used in advanced manufacturing environments.
According to Schneider Electric, properly managed motor systems can significantly improve performance.
They can lower energy consumption, reduce avoidable downtime, and extend equipment lifespan.
These improvements can deliver substantial savings for businesses operating in competitive industries.
Industrial Growth Depends On Skilled Workforce
The emphasis on technical development comes as West African countries pursue stronger industrialisation strategies.
In Nigeria, policymakers aim to increase manufacturing’s contribution to gross domestic product to between 20 and 25 per cent by 2030.
Currently, the sector contributes less than 10 per cent to GDP.
Experts believe achieving that target will require more than infrastructure investment.
A highly skilled workforce will also play a crucial role in supporting industrial transformation.
As industries embrace automation and digital technologies, demand for qualified engineers continues to rise.
Rising Demand Creates New Opportunities
West Africa’s industrial expansion is taking place alongside rapid urbanisation and growing electricity demand.
At the same time, digital transformation continues to reshape industrial operations around the world.
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, industrial electrification, and data centres are driving higher energy consumption.
Consequently, businesses need professionals capable of managing complex systems efficiently.
Industry leaders say investments in engineering education and technical training will help position the region for long-term growth.
The Schneider Electric Industrial Skills initiative highlights the growing importance of technical expertise in modern industry.
By investing in engineering development, the company aims to support more efficient, reliable, and competitive industrial operations across West Africa.
As manufacturers adapt to new technologies and rising energy demands, skilled professionals will remain central to sustainable industrial growth.
For Schneider Electric, building local talent today could help shape the region’s industrial future for years to come.
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