Rwanda Partners with Schneider Electric for Clean Energy

Rwanda is taking a major leap toward becoming a green energy leader in Africa.

At the Africa CEO Forum 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda-based East Africa MG Energy Group signed a strategic partnership with Schneider Electric, the French multinational known for energy management and automation technology. The May 15 agreement will give Rwandan businesses direct access to advanced clean energy solutions that were previously available only through lengthy international orders.

"We were lacking a partner, and this is a milestone for Rwanda and its ambition to become a green country," said Eric Gishoma, CEO of East Africa MG Rwanda. For years, local companies waited three months or more for critical equipment to arrive from overseas.

Now those same technologies will be stocked locally and delivered on time. Schneider Electric, which operates in over 100 countries and generated €38.15 billion in revenue last year, sees Rwanda as the perfect launchpad for deeper expansion across Africa.

"Rwanda is one of the fastest-growing countries on a growing continent," said Manish Pant, Schneider Electric's Executive Vice President for International Operations. The company invests 7% of its annual revenue in research and development, constantly developing smarter, cleaner energy systems.

Rwanda will become one of the few African markets where customers can access Schneider's full technology range. That includes everything from power distribution systems to advanced cooling solutions for data centers.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership extends far beyond equipment delivery. Schneider Electric and East Africa MG Energy Group plan to establish an energy laboratory at the University of Rwanda, training the next generation of engineers and technicians in cutting-edge energy systems.

"Rwanda is leading the way in becoming a digital hub with a youthful and innovative population," said Ifeanyi Odoh of Schneider Electric. "We are here to walk this journey with the country."

The companies are also exploring local assembly operations in Rwanda. That could mean manufacturing jobs, technology transfer, and faster innovation cycles for the entire region.

Nicole Uwineza Mukwindi of Rwanda Energy Group welcomed the partnership enthusiastically. "Schneider has always worked with Rwanda, from generation to the end user," she said. "We want services near us and we want things to happen here in Rwanda."

Schneider Electric already supports critical infrastructure across Rwanda, including energy facilities, airports, pharmaceutical plants, and commercial buildings. The new partnership deepens that commitment with a 20 to 25 year vision for sustainable development.

Rwanda's government has invested heavily in renewable energy and smart infrastructure as part of its strategy to lead Africa in green growth and sustainable industrialization. This partnership proves that vision is attracting world-class partners ready to invest in Africa's clean energy future.