Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has been recognised for its commitment to gender diversity and inclusion across its African operations.
The company was named the recipient of the Gender Leader Award at the 2025 edition of the Africa CEO Forum, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from May 12 to 13.
The award, which was announced on Tuesday, acknowledged organisations operating on the continent that have demonstrated sustained efforts in promoting gender equity in leadership, strategy, and workplace culture.
The Africa CEO Forum, which convenes business and policy leaders from across the region, uses the award as a vehicle to promote practical, innovative models for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Organisers said the energy leader earned the accolade for advancing women into senior leadership roles, embedding gender equity into its corporate strategy, and implementing targeted mentorship and sponsorship initiatives.
The company was also commended for the growing representation of women on its African executive teams, including female-led operations in both French- and English-speaking markets.
According to the Forum’s criteria, winners must demonstrate measurable progress in four key areas: female representation on the boards of African subsidiaries, the percentage of women on executive committees, implementation of initiatives to support female leadership, and a long-term strategy for promoting women’s leadership at all levels of the organisation.
It was disclosed that, effective June 1, the company’s English-speaking Africa operations would be led by a woman, further reinforcing its inclusive leadership model. The current leadership team for Francophone Africa is also headed by a woman.
The organisers noted that through its Africa Talent Programme, Schneider Electric is investing in local expertise while fostering a workplace culture grounded in diversity and inclusion.
They said the company’s efforts were aligned with the Forum’s broader agenda to drive private sector transformation by recognising leaders who are not only delivering economic value but also setting standards for social impact across the continent.
“At Schneider Electric, we are building a workforce that is truly representative of the world we serve; it is essential for creating a future-fit, sustainable business,” outgoing Cluster President for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric, Devan Pillay, said in a statement to The PUNCH.
He added, “We are deliberate in our approach, from hiring, promoting, and developing women at every level to ensuring that policies such as hybrid work models and care can empower women to lead and thrive. The Africa CEO Forum Gender Leader Award is a wonderful acknowledgement of our continued commitment to gender equality in the workplace.”
Vice President of Human Resources for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric, Tanya Ramlagan, added, “We are incredibly proud of this recognition. It is undoubtedly a testament to our commitment to inclusive leadership.
“This award not only celebrates the progress we’ve made but also strengthens our commitment to build pathways for women to grow, thrive, and shape the future of energy and technology across Africa.
” The Africa CEO Forum, founded in 2012, has evolved into a year-round platform connecting Africa’s top decision-makers with global investors and institutions.
