The Schneider Electric Foundation and Enactus collaborate for the second year in Nigeria
The Schneider Electric Foundation, Schneider Electric, and international NGO Enactus are entering the second year of their successful partnership in Nigeria, fostering entrepreneurial focus and project-based learning among youth.
Building on last year’s success, Schneider Electric and the Foundation, in partnership with Enactus, will once again implement three key initiatives in Nigeria: the Enactus Core Programme, the Battery Innovation Challenge, and the Mentorship Programme. These initiatives are also entering its second year in Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
“Our collaboration with the Schneider Electric Foundation and Schneider Electric is extremely valuable. The past year underscored the importance of cultivating young leaders through immersive, hands-on training and mentorship initiatives,” says Michael Ajayi, the Country Director of Enactus Nigeria.
Adds Funmilayo Olakitan, Youth Education and Entrepreneurship Programme Manager, Anglophone West Africa at Schneider Electric: “We look forward to this second year of collaboration, which is undoubtedly making a major difference to the students impacted by the programme in Nigeria and across Anglophone Africa.”
The three programmes: The Enactus Core Programme, launched in February 2024, provides Nigerian university student teams with a structured framework to address social challenges through entrepreneurial solutions. Supported by the Schneider Electric Foundation’s New Skills for the Future and Innovation programme, it also engages Schneider Electric employees as mentors and competition judges.
The programme culminates in the Enactus National Exposition, where student teams present their projects. In 2024, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University emerged as the national champion with its ECORESIN project.
This innovative project focused on tackling plastic waste by developing biodegradable polymers from agricultural materials such as cassava and water hyacinth. These polymers are used to produce everyday items, from shopping bags to packaging for food and pharmaceuticals, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
The team went on to compete in the Enactus World Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan, where the team walked away with the laurels at the Action with Africa Challenge (a global competition culminating as a side event at the Enactus World Cup). The team became the first Nigerian team ever to win the challenge, taking home the €10,000 grand prize.
Additionally, the Federal University of Technology, Owerri team secured a fourth place in the Action with Africa Challenge and a €2,000 prize.
Schneider Electric’s Battery Innovation Challenge continues to make an impact in Nigeria. This initiative aligns with energy transition goals by challenging students to develop innovative battery models as sustainable energy solutions.
Over six months, participants undergo training, build their prototypes, and present their designs in a national competition.
In 2024, the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, won the Nigerian competition with its MAX Battery project. This IoT-enabled solution regulates battery temperature, extends battery lifespan, and enhances reliability, particularly benefiting renewable energy providers and electric vehicle manufacturers.
The Mentorship Programme, another key initiative, continues to empower student leaders in Nigeria by bridging the gap between academic learning and industry demands. Over six months, Schneider Electric employees mentor university students, providing leadership and management skills to prepare them for future careers.
Schneider Electric launches new TeSys Deca Advanced contactor solution to revolutionise motor management
Schneider Electric South Africa, a leader in digital transformation for energy management and automation, has launched the TeSys Deca Advanced, an advanced contactor solution designed to revolutionize motor management with unparalleled efficiency, reliability, simplicity, and sustainability.
The TeSys Deca Advanced stands out with its wide-band coil technology, which controls 24V to 500V AC/DC voltage inputs. This innovative feature not only withstands voltage fluctuations but also minimizes energy consumption, resulting in reduced CO₂ emissions and lower operational costs.
Thapelo Manthata, Offer Manager Power Products (PPCTR) at Schneider Electric South Africa, says that the TeSys Deca Advanced contactor is built for a range of industrial applications. By combining digital capabilities, reduced energy consumption, and more simplified installation, the unit is engineered to help optimize motor management while supporting sustainability and operational resilience.
Ideal applications: “The ideal applications for the TeSys Deca Advanced are robust, high industrial environments. As a contractor, it can be used for hoisting, pumps, HVAC systems, elevators, and packaging applications. Additionally, it is suitable for mining and wastewater environments, among others,” says Manthata.
“So, it was designed for diverse industrial applications and simplifies installation and maintenance processes. Its ergonomic three-layer setup organizes wiring for optimal visibility and accessibility, streamlining operations and minimizing the need for specialized skills in the workforce.”
He adds that with one-click connection technology, installation efforts are reduced by up to 75%, allowing for rapid deployment in critical environments where uptime is essential. Additionally, direct PLC control capability reduces complexity in selection and inventory management by 80%, facilitating smoother operations.
Built for reliability:“TeSys Deca Advanced is built for reliability, having gone through comprehensive testing to guarantee peak performance. It supports predictive maintenance by offering real-time diagnostics, allowing users to foresee and address potential problems before they cause any downtime,” says Manthata.
“The TeSys Deca Advanced unit is designed to improve operational efficiency in various sectors, including manufacturing, HVAC, and industrial facilities. By integrating advanced technology with a strong emphasis on sustainability, we remain committed to maximizing uptime and providing exceptional value.”
SOURCE: CED MAGAZINE
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