Schneider Electric, Enactus, partner to drive youth entrepreneurial development

Schneider Electric has reinforced its commitment to train one million students by 2025 through a strategic partnership with Enactus, an international non-profit organisation.

This initiative is designed to empower young leaders to leverage innovation and business ideas to create a sustainable future for all. The partnership with Enactus, signed in 2023, aims to build entrepreneurial skills and foster sustainable development among young people for impact and transformation. Through this collaboration, Schneider Electric supports three key initiatives: the Core Programme, the Battery Innovation Challenge, and a Mentorship Programme.

This was displayed at the Enactus national finale competition held in Lagos, where 12 out of 30 tertiary institutions qualified to present their solutions across the Core Programme and Battery Innovation Challenge categories.

Schneider Electric sponsored the Battery Innovation Challenge and awarded grants to the winners for their outstanding contributions to sustainable energy solutions. The Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) came first, followed by Benue State University, and Kaduna Polytechnic.

These grants will enable Enactus student teams refine their pilot projects based on community feedback and provide access to laboratories, technical experts, and other resources necessary to advance their initiatives.

Speaking on the impact of the initiatives, Access to Education Project Coordinator, Schneider Electric, West Africa, Funmilayo Olakitan, stated that the initiative has nurtured the mindsets of youth.

She noted that the Core Programme and Battery Innovation Challenge impacted 1,164 and 3193 youths respectively, while the mentorship programme is guiding over 20 young individuals on their journey to becoming innovative leaders in the energy sector.

In his remarks, Country Director, Enactus Nigeria, Michael Ajayi, said that the collaboration with Schneider Electric has significantly strengthened their access to connect with students across the nation, motivate them to realise their full potential, and provide the essential resources needed to sustain and develop their projects.

The Marketing Communications Manager, Schneider Electric, Omobolanle Omotayo, added: “At Schneider Electric, we believe in the power of young minds to create a sustainable future. Our partnership with Enactus is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators.”