Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, announced on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the deployment of its innovative medium voltage (MV) electrical switchgear range, “AirSeT,” in Côte d’Ivoire. This groundbreaking technology, leveraging a combination of pure air and vacuum interruption, is poised to support the environmental transition and evolving regulatory landscape within the Ivorian electricity sector.
Recognized as the economic and energy hub of Francophone West Africa, Côte d’Ivoire is actively pursuing its ambition to become the regional electricity powerhouse, particularly within the framework of the West African Power Pool (WAPP/EEEOA). Achieving this vision necessitates substantial investments in medium voltage distribution infrastructure to guarantee a reliable and consistent power supply across the region.
“Africa holds a unique opportunity: to build electrical infrastructures today that will remain relevant for the next 30 to 40 years,” stated Nicole Malan, Vice President of Business Power Systems and Infrastructure for Schneider Electric’s Sub-Saharan Africa cluster. She emphasized that this solution, which integrates “pure air and advanced digitalization,” meets stringent international standards and is designed to address the future demands of the market, marking a significant step in pan-African current affairs regarding energy.
This strategic launch aligns perfectly with Côte d’Ivoire’s national development agenda, which targets achieving an electricity mix comprising 45% renewable energy by 2030. The nation is currently experiencing a rapid surge in electricity demand, fueled by the ongoing urbanization of Abidjan and the robust growth of its agro-industry, especially in cocoa processing.
The new equipment has been engineered for seamless integration into existing networks without requiring extensive modifications or additional training for technicians. This forward-thinking design empowers operators to proactively anticipate and comply with future international standards, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of Côte d’Ivoire’s electrical modernization efforts.
