SCHNEIDER electric, a global leader in energy management, automation, and recognised sustainability champion, has been awarded the prestigious Gender Leader Award at the 2025 Africa CEO Forum, held from 12 to 13 May in Abidjan.

The Gender Leader Award celebrates organisations operating in Africa that have demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to gender diversity and inclusion. It forms part of the Africa CEO Forum’s broader mission to provide practical, innovative solutions that empower African businesses while promoting sustainable and inclusive development.

This year’s award highlights Schneider Electric’s consistent efforts to build a diverse and inclusive workplace throughout its African operations. The company has placed female leaders at the helm of its regional leadership, with women currently leading its French-speaking Africa operations and, starting 1 June, its English-speaking Africa division as well.

The Gender Leader Award is granted based on several criteria, including the representation of women on the boards of African subsidiaries, the percentage of women on executive committees in Africa, and initiatives aimed at supporting female leadership and inclusion. Also considered is a clearly defined strategy to promote women’s leadership at various levels, such as mentoring and sponsorship programmes and young talent initiatives.

Schneider Electric has made notable progress in advancing women into senior leadership roles, championing mentorship programmes, and integrating gender equity into all aspects of its operations. Through its Africa Talent Programme, the company continues to invest in local expertise and drive inclusive growth 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,” said Devan Pillay, outgoing Cluster President for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric.

“We are deliberate in our approach—from hiring and promoting women at all levels to creating policies like hybrid work models that enable women to lead and thrive. The Africa CEO Forum Gender Leader Award is a powerful acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality in the workplace.”

Tanya Ramlagan, Vice President of Human Resources for Anglophone Africa, echoed the sentiment. “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 resolve to build pathways for women to grow, thrive, and shape the future of energy and technology across Africa.”

Founded in 2012, the Africa CEO Forum has grown into a year-round platform connecting Africa’s top decision-makers with global investors and institutions. The Gender Leader Award reinforces the Forum’s dedication to celebrating organisations that not only increase the representation of women in executive positions but also champion the social and structural changes necessary to foster women’s inclusion continent-wide.