Schneider Electric, a major global player in energy management and automation, has deepened its partnership with Enactus to help young people in Egypt play an active role in building a cleaner and more inclusive energy future. The announcement came as the world marked International Youth Day, focusing attention on the need to prepare young people for the green economy.
The company, which operates in more than 100 countries, says the move is part of its Youth Impact Through Learning Initiative — a program designed to give young innovators and social entrepreneurs the skills, knowledge, and tools they need to succeed in sustainable industries. This year, Schneider Electric worked with Enactus to not only continue its Core Program but also to launch a brand-new competition, the Enactus Battery Innovation Challenge, aimed at developing clean technology ideas using eco-friendly battery solutions.
According to information from the company, the Core Program engaged over 9,200 students across 63 universities in Egypt, with 30 of those teams qualifying for the Enactus Egypt National Competition. These students worked on projects that could have real impact on their communities, and they were supported by more than 55 Schneider Electric volunteers. Among them were 21 mentors, 25 judges, and 13 coordinators, who helped the students refine their business cases, improve their presentations, and make their ideas practical for everyday use.
The newly introduced Battery Innovation Challenge brought in 14 university teams to design battery-powered solutions for communities that lack reliable access to electricity. The focus was on eco-friendly battery technologies that could serve rural or low-income areas. Schneider Electric provided technical training before the teams began developing their prototypes. In the end, top projects were selected based on their strong potential for real-life application, and according to the organisers, these projects could benefit over 3,000 people if fully implemented.
Schneider Electric’s investment in youth is not new. Since the launch of its Youth Education & Entrepreneurship Program in 2009, the company says it has reached young people in more than 60 countries, training them in energy management and related skills. The company recently achieved its goal of training one million youth ahead of schedule. In the Middle East and Africa region alone, 106,405 young people have been trained in technical, digital, entrepreneurial, and climate-related skills.
Speaking about the latest phase of the partnership, Sebastien Riez, CEO of Schneider Electric Northeast Africa and Levant, said the collaboration is more than just a corporate program.
“Our collaboration with Enactus goes beyond a traditional program; it is a catalyst for enabling youth to design scalable solutions to real-world challenges,” he said. “By cultivating talent locally and linking it to a global network of change-makers, we are shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future.”
Also commenting, Asmaa ElShiemy, Sustainability Manager at Schneider Electric Northeast Africa and Levant, praised the creativity of young Egyptians.
“Through these programs, we have seen remarkable creativity and resilience from youth in Egypt,” she said. “Beyond competitions, they create lasting value, build local capacity, and prepare young leaders to actively shape a just and inclusive energy transition.”
The work between Schneider Electric and Enactus also connects with global development priorities. The two organisations say their focus is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to affordable and clean energy, quality education, decent work, and climate action.
Observers say Egypt, like many African countries, is facing the challenge of meeting its growing energy demand while also reducing environmental impact. Initiatives like this one, which invest in the skills of young people and promote innovative clean technologies, could help bridge that gap. With many African youths struggling to find decent work, programs that combine skills training with entrepreneurship support are seen as an important way to reduce unemployment and promote sustainable economic growth.
In the coming years, Schneider Electric and Enactus are expected to continue their partnership, with more competitions, mentorship opportunities, and technical training sessions planned. For many of the participating students, the experience could open the door to careers in the fast-growing renewable energy and green technology sectors, both in Egypt and across Africa.
