The Schneider
Electric has confirmed that its two projects in the concept of Business and
Innovation for the People at the Base of the Pyramid (BipBop) access to energy
programme scale through in the “Africa Forum – 100 innovations for sustainable
development” which took place in Paris on 4 and 5 December 2013.
NaijaAgroNet
reports that this forum was initiated by the French Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, prompted by the Deputy Minister responsible for Development, Pascal
Canfin, in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD).
The “Africa Forum – 100 innovations for
sustainable development” aims to highlight innovative concrete examples and
practical solutions on a national or local scale, in such varied fields as
health, the environment, agriculture and food safety, education and new
technology.
In
addition to the entrepreneurial nature and economic viability of these
innovations, their contributions to sustainable development and their social
and environmental dimensions will be recognized. The event follows on from the
Development and international solidarity forums, closed on March 1st 2012 by
the French President. It is evidence of France's support, via the AFD Group,
for the promotion of innovative sustainable development in Africa.
Two
projects developed by Schneider Electric in the context of BipBop, its access
to energy programme, were selected from the 100 projects presented, namely the “Energy and Microfinance” project in Cameroon
and decentralized rural electrification project at Abu Monkar, Egypt.
NaijaAgroNet further reports that “Energy and Microfinance” project in Cameroon was
sponsored by the Participatory Microfinance Group for Africa (PAMIGA)
association, in collaboration with Schneider Electric and the MIFED in
Cameroon.
This
project consists of offering micro-credit solutions in rural and urban areas to
finance the purchase of solar solutions. Such schemes, NaijaAgroNet gathered, could boost
the economic development of individual tradesmen and small businesses.
Schneider
Electric provides solutions which meet the needs identified by microfinance
institutions (MFIs) and uses its local partners (distributors, integrators,
installers) to assure the customers of these MFIs of the availability of these
affordable solutions, combined with a quality service.
The
customers of these MFIs are offered two types of credit: “light” credits which
offer low-energy solar lighting systems; and “energy” credits, designed to
provide solar solutions suitable for the needs of an income-generating
activity. This project has also been initiated in Tanzania and Ethiopia.
Also
supported by Schneider Electric, the
decentralized rural electrification project at Abu Monkar in Egypt project
paved the way for development of the first solar power plant built in the
Egyptian province of New Valley.
The
solar power plant at Abu Monkar, built more than 75 miles from the nearest
grid, delivers 108 kWh/day, enough to meet all the village's basic needs
(school, mosque, homes, etc.). Schneider Electric also trains the residents of
Abu Monkar to ensure optimal operation and maintenance of the power plant.
"The strength of the BipBop program relies on
the combination between the R&D capabilities of Schneider Electric and the
engagement of our local employees who all know perfectly their own countries’
problematic and ecosystems. Answering the rural energy challenge is key both
for the continent’s economical development and for the people who directly
benefit from light, from a better agriculture, education or healthcare. It
is an exciting challenge and I think all our employees who made these two
BipBop projects happen can be very honored and proud to see their efforts recognized
by the French government," said Mohammed Saad, President of Schneider Electric in Africa.
Chuks Egbuna/GEE/APO