Automation is no longer a mere buzzword but a critical tool transforming manufacturing in East Africa, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and boosting competitiveness. This shift from low-tech operations to software-driven processes is addressing historical challenges like high energy costs and infrastructure gaps, making efficiency a survival strategy for industries in the region.

• Automation helps solve pain points such as commodity price volatility and aging infrastructure through technologies like digital twin technology and virtual reality for training.
• Peter Kamau, Schneider Electric East Africa Industry Business Leader, highlights how automation directly tackles high energy costs by enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
• The future of automation in the region appears more accessible and affordable, with solutions tailored for smaller manufacturers and a growing local talent pool.

Schneider Electric has launched its next-generation PrismaSeT range of power distribution switchboards in East Africa to meet growing demand for smart and scalable energy solutions across various sectors.

• The new lineup includes the PrismaSeT G (up to 630A) and PrismaSeT P (up to 4,000A), designed for mid-sized facilities and large-scale installations respectively.
• Channel Sales Leader Geraldine Sande highlighted the need for smart, scalable, and safe electrical infrastructure in the region.
• The PrismaSeT system integrates features such as cloud connectivity for real-time data, and HeatTag, an AI-driven fire prevention technology.

Meta has partnered with Safaricom on the $2.9 billion (Sh379.9 billion) Daraja Fibre Optic Cable project, linking Oman and Mombasa to bolster digital connectivity between East Africa and the Middle East.

• The Daraja Project is expected to go live in 2026, featuring 24 fibre pairs for significantly higher capacity than existing cables.
• Safaricom is listed as the project proponent and received clearance from Kenya's National Environment Management Authority (Nema) to land the cable at Nyali beach.
• This investment aligns with Meta's broader strategy to build a 50,000-kilometre global subsea cable network and will enhance redundancy for Kenya’s internet, positioning Mombasa as a critical landing hub.