According to Symphrose Ochieng, Infrastructure Segment & Power Systems Business Leader at Schneider Electric, digitising East Africa's energy sector requires a foundational focus on strengthening existing infrastructure before layering in smart technologies.

• Sub-Saharan Africa averages 15–20% energy losses, nearly double the global average.
• A dual focus on strengthening infrastructure and progressively adding digital capabilities is essential for a successful energy transition.
• Digitisation risks being a misplaced priority if basic infrastructure gaps, such as ageing networks and limited rural electrification impacting 140 million people without electricity in East Africa, are not addressed first.