Unlocking a Brighter Future: ABB Powers Africa’s Sustainable Electrification Revolution

By Salil Sharma , Channel Sales Director

Accra, Ghana – May 13, 2025 – In a compelling presentation themed “Electrifying the World,” Salil Sharma, Channel Sales Director for Electrification (Smart Power/Smart Buildings) in East and West Africa at ABB, unveiled the global technology leader’s ambitious vision for powering Africa’s future. Delivered during a high-level industry event, Sharma’s message was clear: Africa is not just a market of the future—it is the future.

Drawing on ABB’s century-long legacy of innovation, Sharma emphasized the company’s mission to enable a sustainable, resource-efficient future through cutting-edge electrification solutions. With over 110,000 employees representing 174 nationalities and a 2024 revenue of $32.9 billion, ABB is cementing its place as a key player in the global shift toward clean, reliable energy.

The World Is Changing—Fast. ABB Is Ready.

“Urbanization, digitalization, and a global shift to electricity are reshaping every continent,” Sharma said. “Africa stands at the crossroads of opportunity and innovation.” He outlined the global megatrends currently influencing energy demand, including rapid population growth, increased living standards, climate change, and the transition to renewable energy sources.

According to Sharma, ABB is uniquely positioned to meet these challenges head-on, leveraging AI-driven technologies, intelligent energy management systems, and modular electrification solutions that are adaptable across industries—from homes and hospitals to industrial parks and national grids.

Five Divisions Driving Innovation

ABB’s electrification portfolio spans five strategic divisions, each focused on addressing complex, cross-industry challenges:

• Distribution Solutions focuses on connecting and protecting power through switchgear, breakers, and compact substations. These are particularly vital in areas where grid resilience is crucial.
• Smart Power specializes in cloud-based energy management, motor protection systems, and UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) solutions—key for industries and data centers navigating frequent power fluctuations.
• Smart Buildings provides automation systems for homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. Its offerings include smart home controls, emergency lighting, and access security solutions.
• Installation Products covers everything from cable protection systems and grounding equipment to fasteners and substation connectors—essentials in large infrastructure projects.
• Electrification Service supports customers throughout the lifecycle of electrical systems, offering consulting, installation, modernization, and digital services, including cybersecurity and carbon footprint assessments.

Each division not only delivers technical solutions but also supports sustainability, safety, and long-term reliability—core values that align with Africa’s development goals.

Africa in Focus: The Land of Opportunity

With a strong presence in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and several other African countries, ABB is intensifying its efforts across the continent. Sharma highlighted how ABB is already playing a pivotal role in major projects, including the AGA Khan Hospital in Tanzania, where ABB served as a comprehensive solution provider.

Training and knowledge-sharing remain central to ABB’s African strategy. The Distributor Training Program held in Peenya in July 2024, for instance, has become a model for how local talent is being equipped with the skills to support and implement ABB technologies.

“Across Africa, from Lagos to Addis Ababa, we are building capacity, not dependency,” Sharma noted. “We want to see our technologies operated, maintained, and evolved by African engineers and entrepreneurs.”

Driving Sustainability from Source to Socket

One of the most striking parts of Sharma’s presentation was ABB’s bold sustainability agenda. The company aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and is embedding circularity into every project, reducing waste, protecting water sources, and preserving biodiversity. “Sustainability isn’t a checkbox—it’s our blueprint for long-term success,” he said.

Sharma also shared key figures that underline ABB’s commitment to innovation: over $1.4 billion invested in R&D in 2024, more than 22,000 granted patents, and 250+ AI-driven projects currently underway. Nearly 60% of ABB’s orders now include software or digitally enabled products, signifying a decisive shift toward smart, scalable energy infrastructure.

A People-First Approach

Beyond technology and numbers, Sharma emphasized ABB’s culture of empowerment, integrity, and inclusion. The company’s people strategy revolves around three pillars: Empower, Grow, and Impact. “We’re not just building systems—we’re building leaders,” Sharma said, reflecting on ABB’s efforts to create meaningful opportunities for talent development within its global workforce.

Outlook: Sustainable Growth, Strategic Impact

ABB’s long-term vision is underpinned by stable, sustainable growth. With operational EBITA margins targeted between 16–19%, and ROCE exceeding 18%, ABB is positioning itself for continued profitability while supporting its global sustainability commitments. Its strategy also includes small to mid-size acquisitions focused on electrification, automation, and sustainability.

“Whether it’s a smart building in Accra or a renewable microgrid in rural Kenya, we want ABB to be the power behind progress,” Sharma concluded.