Albert Fuchet’s talk at ESCP
On January 26, 2026, ESCP students from the Responsible Innovation in Africa specialization attended a talk by Albert Fuchet (Global VP, Access to Energy at Schneider Electric), as part of the Digital Transformation for Sustainable Impact Chair in partnership with Schneider Electric.
This specialization, embedded in the ESCP Chair Responsible Innovation in Africa (IRA), aims to train a new generation of talents, from Africa and beyond, to drive sustainable transformation by combining management expertise, local knowledge, and responsible innovation. In this context, a session on energy access was particularly relevant, as it sits at the intersection of digital transformation, sustainability, and inclusive development.
1. Energy access: More than an infrastructure, a development lever
- 666 million people still lack electricity; 1.1 billion face unreliable access
- Energy directly impacts education, healthcare, and economic growth
→ Key takeaway#1: energy is a systemic development issue, not just a technical one
2. What works: a multi-dimensional approach
Students were introduced to Schneider Electric’s approach through three complementary levers:
- Decentralized solutions (e.g., solar for rural areas)
- Skills & entrepreneurship (training local actors)
- Financing mechanisms (supporting local initiatives)
→ Key takeaway#2: impact comes from combining technology, human capital, and funding, not from tech alone
3. The “3A” framework as a practical tool
A simple framework students can reuse:
- Availability → reach remote populations
- Affordability → ensure economic viability
- Awareness → build local capabilities
→ Key takeaway#3: adoption is as important as innovation
4. Field examples = understanding complexity
Concrete cases (Africa, Asia) helped students grasp:
- How energy projects impact daily life (healthcare, education)
- How they support local economic development
- Why solutions must be adapted to context
→ Key takeaway#4: there is no “one-size-fits-all” model in emerging markets
5. The real challenge: coordination, not technology
A key message that stood out to students:
“Technology is not the problem. The real challenge lies in the socio-economic organization.”
→ Key takeaway#5:Projects succeed only when ecosystems align (public actors, NGOs, entrepreneurs, investors)
This session provided more than content, it reshaped how students approach innovation:
- From solution-driven to system thinking
- From global concepts to local realities
- From innovation to impact measurement
It also highlighted key skills expected from future leaders:
- Ability to navigate complex ecosystems
- Understanding of emerging markets dynamics
- Commitment to long-term, responsible impact
For students, the main takeaway is clear:
Solving global challenges like energy access requires combining technology, local understanding, and collaboration, not just innovation.
Campuses