Across East Africa, momentum is building around grid digitisation. Smart meters, automation, and AI-enabled energy management are increasingly positioned as a viable means to establish efficient, sustainable and resilient energy provision.
But there is a fundamental reality that cannot be overlooked: digitisation cannot compensate for gaps in basic infrastructure. Granted, whilst digital technologies are critical to the future of energy, its effectiveness depends on the strength of the very systems it is optimising.
It's a catch 22 scenario in the truest sense; Sub-Saharan Africa averages 15-20% losses, nearly double the global average. Smart grids can reduce this, but only if the physical grid is strong enough to carry the load.
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Indeed, where grids are fragile, under-capacitated, or unevenly distributed, digital tools unfortunately have little to optimise. And in this context, energy digitisation risks becoming a misplaced priority if pursued in isolation.
East Africa's energy transition therefore requires a dual focus: strengthening existing infrastructure while progressively layering in digital capabilities. One cannot succeed without the other.
Why foundations matter
East Africa faces ageing infrastructure, limited transmission capacity, and gaps in rural electrification, these impact critical sectors such a healthcare, education, manufacturing and agriculture.
Even where generation capacity is improving, distribution remains uneven. 140 million people remain without electricity in East Africa this means communities might be within reach of power, but without the necessary network infrastructure, they simply can't gain access.
This is particularly evident at the last mile, where electrification is most complex and most consequential. Reliable electricity at this level underpins everything from cold storage for farmers to basic services in schools and clinics.
A phased path to progress
The prudent and sustainable route to follow is transform infrastructure in phases. This begins with identifying priority area such as urban centres or industrial hubs with high energy demand. From there, targeted investments can be made to strengthen network reliability, reduce losses, and stabilise supply.
Once these foundations are in place, digital technologies can be introduced incrementally. Pilot projects allow utilities and governments to test solutions, measure impact, and refine deployment strategies before scaling further.
This also enables clearer alignment around objectives. Whether the goal is reducing technical losses, improving reliability, or lowering operational costs, each phase can be designed with specific outcomes in mind.
Collaboration
Delivering this transition requires close collaboration between governments, utilities, and technology partners.
As always, regulators will play a critical role in setting priorities, enabling investment, and creating frameworks that support long-term infrastructure development. Technology providers, in turn, bring the tools and expertise needed to design, plan, and implement modern energy systems.
Importantly, this collaboration must be realistic; solutions should be developed and customised to the specific challenges of each market--whether that is urban density, rural access, or existing grid constraints.
Again, digital planning and simulation tools can support this process, helping stakeholders' model different scenarios, prioritise investments, and map phased rollouts.
Building for both resilience and sustainability
As infrastructure is modernised, there is an opportunity to address multiple priorities simultaneously. For example, newer grid technologies can support decarbonisation by eliminating reliance on high-emission components while also enabling greater visibility and predictive maintenance.
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This strengthens reliability today while preparing networks for future digital integration.
However, the principle remains the same: these advancements deliver value only when built on a stable and accessible energy base.
Getting the sequence right
Digitisation will undoubtedly play a defining role in East Africa's energy future. But its success depends on sequencing.
First, build and stabilise the grid. Ensure reliable generation, strengthen transmission, and expand access to underserved areas. Then, layer in digital technologies to optimise, manage, and future-proof the system.
When approached in this way, digitisation becomes not just a technological upgrade, but a force multiplier--enhancing performance, improving sustainability, and unlocking long-term value.
Until then, the principle holds: you can't digitise a blackout.
Symphrose Ochieng, Infrastructure Segment & Power Systems Business Leader At Schneider Electric
