* BipBop program

The populations at the bottom of the pyramid live on a purchasing power parity of less than 3000$ per year. Schneider Electric helps contractors to become skilled electricians, electrical contractors or specialised energy access professionals. The Group provides funding and technical and commercial support via partnerships with organisations specialising in providing assistance with the creation of companies and microcredits.

Access to electricity opens the way to economic and social development. The provision of such access and the maintenance of the equipment require professional know-how to guarantee optimum operation of such facilities. It therefore involves encouraging the creation of companies or professional activities in this field. Creating a small-scale business requires a minimum amount of equipment, and consequently funding, which the populations concerned cannot access.

Schneider Electric’s ambition is to:

• encourage the populations at the bottom of the pyramid to create companies in these areas of activity. They can first be trained within the framework of programs in which Schneider Electric participates. In this way, the Group participates in the training and creation of activities in this field.
• promote the economic development of its customers.