Schneider Electric, global leader in energy management and automation, is emphasizing the transformative impact of edge computing and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) in shaping the future of the country’s industries. These technologies are helping Nigerian businesses unlock the full potential of digital transformation by enabling real-time decision-making, operational visibility, and increased resilience in the face of infrastructural challenges.
Edge computing enables data to be processed and analyzed directly at the source close to machines or devices without depending entirely on cloud or remote servers. In Nigeria, where internet connectivity can be inconsistent, it allows for faster, real-time decision-making and reduces downtime. Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) serve as interactive dashboards that let operators monitor performance, respond to alerts, and manage systems efficiently.
Ajibola Akindele, Country President of Schneider Electric Nigeria, explained, “For many Nigerian industries, especially those in manufacturing, energy, and oil & gas, the reality is that business continuity depends on having reliable, localized solutions that do not rely solely on external infrastructure. Edge computing provides that autonomy, while HMIs give operators the power to respond to system conditions on the ground, with clarity and speed.”
The global adoption of these technologies underscores their growing importance. The industrial edge computing market is projected to expand from US $21.2 billion in 2025 to US $44.7 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1%. Likewise, the Human Machine Interface market is expected to reach US $7.7 billion by 2028, reflecting increased demand for modern, user-friendly visualization tools across industries. In the Middle East and Africa, the industrial automation market which includes edge computing and HMIs is expected to grow from US $3.67 billion in 2024 to US $6.16 billion by 2032, demonstrating clear momentum in the region’s digitalization agenda.
In Nigeria specifically, digital transformation efforts are gaining traction. According to industry forecasts, the Nigerian digital transformation market is projected to hit US $11.7 billion by 2025, driven by increasing private sector investment, public infrastructure projects, and a growing appetite for automation in sectors such as food & beverage, consumer goods, and power generation.
Schneider Electric has been at the forefront of this evolution, working with Nigerian companies to implement edge computing solutions that support efficient energy use, improve equipment uptime, and enhance safety. In one example, local food processors are now deploying edge-enabled HMIs to monitor temperature-sensitive production lines, enabling quicker responses to system faults without relying on external data centres. In the oil and gas sector, remote well sites are increasingly adopting edge solutions to ensure uninterrupted monitoring and control, even in locations with little to no connectivity.
The company is also investing in local capacity development to ensure that Nigerian engineers and technicians are equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage and maintain these systems. Through its training partnerships and engineering support, Schneider Electric is creating an ecosystem of local experts capable of driving long-term digital innovation.
“Edge computing and HMIs are no longer emerging technologies they are essential tools for industries looking to grow in a volatile and competitive environment, for Nigeria to realize its industrial potential, we must invest in solutions that are both adaptive and resilient. That’s what Schneider Electric brings to the table: technologies that empower local operations without overdependence on global infrastructure.” said Ajibola Akindele
As Nigerian industries evolve, the integration of edge computing and intelligent HMIs offers a clear path to smarter, more sustainable, and more efficient operations. Schneider Electric remains committed to working alongside Nigerian partners to ensure that this transformation is inclusive, scalable, and built on strong local foundations.
