In a strategic move signalling deeper commitment to Africa’s industrial transformation, global industrial software pioneer AVEVA has appointed Khaled Salah as Vice President for Africa. According to IT News Africa, this key leadership decision comes as the British‐headquartered company accelerates its drive across energy, mining, water, and chemicals sectors, with Nigeria and other African markets firmly in view.
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Experienced Leader to Steer Growth Across Africa
At 37, Khaled Salah brings more than 15 years of broad industry experience to his new role. He holds a master’s in engineering from Egypt’s Ain Shams University and an MBA in management from Warwick Business School in the United Kingdom. Over the years, Salah has built a distinguished career across strategic, commercial, and operational roles that cut across global supply chain, industrial automation, and digital transformation.
Salah began his professional journey with Schneider Electric in 2013. During his 12 years with the multinational energy and automation firm, he held various positions, including Europe Procurement and Supply Chain Strategy Manager, and later became Global Commercial Strategy Director for industrial automation. His achievements in those roles laid the foundation for a solid strategic understanding of complex industrial domains.
His journey with AVEVA started in 2022 when he was tasked with leading the company’s strategic partnership with Schneider Electric globally. In that capacity, Salah managed a team of about 30 professionals and pioneered the introduction of AVEVA’s software tools into new areas of growth within Schneider Electric’s industry verticals.
A Bold Vision for Digital Transformation Across the Continent
In his newly expanded role, Salah will oversee AVEVA’s activities across Africa, guiding teams in more than a dozen countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, Algeria, and Morocco. The appointment spotlights Africa’s growing importance on AVEVA’s global map as governments and private sector players intensify their digital transformation efforts.
Jesus Hernandez, Senior Vice President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at AVEVA, emphasised the strategic significance of the region. He pointed out that African customers operating in heavy industries are seeking technology partners to drive not just efficiency but also sustainability and energy transition goals. These include major operators in energy production, metals and mining, chemical processing, and water management.
According to Hernandez, Salah’s leadership experience in global and complex environments makes him well‐suited to lead AVEVA’s expansion in Africa. “Africa is a region with immense industrial potential, and our clients here are looking to accelerate digital transformation and sustainability strategies. Khaled’s ability to inspire and lead diverse teams will serve AVEVA’s mission and clients well,” he said.
Commitment to Africa’s Industrial Intelligence Future
Speaking on his new responsibilities, Salah spoke passionately about the talent and potential he sees across AVEVA’s African workforce. He stressed that empowering his teams to grow professionally and deliver on strategic goals was a personal priority. Salah further underscored the role of AVEVA’s flagship industrial intelligence platform, CONNECT, in enabling transformation across sectors.
The CONNECT platform, powered by digital twin and industrial analytics technologies, provides companies with real-time insights that help optimise operations, plan strategic maintenance, reduce costs, and accelerate sustainability outcomes. AVEVA has been actively showcasing these capabilities across the Middle East and Africa region, especially in markets like Egypt, where industrial automation and AI solutions are increasingly becoming part of national economic visions.
Beyond software deployment, AVEVA’s engagement in the region also emphasises workforce development and local capacity building. Through partnerships with universities and training initiatives, the company is helping equip engineers and technology professionals with skills that align with future industrial needs. Such efforts resonate strongly with Africa’s broader digital economy agendas.
Industry Impact and What It Means for Nigeria
The appointment of Khaled Salah signals more than just a personnel change. It highlights the shifting industrial landscape in Africa, where digital technology is rapidly becoming a core driver of productivity and sustainability. For countries like Nigeria, where energy infrastructure, manufacturing, and resource extraction industries are central to economic growth, the availability of cutting‐edge industrial software and strategic leadership could accelerate commercial and environmental outcomes.
In Nigeria, businesses increasingly explore ways to modernise legacy systems, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. AVEVA’s solutions, under Salah’s leadership, could support these ambitions by enabling smarter asset management, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making. Coupled with partnerships across sectors, the convergence of technology and skilled talent may further deepen digital transformation efforts.
Industry observers also see this as part of a broader trend where global technology firms are deepening their footprint in Africa. With industrial digital solutions often tied to energy transition, resource optimisation, and long-term resilience, the stakes are high for both public and private actors across the continent.
Under Salah’s stewardship, AVEVA will continue to play a significant role in shaping Africa’s industrial technology landscape. His track record, global experience, and focus on sustainable business impact position him as a key figure in the journey ahead.
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