Telecom
A Greener Future for the Telecoms Industry
The telecommunications industry globally has experienced growth and transformation, with a rapid increase in data usage and the development of infrastructure to cater to the ever-growing demands of consumers. However, this growth has also brought about environmental concerns.
According to a 2024 report by the World Bank Group, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector contributes at least 1.7 percent to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally.
With climate change and global warming becoming growing concerns, it has become necessary for operators within the telecommunications sector to be aware of the impact of their operations on the environment and take responsible measures to curb the negative ways in which they could affect the environment.
Fortunately, several organizations within the industry have stepped up to imbibe Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, realizing the need to implement policies and strategies that are geared towards environmental sustainability.
British multinational telecommunications company, Vodafone, has set out an extensive climate transition plan as it hopes to achieve an absolute reduction of at least 90% of GHG emissions in its operations worldwide by 2040. So far, the company has been able to reduce the amount of energy required for each unit of data traffic across its network by 65% less than what was needed in 2020. Also, since 2021, 100% of the grid electricity used in its operations across Europe has been matched with renewable energy sources.
In the United States of America, AT & T has created the Climate Change Initiative (CCI) which is committed to promoting the utilization of smart climate solutions that use AT&T connectivity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company is known to be one of the largest corporate buyers of renewable energy in the United States.
Within the local telecommunications sector, MTN Nigeria has recognized its responsibility to protect the planet and consider the impact of its operations on the environment. As such, the telecommunications giant has taken active steps towards ensuring best practices for a sustainable future.
In 2021, MTN launched its Project Zero Initiative, in line with its long-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and its overall carbon footprint. The organization has gradually transitioned from utilizing high-emission energy sources to eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives.
According to its 2023 Sustainability report, the company has implemented several energy efficiency measures, including the utilization of 5G and fibre using renewable energy sources in operations and sensitising its value chain actors on energy management and efficiency. These innovative steps have significantly paid off, as MTN achieved a 10.3% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2023, compared to the emission values in 2021.
Scope 1, being the emissions from energy sources directly used and controlled by MTN, decreased from 65,899 tCO2e in 2021 to 58,356 tCO2e in 2023. The telco was also able to manage emissions from its energy production sources, which account for Scope 2 emissions, reducing the emission value from 44,196 tCO2e to 40,360 between 2021 and 2023. These reductions in scope 1 and 2 emissions were achieved, despite MTN’s 5.3% increase in total energy consumption in 2023.
The telco has also taken up the responsibility to sensitize its value chain actors on energy management and efficiency, as they are responsible for Scope 3 emissions, which are the toughest to reduce.
With its 2 to 1 SIM Registration Device Revival initiative, MTN has also been able to manage e-waste, which is also a contributor to GHG emissions. The initiative, which involves dismantling two devices to retrieve one, is expected to divert 11,760kgs of e-waste from landfills.
Although MTN has made these impressive strides in its sustainability goals, it is only a fragment of what the company intends to achieve, as the goal is absolute carbon neutrality.
Speaking on MTN’s commitment to protecting the planet and the Project Zero initiative, the Chief Technical Officer, Mohammed Rufai, said “With a core focus on reducing our carbon footprint to achieve Net Zero by 2040, Project Zero exemplifies our dedication to sustainability and drives transformative change across all aspects of our operations. By prioritising initiatives like renewable energy adoption and green technology integration, Project Zero helps us meet our sustainability goals”.
Even as the telco moves towards expansion, it remains committed to its environmental sustainability goals. The company has stated that its soon-to-be-launched data centre will operate using eco-friendly energy sources with low-emission properties and eventually move to utilizing zero-emission energy sources.
The telecommunications sector is a significant contributor to innovation and economic growth within a nation. But it must also be a frontrunner in environmental sustainability. With notable organizations like MTN embracing eco-friendly practices, the industry can reduce its environmental impact and contribute to a sustainable future.
The race is down to three as the Glo Innov8 National STEM Competition for Girls approaches its grand finale. The competition, organized by the Glo Foundation, Globacom’s corporate social responsibility arm, will take place at the Mike Adenuga Centre (Alliance Française), Ikoyi, Lagos.
From over 200 schools that entered nationwide, 20 were initially shortlisted, and 10 went on to compete for a place in the finals. The three schools that made it to the last stage are Ephraim High School, Isolo Campus, Lagos; Regina Pacis International School, Onitsha, Anambra State; and Peakfield Academy, Jos, Plateau State.
Hundreds of students across several states, including Plateau, Kano, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Borno, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Ondo, Oyo, Anambra, FCT, Delta, Kaduna, and Adamawa submitted entries after the Glo Foundation’s nationwide call for participation.
The initiative, designed as a STEM-driven challenge, was launched to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child — celebrating creativity, innovation, and inclusion among young women in science and technology.
According to the Glo Foundation, “The competition is aimed at inspiring young girls to Compete, Innovate, and Win — while strengthening their confidence and expanding their knowledge in STEM subjects.”
The winning school will take home ₦2,000,000 cash prize, with each of its two student representatives receiving a brand-new laptop and the Teacher/Mentor/STEM Coordinator earning ₦200,000. Runners-up will also receive valuable consolation prizes.
The three judges of the virtual stage expressed delight at the quality of presentations from the top 20 schools. Tosin Olabode praised the participants’ creativity, saying, “I was particularly impressed by the prototype presentations — some schools clearly did their homework.”
Another judge, Amina Gabriel, highlighted the diversity of ideas, noting, “The schools presented innovative solutions addressing issues in agriculture, security, waste management, and firefighting. The prototypes ranged from apps to robots, making the competition truly engaging. I’m grateful to Glo Foundation for giving me the chance to support young girls in STEM.”
On her part, Sharon Ibejih added that “this competition has showcased a highly competitive next generation of women leaders in STEM. It’s a brilliant platform to nurture problem-solving and innovative thinking among students.”
As the final stage approaches, anticipation is high for what promises to be a memorable showcase of brilliant young Nigerian girls and a testament to Globacom’s commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators.
Tecom Concept Limited, Nigeria’s trusted technology partner and official Huawei Enterprise Solutions distributor, is set to host a groundbreaking event titled “Empowering Smart Connectivity & Innovation” in Abuja.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the NAF Conference Centre, Plot 496, Ahmadu Bello Way, Gwarinpa Expressway, Kado, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m is an high-profile engagement which seeks to showcase how innovative digital infrastructure and intelligent connectivity can transform business operations and enhance productivity in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.
The event will bring together ICT professionals, enterprise leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss how smart, scalable, and sustainable technology can drive Nigeria’s digital growth agenda.
At the heart of this initiative is Tecom’s partnership with Huawei, one of the world’s leading providers of ICT solutions. Together, both companies aim to empower Nigerian organizations with the tools and knowledge needed to modernize their operations and compete more effectively in a connected world. Participants will experience firsthand how Huawei’s enterprise solutions—ranging from next-generation network infrastructure and storage systems to intelligent collaboration technologies—are redefining the future of business connectivity and innovation.
According to Happiness Obioha, Managing Director of Tecom Concept Limited, this collaboration demonstrates Tecom’s commitment to bridging the technology gap and helping organizations harness the power of digital transformation. “Our goal is to create a platform where businesses and IT professionals can explore innovative technologies that make communication smarter, operations more efficient, and growth more sustainable,” she stated.
The event will feature expert-led sessions, product showcases, and interactive discussions designed to provide practical insights into how Huawei’s solutions can transform business environments. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage directly with Huawei specialists, gain valuable knowledge, and explore tailored solutions for their unique organizational needs.
Tecom encourages all technology professionals, business leaders, and public sector representatives to participate in this transformative event and be part of the conversation shaping the future of smart connectivity and digital innovation in Nigeria.
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has announced a call for session proposals for the 2026 edition of the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF26), scheduled to take place from April 14 to 16, 2026, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The forum, now in its 13th edition, offers a platform for stakeholders across the digital ecosystem—including policymakers, civil society, academia, media, and the private sector—to exchange ideas, showcase solutions, and drive progress in digital rights and inclusion.
The 2026 theme, “Building Inclusive and Resilient Digital Futures,” builds on the 2025 theme, “Promoting Digital Ubuntu in Approaches to Technology.”
DRIF26 will feature sub-themes such as digital security, trust and accountability, data protection, privacy and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, digital inclusion for marginalised groups, human rights and freedoms, and digital and internet governance.
PIN, a leading pan-African non-profit organisation, said the forum continues to foster cross-sector collaboration and amplify voices working to shape inclusive digital policies.
In 2025, DRIF was held in Lusaka, Zambia, with 1,399 registered attendees and 623 in-person participants from 65 countries. Previous editions were hosted in Accra, Ghana (2024), and Nairobi, Kenya (2023), with growing participation each year.
Since its inception in 2013, DRIF has evolved into a premier platform for dialogue on digital policy, rights, and inclusion, accommodating diverse perspectives from civil society, technology companies, government, and academia.
NITDA DG Tasks Youths to Drive Africa’s Digital Transformation
Girls Slug it Out for N5m Prize in Glo Innov8 STEM Finale
IHS Holding Chairman, Sam Darwish Credits Nigeria for Strong Q3’25 Earnings
Tecom, Huawei to Champion Smart Connectivity and Digital Innovation in Abuja
Group Opens Call for Session Proposals for the 2026 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum
ChatGPT Go Hits African Shores
Research ICT Africa Develops AI Framework for Africa
Lagos Deploys Drones to Monitor, Manage Traffic
Cybersecurity Firm Shares a Guide to Deleting your Digital Footprint from the Internet
Deepfakes: The Next Human Vulnerability for Businesses?
Telecom3 days agoFG Launches Galaxy Backbone’s 1Gov ECM Platform, Marks Major Milestone in Nigeria’s Digital Transformation Journey
E-Financial3 days agoStandard Chartered to Close Accounts Below N7.5m AUM, Shuts Branches Ahead of 2026 Restructuring
E-Financial3 days agoNigeria Records First Successful Transaction on National Payment Stack
Telecom3 days agoALTON Seeks Clear Rules to Strengthen Nigeria’s Digital Economy
Telecom3 days agoEquinix Unveils Plans for New $22m Data Center in Lagos
E-Business3 days agoFirm Warns of Blackmail from Alleged “Hackers”, “Law Enforcement” and “Hitmen”
News3 days agoKano Implements Software Payroll System to Eliminate Leakages
Telecom3 days agoHuawei Cloud Named Carrier Hybrid Cloud Leader in Sub-Saharan Africa