Challenge
How can telcos increase digital inclusion across Africa without further contributing to climate change?
Mobile penetration is driving economic growth and transforming lives, connecting individuals, families, communities and nations across Africa to new opportunities. Although the industry is growing, three quarters of the population remain offline. By expanding their networks into hard-to-reach areas, telcos like Airtel Africa are connecting the unconnected and bridging the digital divide.
However, expanding coverage increases energy demand. When grid electricity infrastructure is underdeveloped, this demand is often met by carbon-intensive diesel generators. As the impact of the climate crisis is very real for Africa and the company’s future, Airtel Africa plans to reduce the emissions that could result from its network expansion. At the same time, the telco wants to strengthen its climate resilience and take advantage of the opportunities presented by a Net Zero future.
From Chad to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to Kenya, Airtel Africa’s operational facilities are often located in remote areas. This complex structure makes it much more difficult to identify the sources of climate-related emissions and risks. Together with the Carbon Trust, Airtel Africa has sought to reduce complexity.
SOLUTION
Establishing an action-oriented roadmap for a sustainable Net Zero future
Climate-related risks faced by businesses are often linked to their impact on the climate. Instead, action towards Net Zero can mitigate some risks and build climate resilience. For Airtel Africa, this meant understanding the hotspots and exposure to local climate risk in all 14 markets across East, Central and West Africa. To help Airtel Africa advance its sustainability strategy, we: