Telecommunications network MTN South Africa says it is spearheading substantial efforts to reduce its emissions.

"South Africa stands at the forefront of climate change impact, and it is up to us to respond proactively. The effects of climate change will take the harshest toll on our most vulnerable communities, and . . . we recognise the profound importance of doing what it takes to enable our transition to a climate-resilient, low-carbon country and society,” MTN South Africa CEO Charles Molapisi says.

He says MTN South Africa is taking its cue from the 2017 National Climate Change and Adaptation Strategy, which is aimed at bolstering the nation's resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. 

"Operations at the scale of MTN South Africa’s come with a significant environmental footprint and an even greater responsibility to ensure that we . . . do what is best for the environment," Molapisi adds. 

The company's emissions reduction strategy encompasses both direct and supply-chain-related factors. About 81% of MTN South Africa's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 were associated with Scope 3 emissions, which are defined as being caused by an organisation's activities, but which occur outside of the organisation's direct control, usually across its value chain, such as through purchased goods and services.  

The company says it is addressing this and is working with key suppliers to get them to pledge their support to set their own emission reduction targets in line with the science-based targets methodology.

A total of 17% of MTN South Africa’s emissions were classified as Scope 2, arising from indirect sources such as electricity consumption, which the team is working to alleviate through the deployment of solar solutions.

Molapisi underscores the energy crisis in South Africa as a hindrance, noting that "… in 2022 alone, we had to deploy over 2 000 backup generators, consuming more than 400 000 ℓ of fuel monthly." 

To address this crisis, MTN has invested billions of rands in enhancing tower infrastructure by integrating backup batteries and generators to ensure uninterrupted power supply. The company has earmarked an additional R1.5-billion for the current financial year to reinforce these initiatives. 

“Addressing the energy crisis is a necessity to ensure our customers can . . . depend on our network as they go about their everyday lives in an ever-increasingly digitised and connected world. The downside, however, is that this has hindered our emissions reduction efforts,” explains Molapisi. 

To offset this negative impact, he says, MTN has been actively investing in renewable energy projects.  

In 2022, the company announced a comprehensive four-phase green energy programme, encompassing solar installations at various facilities, purchasing renewable energy from external sources, and implementing combined cooling heat and power technology. MTN has also established 30 off-grid renewable energy facilities that provide 57 kW of clean energy to remote areas. 

“We are committed to transitioning to sustainable energy sources, minimising emissions, enhancing power reliability, and contributing to climate solutions. In a time of challenge, MTN South Africa sees opportunity [in committing to] environmental stewardship and alignment with the nation's aspiration for a greener, lower-carbon economy,” Molapisi says.