Ericsson and MTN Group partner to drive sustainability and digital inclusivity in Africa

At the recent Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2024 in Spain, Ericsson and MTN Group, two giants in the telecommunications sector entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that promises to propel sustainability, enhance digital skills, and promote education throughout Africa. This partnership is poised to leverage the unique strengths and resources of both entities to drive forward digital solutions that cater to the needs of the African continent. 

The collaboration between Ericsson and MTN Group is deeply aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals. Both companies are committed to exploring and implementing innovative Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions aimed at decarbonizing their operations and value chain. This initiative not only aligns with Ericsson’s aspirations towards achieving Net Zero but also supports MTN’s “Road to Zero” pledge as part of its Ambition 2025 strategy. The goal is to foster sustainable practices that contribute to the global effort of achieving Net Zero emissions, while also ensuring the transfer and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries. 

In their pursuit of sustainability, Ericsson is set to offer sustainable products and solutions that are designed to optimize network efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and minimize network waste. These efforts are expected to have a significant impact on the environmental footprint of telecommunications infrastructure across Africa. 

Beyond environmental sustainability, the MoU encompasses initiatives aimed at boosting digital and ICT skills among African communities. Ericsson’s Connect to Learn program and the MTN Skills Academy are pivotal to this strategy, focusing on enhancing digital literacy and ICT skills to improve employability and competitiveness in the digital age. 

Nompilo Morafo, Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer at MTN, emphasized the centrality of sustainability to the company’s Ambition 2025 strategy. “This partnership with Ericsson is a testament to our dedication to driving substantial change. Through collaboration, we aim to make a lasting impact on the environment and empower communities by fostering digital skills development, moving us towards a more sustainable Africa,” Morafo stated. 

Fida Kibbi, Vice President and Head of Marketing, Communications, and Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “We are excited to join forces with MTN Group on their journey towards Net Zero and digital inclusivity. This MoU reflects our enduring partnership and shared vision for a sustainable future. Together, we are committed to enabling a sustainable and digitally connected Africa, in line with Ericsson’s #AfricaInMotion vision,” Kibbi remarked. 

Also read: The path to sustainable development through green tech adoption in Africa

The partnership formed between Ericsson and MTN Group represents a crucial step forward in tackling sustainability and enhancing digital inclusivity across Africa, establishing a blueprint for global corporate collaborations. By combining their resources, expertise, and advanced technologies, these corporations aim to address key challenges essential for Africa’s sustainable development. Their efforts are particularly focused on improving digital skills and ICT competencies, a vital initiative for creating a resilient and competitive workforce in a continent where access to quality education and technological resources varies widely. This initiative promises to unlock new opportunities for individuals and communities, facilitating greater participation in the digital economy and leveraging the benefits of digital advancements for social and economic improvement. Moreover, their joint actions to decarbonize the value chain and pursue Net Zero goals reflect a profound commitment to combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. Their collaboration, which aligns with United Nations SDG 17, emphasizes the role of sustainable technology and partnerships in achieving a balanced approach to social, economic, and environmental well-being. As this partnership evolves, its ability to inspire further corporate actions and its tangible impacts on African communities and the global environment will serve as key measures of its broader contributions to sustainable and inclusive development.