By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
Vodacom
has underscored the central role of energy in shaping Africa’s digital future,
warning that unreliable and carbon-intensive power systems continue to
constrain connectivity, economic growth and technological expansion across the
continent.
According
to the company’s latest report, Decarbonising Africa’s ICT Sector,
approximately 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to
electricity. The report further notes that frequent power outages remain a
persistent challenge for households and businesses, forcing widespread reliance
on diesel generators as a backup source of energy for sustaining network
infrastructure and digital services.
Vodacom
Group Chief Executive Officer Shameel Joosub stated that energy is not only a
sustainability concern but also a foundational pillar for digital inclusion,
resilience and long-term economic development across Africa. He emphasized that
the continent’s energy transition is critical to unlocking the full potential
of its digital economy.
The
company noted that the continued dependence on diesel power presents both
financial and environmental costs, complicating efforts to build sustainable
and scalable ICT infrastructure. It stressed that achieving meaningful progress
toward a low-carbon energy future will require coordinated action among
governments, private sector actors and investors.
Vodacom
also highlighted its progress in emissions reduction, reporting a 77 percent
decline in scope 1 and 2 market-based emissions since FY2020. However, it noted
that broader systemic change will depend on collective action across the energy
and telecommunications ecosystem.
The
report concludes that Africa’s transition to a cleaner and more reliable energy
system is achievable, but will depend on sustained collaboration and investment
to support both digital transformation and climate goals.
