- West African telecommunications regulators push for renewable energy adoption to reduce carbon emissions.
- Operators like Airtel and MTN begin the transition to solar power and energy-efficient infrastructure.
West African telecommunications regulators are driving efforts to make network operations more sustainable.
At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, Amara Brewah, Chairman of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly and Director-General of Sierra Leone’s National Communications Authority, called for urgent action.
In his speech, “Green Telecommunications—Policies and Practices for More Sustainability,” Brewah urged regulators to embrace green initiatives.
“The future of telecommunications must be inclusive and environmentally responsible. West Africa can lead in green telecommunications by promoting energy efficiency, solar-powered infrastructure, and effective e-waste management policies,” Brewah said.
The telecom industry in West Africa continues to grow, boosting commerce, education, healthcare, and governance. However, this rapid expansion increases energy consumption and electronic waste.
Brewah urged regulators to implement energy-efficient infrastructure, integrate renewable energy, and develop clear policies on e-waste management. He also called for harmonised environmental standards to attract investment in sustainable telecom solutions.
Private telecom operators have started making changes. Airtel has invested in solar power and lithium-ion batteries to reduce its monthly 22-million-litre diesel consumption. MTN Nigeria is also switching to cleaner energy solutions.
In 2023, Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, raised concerns about the sector’s reliance on diesel. “The country’s 54,000 base transceiver stations run on diesel generators, with some operating 24/7. Switching to renewable energy like solar will significantly cut pollution,” Danbatta said.
West Africa’s green telecom push follows global trends. Countries like Spain, Italy, France, and the UK are replacing outdated copper networks with energy-efficient fibre technologies.
With strong regulatory backing and private sector investment, West Africa is on track to build a cleaner, more sustainable telecom industry.