Vodacom Group has become the first multinational telecommunications operator in Africa to source 100% of its purchased electricity from renewable sources. The milestone underscores the company’s broader decarbonisation efforts and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions in direct operations by 2035.
To meet its renewable electricity target, Vodacom has deployed a combination of on-site renewable energy installations, renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs), and the acquisition of renewable energy certificates (RECs). In the past financial year, the company’s total energy consumption reached 2,076 GWh, with 1,275 GWh coming from purchased electricity. Of this, 906 GWh was grid-supplied.
To address the environmental impact of this portion, Vodacom secured RECs covering its operations in South Africa, Egypt, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique, and Lesotho.
“We are extremely proud of this achievement as we continue to reduce our environmental impact and improve the sustainability of our operations across Africa. Our 100% renewable electricity procurement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing strategy to reach net-zero GHG emissions in our direct operations by 2035. It reflects our determination to protect the planet while empowering communities with cleaner, greener connectivity,” said Dejan Kastelic, Chief Technology Officer at Vodacom.
The ICT sector is responsible for an estimated 1.5% to 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, comparable to the aviation and maritime sectors, according to the World Bank. With data traffic and internet usage continuing to grow, amplified by the rise of artificial intelligence, the need for a sector-wide transition to renewables is increasingly urgent.
As part of its renewable energy strategy, Vodacom has partnered with public sector entities to pilot and scale innovative solutions. In South Africa, the company is working with Eskom to implement a virtual wheeling mechanism, developed with support from its subsidiary Mezzanine, that allows renewable independent power producers to supply electricity through the grid to Vodacom operations. Vodacom South Africa is expected to begin procuring power through virtual wheeling in the final quarter of 2025.
Beyond South Africa, Vodacom is engaging with governments to promote renewable energy investment and support the development of independent power producers. In Egypt, this collaboration has enabled Vodafone Egypt to meet 76% of its electricity demand through a renewable PPA with the government.
While grid electricity remains Vodacom’s primary energy source, inconsistent access in some countries has required supplemental use of diesel generators and batteries. In the short term, the company prioritises batteries over diesel due to their lower carbon impact. For long-term sustainability, Vodacom is exploring alternative technologies, including wind and solar deployments, hydrogen fuel cells, microturbines, and connecting off-grid sites to the national grid.
One such initiative is the “solar flower” project in Egypt, where Vodacom has implemented a compact solar installation at base station sites with limited space. The 12-panel circular structure produces 6kWp and helps offset diesel use at the site.
“The tech sector holds both the responsibility and the capability to lead efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in regions like Africa, where the impacts of climate change are already deeply felt. At Vodacom, we are committed to setting the standard in energy efficiency and accelerating the transition to renewable energy.
“This commitment is reflected in numerous initiatives, including becoming the first operator to certify all African operations under ISO 50001 standards and setting the earliest net-zero ambition among Telco’s on the continent. As we continue to live our purpose to connect everyone to a better future, our net-zero goal is a necessity to build a sustainable, inclusive digital society while safeguarding our planet for generations to come,” said Kastelic.
