Archives: Case Studies
Overview
Extreme weather events continue to disrupt lives and livelihoods across Africa. With agriculture-dependent populations especially vulnerable, there is a growing need for accessible and timely information to help people prepare for climate-related disruptions. As part of its approach to climate resilience, MTN Group is advancing digital solutions that support early warning and informed decision-making.
This work is underpinned by a strategic alliance between MTN, Tomorrow.io, and Microsoft to develop a continent-wide early warning system. The initiative brings together climate intelligence, cloud computing, and mobile connectivity to deliver localised weather alerts directly to people’s mobile phones.
Response
To address the growing risk of extreme weather, MTN Group is working with Tomorrow.io and Microsoft to build a digital early warning system capable of reaching more than 300 million people. The solution integrates Tomorrow.io’s hyperlocal weather engine with Microsoft’s Azure cloud infrastructure and MTN’s network presence across Africa to deliver actionable alerts where they are needed most.
In Nigeria, this partnership has taken a step forward through a collaboration between MTN Nigeria, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and Tomorrow.io. In January 2024, the partners formalised their cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding, launching the Digital Climate Advisory Services (DCAS) platform. This initiative focuses on providing smallholder farmers with location-specific, mobile-based weather advisories that support better planning around planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
The platform combines NiMet’s meteorological expertise, Tomorrow.io’s data modelling capabilities, and MTN’s telecommunications infrastructure. Together, these elements ensure that farmers receive timely and relevant weather insights that can help reduce climate-related risks and improve agricultural productivity. The collaboration also aligns with the United Nations’ “Early Warnings for All” initiative, contributing to broader global efforts to improve disaster preparedness and community resilience.
Impacts and achievements
Under the terms of the MoU, the three parties will collaborate to develop, deploy, and test the DCAS platform. The system will provide weather-based advisories to farmers through mobile notifications, enabling them to make informed decisions about planting, irrigation and harvesting. By delivering hyperlocalised weather forecasts and actionable insights, the DCAS system will help farmers adapt to climate variability, reduce crop losses, and improve yields.
Outlook
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to building climate resilience through technology and collaboration. As the DCAS system scales, it has the potential to benefit millions of farmers across Nigeria and beyond. By enabling timely access to weather intelligence, MTN, NiMet, and Tomorrow.io are working together to support more adaptive, informed, and sustainable agriculture.
Overview
As climate-related risks intensify, a new generation of climate entrepreneurs is emerging across Africa with solutions that address environmental challenges while creating local economic opportunity. Supporting these climate-focused ventures is an environmentally responsible step that also strengthens local economies, enhances resilience, and builds leadership capacity among young people.
Africa’s demographic profile and environmental context present a unique opportunity. Youth-led innovation can play a catalytic role in tackling issues such as water scarcity, food insecurity, and land degradation, while also advancing inclusive growth and community development. Enabling these ventures contributes to MTN’s broader ambition to foster sustainable, local solutions that reflect the realities and priorities of the continent.
Response
The Africa PachiPanda Challenge was designed to meet two core objectives: advancing environmentally focused innovation and contributing to local socioeconomic development. Building on the momentum of MTN Zambia’s Innovation Challenge in 2022 and 2023, the initiative was expanded into a multi-country programme in 2024, in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
In 2024, the competition was rolled out by MTN Nigeria, MTN South Africa, and MTN Zambia, aligned with our Group-wide sustainability strategy and commitment to climate entrepreneurship.
The programme received 2,298 applications, reflecting strong interest and readiness across markets. Finalists were selected to participate in a pitch and development programme, with 30 participants supported through tailored training and capacity-building.
Impacts and achievements
Through scaling and replication, the Africa PachiPanda Programme has been implemented across multiple MTN markets to maximise its positive impact. The 2024 challenge received 2 298 applications, with 30 finalists supported through a structured pitch and development programme. The initiative surfaced a pipeline of early-stage ventures, many of which address highly localised environmental risks. The selected entrepreneurs demonstrated practical, solutions-oriented thinking and a clear commitment to sustainability, reflecting the growing depth and potential of Africa’s climate innovation landscape.
Outlook
The Challenge will expand to include Uganda, , as part of MTN’s goal to support a broader ecosystem of green entrepreneurs. The programme aims to contribute to job creation, innovation in the green economy, and community-level resilience by enabling climate-smart ventures to grow and scale.
As we continue to invest in youth-led climate entrepreneurship, we remain committed to supporting solutions that are both environmentally impactful and economically viable, helping drive a more sustainable and inclusive future across our footprint.
Overview
As part of MTN’s broader commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability, Project Infinity reflects a practical application of circular economy principles. One of the pilot initiatives under this programme focused on improving educational access and literacy in Rwanda, while promoting device reuse to reduce waste and avoid emissions.
Response
The literacy pilot programme illustrates how technology and collaboration can be leveraged to address systemic challenges like illiteracy. MTN South Africa contributed 894 unused smartphones to the initiative, repurposed through circularity partner GSM Systems. In partnership with Nabu, the Ministry of Education in Rwanda, and local implementation partners, these devices were delivered to 76 schools across seven districts.
Each device was pre-installed with the Nabu reading app — a free digital platform designed to build foundational literacy for children aged 5 to 15. The app features a library of culturally relevant stories in local languages and supports a gradual transition to English as learners progress, expanding their access to broader educational content. This approach promotes early reading engagement while opening pathways to further learning.
To ensure effective use, 641 teachers received training on how to incorporate the devices and app into their classrooms. Over a five-month period, the programme recorded a 276% increase in reading time and a 13% increase in book completion rates, demonstrating improved learner engagement and content retention.
Impacts and achievements
Beyond educational outcomes, the initiative also reflects MTN’s commitment to responsible consumption and circular economy practices. By redistributing idle devices, the programme avoided the need for new device production, contributing to emissions avoidance of 51 tCO₂e. This is equivalent to:
- The amount of CO2 absorbed by 2 300 mature trees in one year.
- Driving a petrol car six times from Cape Town to Cairo and back.
- The annual electricity used by nine to 18 average African households.
- Manufacturing roughly 6.1 million plastic bottles.
Outlook
The Rwanda pilot programme has shown promising results, and we are excited about potential partnership opportunities for expansion. MTN is exploring opportunities to expand the initiative through new partnerships, with growing interest from corporates, NGOs, and educational stakeholders.
We welcome collaboration to scale this model to additional communities. By working together, we can help close educational gaps, extend the life of existing technology, and support emission reductions in line with MTN’s broader Net Zero ambition.
Overview
As a key infrastructure partner to MTN, American Tower Corporation (ATC) plays an important role in supporting the Group’s journey toward Net Zero. Managing a significant portion of MTN’s tower infrastructure in South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda and Ghana, ATC is actively working to align its operations with MTN’s emissions reduction objectives.
Response
ATC’s decarbonisation strategy is guided by a future‑focused, science‑based approach, focusing on three strategic pillars: enhancing energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy integration and advancing energy storage capabilities.
Energy efficiency: ATC continues to improve energy performance by deploying advanced energy management systems and retrofitting sites with more efficient technologies – particularly in high‑usage markets, helping reduce site-level power consumption and emissions.
Renewable energy: The business is accelerating the transition to renewable energy by deploying on‑site solar power solutions, helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance energy resilience across multiple markets.
Energy storage: ATC’s investment in cutting‑edge energy storage solutions, such as lithium‑ion batteries, supports more stable and reliable renewable energy use, particularly in areas with irregular grid access or fuel supply constraints.
These focused efforts reflect a shared commitment to reducing environmental impact and building greater operational resilience across the telecoms value chain.
Impacts and achievements
The ongoing collaboration between MTN and ATC has already delivered measurable outcomes:
- Enhanced data sharing: Improved transparency has allowed MTN to gain deeper insights into its site-level emissions, enabling more informed decision making.
- Energy efficiency gains: Joint initiatives have driven significant improvements in energy efficiency, reducing power consumption at tower sites.
- Renewable energy integration: The expanded use of renewable energy solutions has decreased reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with both our sustainability goals and MTN’s carbon reduction targets.
Outlook
ATC remains committed to supporting MTN’s Net Zero ambition through ongoing collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment. By continuing to align with global energy trends and MTN’s climate roadmap, the partnership aims to strengthen environmental performance while contributing to a more resilient, low-carbon network.
This joint approach reflects a broader commitment to climate responsibility and the role infrastructure providers play in advancing sustainable digital ecosystems. .
Overview
MTN Nigeria’s 2024 focus under Project Zero centred on improving energy efficiency at high-consumption sites across its network. Led by the Power Management team, the flagship initiative involved replacing 86 outdated HVAC units with high-efficiency cooling systems across data centres, switch centres, and BTS locations.
These upgrades were introduced to support the network’s growing energy demands while reducing operational strain. The new systems significantly lowered power consumption, improved diesel efficiency, and contributed to MTN Nigeria’s broader emissions reduction targets under the Reduce pillar of MTN Group’s Net Zero strategy.
Response
Nigeria’s power sector is marked by persistent grid instability, with 12 national grid collapses reported in 2024, and continued dependence on diesel generators. These conditions drive high operational costs, increase carbon emissions, and expose infrastructure to performance risks.
With rising energy prices and expanding network coverage, MTN Nigeria identified an urgent need to address inefficiencies across its energy-intensive facilities. By modernising HVAC infrastructure, the business has made measurable progress in reducing fuel use, improving power stability, and lowering emissions.
In 2024, MTN Nigeria achieved an 11% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions against a target of 12.5% amounting to a total emissions reduction of 12 526tCO2e. This case study illustrates the successful application of the Reduce pillar of MTN’s Net Zero philosophy.
Emissions reduction
A 2% reduction in base-year emissions, decreasing from 3 784tCO2e before implementation to 2 314tCO2e afterwards.
Cost savings
NGN508 792 620 saved over two quarters, with annual savings still being calculated.
Improved operation resilience
Lower operational energy demand and reducing reliance on diesel consumption.
Outlook
MTN Nigeria’s investment in energy efficiency marks a critical step in its Net Zero journey. Future plans include scaling renewable deployments and expanding efficiency upgrades, ensuring long-term sustainability and cost savings while reinforcing MTN’s leadership in green energy transitions.
Overview
MTN Ghana continues to advance its emissions reduction efforts through the targeted deployment of renewable energy and improvements in infrastructure efficiency. Under Project Zero, the business is transitioning high energy-consuming facilities to cleaner power sources while reducing operational energy use through modernised cooling systems and energy-efficient lighting upgrades.
The 2024 programme included interventions at three data/switch centres, the MTN House facility, and 39 BTS sites. Solar power systems were installed at sites in Accra, Kumasi and other locations, bringing the total installed capacity to 2.4 MW. As a result, 64% of switch/data centre energy and 54% of BTS site energy now come from green sources.
To further improve efficiency, MTN Ghana implemented its Cooling Unit Modernisation project, replacing 84 conventional cooling systems with variable-speed compressor units, significantly reducing power consumption at critical facilities.
Response
Ghana’s energy sector faces high electricity costs, rolling blackouts (“dumsor”) owing to grid instability and heavily relies on fossil fuels as an energy source. These conditions contribute to increased emissions and operational volatility for businesses with large-scale infrastructure needs.
To reduce exposure to these risks, MTN Ghana prioritised energy transformation through a combination of solar integration and infrastructure upgrades, applying the Reduce pillar of MTN Group’s Net Zero strategy. In 2024, the business achieved an 11% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions against a target of 12.5%. The actual emissions reduction achieved was 4 339tCO2e.
Emissions reduction
15.6% decrease in emissions. In 2023 an emissions reduction of 2 136tCO2e was achieved and in 2024 an emissions reduction value of 3 325tCO2e was achieved.
Cost savings
US$0.46 million in 2024 with a cumulative savings of US$0.80 million since 2022.
Enhanced business sustainability
3.1MWh saved from grid power. 12% to 16% reduction in cooling power
consumption. 265 000 litres of diesel saved.
Outlook
MTN Ghana aims to further optimise energy efficiency and scale its green initiatives. By 2027, the full implementation of its solar energy and cooling system modernisation projects is expected to enhance operational resilience, reduce environmental impact and drive sustainable cost efficiencies across its network.
Overview
MTN Cameroon’s 2024 activities under Project Zero focus on lowering carbon emissions by integrating renewable energy solutions and enhancing energy efficiency across its network operations. Interventions included the deployment of on-grid solar systems, hybrid generator/battery solutions, and air conditioning upgrades to optimise energy consumption and emission reduction across 44 BTS sites.
A key initiative was the implementation of an on-grid solar system at the Garoua Switch – designed for daytime self-consumption, feeding solar power directly into the building’s energy system without exporting to the national grid. This shift supports greater energy stability and reduces dependence on high-carbon power sources.
Response
Cameroon faces increasing energy costs and growing demands, with MTN Cameroon having to depend on unstable conventional power sources. The inefficiency of traditional diesel generators and grid electricity poses financial and environmental risks, impacting operational sustainability. To address these challenges, MTN Cameroon needed a reliable, cost-effective and cleaner energy solution to optimise power consumption and reduce emissions, in support of its Net Zero commitments. In 2024, MTN Cameroon achieved a 5.8% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions against a target of 12.5%. The actual emissions reduction achieved was 644tCO2e. This case study illustrates the successful application of the Substitute pillar of MTN’s Net Zero philosophy.
Emissions reduction
The Garoua Switch solar project has saved 72.12MWh of energy, equivalent to reducing 19.47tCO2e.
Cost savings
The project resulted in savings of approximately US$11 279.43.
Improved operation resilience
The project improved power reliability, which supports uninterrupted operations, ensuring consistent quality.
Outlook
MTN Cameroon’s commitment to sustainability is driving greater reliance on renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. By expanding solar solutions and scaling hybrid power projects, MTN is ensuring a resilient, low-carbon network, which is aligned with its Net Zero goals.
Overview
In 2024, as part of its Project Zero strategy, MTN Uganda focused on improving energy efficiency to reduce emissions, strengthen infrastructure reliability, and improve operational resilience. Key interventions included the installation of lithium-ion batteries, generator replacements, rectifier upgrades, and the deployment of Automatic Voltage Stabiliser (AVS) at two regional data centres.
The AVS initiative was implemented to address ongoing voltage fluctuations that had contributed to excessive generator use and power inefficiencies. Since the installation, voltage levels have stabilised, protecting sensitive equipment from potential damage and significantly reducing generator run hours.
Response
Uganda faces growing energy demand and high carbon emissions due to its reliance on diesel-powered generators for backup power. Frequent voltage fluctuations not only increase fuel consumption and operational costs, but also lead to premature equipment failure and inefficiencies. To address these challenges, MTN Uganda needed a solution to stabilise power supply, reduce generator dependence and improve energy efficiency, ultimately lowering carbon emissions and enhancing network resilience. In 2024, MTN Uganda achieved a 58.40% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions against a target of 12.5%. The actual emissions reduction achieved was 6 935tCO2e. This case study illustrates the successful application of the Reduce pillar of MTN’s Net Zero philosophy.
Emissions reduction
The project reduced 3.11tCO2 emissions in 2024.
Cost savings
Achieved monthly cost saving of US$289.32, with projected annual savings of US$3 471.78.
Improved operation resilience
This initiative focused on power stability, including voltage drops, by ensuring that equipment operates within the required voltage range.
Outlook
MTN Uganda remains committed to advancing its tailored emissions reduction plan and strengthening its infrastructure to support long-term sustainability goals. The business will continue to implement efficiency-focused upgrades, optimise power use, and invest in scalable technologies to support its Net Zero ambition.
Overview
Project Zero forms a key part of MTN South Africa’s strategy to meet its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitments and progress toward the Group’s Net Zero philosophy. In 2024, the programme focused on reducing reliance on high-carbon energy through solar integration, enhanced energy efficiency in base station site generators and wheeling arrangements with independent power producer (IPP)s.
A notable initiative within this framework was the commissioning of the 14th Avenue Solar Park, a 5MW solar photovoltaic (PV) system with 6MWh battery storage, representing a practical application of the Substitute pillar within MTN’s Net Zero model.
Context and Response
South Africa faces high fossil fuel energy dependency, rising electricity costs and loadshedding due to major grid instability. The reliance on traditional power sources, such as coal and diesel generators, directly impact MTN South Africa’s ability to reduce emissions and manage energy costs.
To address these challenges, MTN South Africa accelerated its transition to cleaner, more stable energy alternatives, ensuring a more sustainable, cost-effective and resilient energy framework. The results reflect this shift. In 2024, MTN South Africa achieved a 64.2% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions against a target of 12.5%. The actual emissions reduction achieved was 353 329tCO2e. This case study illustrates the successful application of the Substitute pillar of MTN’s Net Zer philosophy.
Emissions reduction
The system cut 5 937tCO2e in 2024, with full-year savings expected to reach 8 037tCO2e.
Cost savings
Achieved an opex reduction of R12.61 million in 2024. Going forward, it will be R12.6 million per annum and escalate as per NERSA’s cost of energy.
Enhanced business sustainability
Shielded MTN from rising grid electricity prices, which have increased by an average 13.5% year-on-year (2020 – 2024).
Outlook
Project Zero in South Africa demonstrates how large-scale solar integration, hybrid power solutions and innovative energy models can contribute meaningfully to emission reduction, cost control, and energy resilience. Looking ahead, MTN South Africa will continue to scale renewable energy adoption, optimise wheeling strategies and explore further electrification opportunities to support its long-term sustainability targets.
Bridging the digital divide: Empowering rural communities in Zambia
Sub-Saharan Africa is home to the world’s fastest growing population, yet it remains the region with the highest number of people without mobile coverage. More than 210 million individuals across rural areas in sub-Saharan Africa are still beyond the reach of telecom infrastructure or reliable power, limiting their ability to connect, transact, and participate in the digital economy.
This is the reality we are working to change.
At MTN, we believe everyone deserves equitable access to the benefits of a modern connected life. For rural communities, connectivity is a lifeline that can create opportunities, impacting livelihoods. It enables small businesses to reach new markets, allows farmers to check weather patterns or prices, and gives healthcare workers the means to call for urgent assistance. Yet, extending infrastructure into remote areas remains resource-intensive and technically complex.
To help address these challenges, MTN Zambia has partnered with Africa Mobile Network (AMN) to expand coverage to rural and underserved communities across the country. AMN’s Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model uses solar-powered infrastructure optimised for rural environments, allowing MTN to deliver 2G, 3G, and 4G services in areas previously off-grid, without requiring upfront capital or long-term operational risk.
Supporting Participation
Connectivity is only meaningful when people can use it. In partnership with AMN, MTN Zambia also supplies heavily subsidised mobile devices to residents in newly connected villages. The initiative includes support for the establishment of airtime vendors and mobile money agents, enabling broader access to financial services like deposits, withdrawals, and account management.
The effects are practical and visible. Gertrude Banda from Mawanda Village in Zambia reflects, “A long time ago we used to write letters to Lusaka. Now MTN thought of us and gave us phones so that we can communicate with people in Lusaka. When money comes, we are able to collect from MTN Mobile Money. Things are much easier because of the phones MTN has provided. So we are very grateful to MTN for bringing us phones here in our village.”
Stanley Kaluba, a Clinical Officer in Mawanda, echoes Gertrude’s sentiments: “We use the MTN network to make referrals for patients that need to go to the hospital and to call an ambulance in emergencies. MTN is a very good network, and since the time they installed this tower, it has really helped us.”
Connectivity is not only focused on enabling access to networks and affordable phones; it’s about leveraging economic empowerment. David Phiri, a mobile money agent, shares, “People come to my shop to withdraw money or open mobile money accounts. They can buy airtime through MTN MoMo or receive money from Lusaka. There are so many things I can do for a living now. I am very thankful.”
These experiences reflect the broader value of rural connectivity; giving individuals and households access to services that support daily life, from sending and receiving money to managing small enterprises, subscribing to insurance, or paying school fees.
A Collaborative Path Forward
MTN’s efforts to close the coverage gap are part of a broader, ongoing commitment to driving digital inclusion in the communities where we operate. While challenges remain, each newly connected village signals progress toward a more inclusive digital future.
The progress we’ve made reflects the strength of our partnership; with governments, technology partners , entrepreneurs, and local communities, each playing a role in shaping a more inclusive digital future.
As we continue to extend our reach, we do so with the understanding that lasting impact comes through shared effort. Together, we are creating the conditions for more people to access opportunity, stay connected, and take part in a more digitally inclusive society.