In a bid to promote sustainability in the telecommunications sector, regulators in West Africa are championing the integration of renewable energy into network operations. This development was highlighted by Amara Brewah, Chairman of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly and Director-General of Sierra Leone’s National Communications Authority, at the recent Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
Brewah emphasized the need for the telecommunications sector to adopt environmentally sustainable practices and technologies, reducing its ecological footprint. This approach, dubbed “green telecommunications,” focuses on minimizing energy consumption, carbon emissions, and resource use across network operations, infrastructure, and supply chains ¹.
“The future of telecommunications must be both inclusive and sustainable,” Brewah stressed, noting that West Africa has the opportunity to lead in green telecommunications by promoting energy efficiency, supporting solar-powered infrastructure, and implementing robust e-waste management policies.
As the telecom sector in West Africa continues to expand, presenting opportunities for growth in commerce, education, healthcare, and governance, Brewah warned that this rapid expansion has environmental consequences, including rising energy consumption and increased electronic waste.
To address these challenges, Brewah called on regulators to adopt energy-efficient infrastructure, integrate renewable energy into network operations, and develop policies for managing electronic waste. He also proposed harmonized environmental standards across the region to create an investment-friendly regulatory environment.
Telecom operators in the region are already making strides in transitioning to renewable energy sources. Airtel has started investing in solar power and lithium-ion batteries to reduce its diesel consumption, while MTN is pursuing similar initiatives.
In Nigeria, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Umar Danbatta, highlighted the sector’s dependence on diesel-powered base stations, which contribute significantly to environmental pollution. Danbatta emphasized the need to transition to renewable energy sources like solar power to reduce pollution.
As the telecom sector in West Africa continues to evolve, the push for sustainability is expected to gain momentum, driven by public-private partnerships and innovation in clean energy solutions.
