Energy

Vodacom Group highlighted renewable energy pathways and policy reforms to decarbonise Africa’s ICT sector and support sustainable growth

As climate pressures intensify and energy demand continues to rise, Africa faces the dual challenge of reducing carbon emissions while expanding access to reliable and affordable power that supports development, job creation and digital inclusion

However, many sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, mining, logistics and manufacturing, remain heavily dependent on carbon-intensive and expensive diesel generators due to weak grid infrastructure and inconsistent electricity supply.

Addressing this issue at scale will require stronger multi-sector collaboration, coordinated efforts between public and private stakeholders, and reforms within energy systems to unlock investment in renewable and decentralised solutions.

Against this backdrop, Vodacom Group has released a new white paper titled Decarbonising Africa’s ICT Sector. The report offers insights into one of the continent’s fastest-growing industries, where expanding digital and network infrastructure is driving increased energy demand while the sector works to balance decarbonisation with ongoing economic and social development.

“Decarbonisation in Africa cannot be approached in isolation or through a single-sector lens,” said Ayman Essam, chief officer: external affairs at Vodacom Group. “While we have set an ambition to work towards net-zero emissions, progress depends on systemic change across the energy ecosystem. This includes policies that enable private sector participation, new financing models, and partnerships that can scale renewable energy solutions beyond individual organisations.”

The research highlights that although Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change, it continues to face significant energy-related challenges that hinder decarbonisation. Weak grid systems, financially constrained utilities, complex regulatory frameworks and unreliable power supply all contribute to the slow uptake of renewable energy. As a result, many industries, including telecommunications, continue to rely on diesel-powered generation to sustain operations.

To overcome these barriers, the white paper outlines several practical pathways to accelerate decarbonisation across the ICT sector. These include reforms to encourage greater private sector participation in energy markets, the adoption of renewable procurement models such as power purchase agreements, and the expansion of decentralised solutions like mini-grids to support remote network infrastructure.

Vodacom’s own progress demonstrates that meaningful emissions reductions are achievable even in energy-constrained environments. In the past financial year, the company matched 100% of its purchased grid electricity with renewable sources, reducing scope 2 market-based emissions to nearly zero across most of its operations. Since FY2020, it has cut scope 1 and 2 market-based greenhouse gas emissions by 77%, largely through improved energy efficiency and renewable procurement. Continued network optimisation has also enhanced efficiency, lowering the energy required to carry increasing data volumes from 1.55 MWh per terabyte in FY2020 to 0.36 MWh per terabyte in FY2025. Currently, 61% of Vodacom’s total scope 1 and 2 energy consumption is derived from renewable sources, including onsite generation, power purchase agreements and renewable energy certificates.

While mobile network operators are significant energy consumers, the report underscores their critical role in enabling Africa’s digital and economic growth, making their participation in the low-carbon transition both complex and essential.

Developed with technical support from the Carbon Trust, the research is based on sector analysis, case studies and interviews with stakeholders across the ICT and energy value chains, including utilities, technology providers, financial institutions and regulators.

“By sharing insights and identifying pathways forward, the report aims to support more coordinated action across the industry and take up the significant opportunity for Africa to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable digital economy,” concluded Essam.

Typical variable speed drives from the Optidrive range (Image source: iTek Drives)

iTek Drives, which supplies variable speed drives and control panels across Africa, has moved to larger premises in the Meadowdale industrial and commercial hub, near OR Tambo International Airport outside Johannesburg in South Africa

The new property provides a warehouse with facilities for receiving and dispatch, a large workshop for product assembly and repair, a variable speed drives (VFD) showroom, plus training and office facilities, with room for further growth.

iTek Drives is Africa’s leading supplier of the Optidrive range of VFDs south of the Sahara in Africa. Also known as inverters, VFDs are the electronic controllers commonly fitted to fans, pumps, compressors and cranes to smoothly manage electric motor acceleration and deceleration by changing voltages and frequencies.

Increasing sales is one reason for iTek’s move to bigger premises, according to Ryan Bisnath, sales director. “By serving as a single-source supplier, we will remove the difficulties and risks associated with ordering and assembling an integrated system from two or more separate companies,” he said.

The space at Meadowdale is also sufficient to develop alliances with electric motor companies, he noted. Distribution is another possibility — iTek recently announced the sale of VFDs, control panels and specialised electric motors to a copper mine in Zambia. Proximity to OR Tambo will also facilitate rapid delivery by air.

Bisnath also said he anticipates working more closely with importer Emac (Electric Motors & Components) to supply flame-proof motors, explosion-proof motors and slip ring motors to the African market. Other brands will include KMMP, VEM, and CEMP.

iTek intends to marry these European motors to Optidrive VFDs and iTek’s locally-built control panels, to deliver a turnkey system. “Our core business as a variable frequency drives supplier has not changed, but we hope to make a lot easier the customer’s purchase of his integrated motor and drive systems.”

iTek Drives has been growing the Optidrive name in Africa since 2016.

In 2024, the company also opened a comprehensive testing, repairs, programming and software centre in Johannesburg.

Read more:

SEW-Eurodrive advances predictive maintenance solutions

New South African freight, logistics trade body

Study highlights Africa's growing integration with global economy 

Global renewable energy capacity growth 2025 statistics. (Image source: IRENA)

Global renewable energy capacity reached 5,149 GW in 2025, following the addition of 692 GW, marking a 15.5% annual increase, according to International Renewable Energy Agency

Renewables accounted for 85.6% of total capacity expansion, with solar leading at 511 GW and wind contributing 159 GW.

Together, these technologies made up 96.8% of new additions, underlining their continued cost advantage and rapid deployment.

Amid rising geopolitical tensions and concerns over energy security, the report highlights the growing importance of renewables in building more resilient and decentralised energy systems.

Commenting on the findings, Francesco La Camera said, “In the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion. This not only indicates market preference but also makes a strong case for renewable energy resilience with brutal clarity. A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient. Countries that invested in the energy transition are weathering this crisis with less economic damage, as they boost energy security, resilience and competitiveness.”

In Africa, renewable capacity recorded its highest annual increase, rising by 15.9% with an additional 11.3 GW. This growth was driven by Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt, reflecting steady progress in expanding the region’s renewable energy capacity.

For insights on other regions, explore the full report here