Airtel Africa Advocates Enhanced PPP for Climate Action in Africa

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

To achieve sustainable development in Africa, efforts must be made to have an enabling policy environment and collaboration between the government and the private sector.

This was the submission of the chief executive of Airtel Africa, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, at a COP28 side event co-hosted by the telecommunications giant and the African Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC).

Mr Ogunsanya, who is a member of the United Nations Global Compact’s ABLC, stressed that African business leaders and governments to join forces to advance sustainable growth, development, and prosperity across the continent.

“We stress the importance of an enabling policy environment for sustainable development and climate action in partnership with Africa’s private sector. Livelihood and living must go together,” he said.

The Airtel Africa chief used the occasion to share details of his company’s environmental stewardship initiatives, including the Project Green programme launched in 2022, which focuses on circular economy practices, especially in the responsible replacement of end-of-life equipment to minimize potential adverse environmental impacts.

Furthermore, in March 2023, Airtel Africa joined the multi-stakeholder partnership to eliminate open waste burning from Africa.

This collaborative effort with local authorities, private companies, community groups, civil society and development partners targets a 60% reduction by 2030 and a complete elimination of open waste burning by 2040.

“Airtel Africa’s corporate purpose, our driving force, is to ‘transform lives.’ This is not simply a slogan but a genuine passion that informs every aspect of our operations and every decision we take,” Mr Ogunsanya declared.

“It is our firm belief is our firm belief that African businesses, including Airtel Africa, stand ready to leverage global markets to accelerate the transition to a future-fit economy.

“We must deliver economic development, inclusive growth and GHG emissions reduction at the same time to enjoy the fruits of sustainability,” he concluded.

Present at the gathering were the President of Botswana, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi; the Finance Minister of Nigeria, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nigeria, Mr Nyesom Wike; the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), Ms Sanda Ojiambo; and the Chairman of BUA Group, Mr Abdul Samad Rabiu, among others.

ABLC is a collaborative initiative comprising African business CEOs committed to fostering sustainable growth, prosperity, and development throughout the African continent. Members in the coalition, including Airtel Africa, are committed to escalating the adoption of renewable energy, investing in climate adaptation solutions, and ensuring an equitable transition.