Vodacom Group CEO meets Congolese Minister of Environment on sidelines of COP27

With COP27 currently underway in the green city of Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, nations from all around the world have come together to exchange on climate actions. This year’s conference also marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. As one of the primary partners of COP27, Vodafone has been actively participating in several sideline meetings to discuss ways to partner and find innovative ways of combatting climate change.
During a meeting behind closed doors, the CEO of Vodacom Group, Shameel Joosub, met with DRC Minister of Environment, Eve Bazaiba. The two personalities exchanged on Vodacom’s commitment to work with the government to support environmental protection. VPM Bazaiba expressed an interest to expand on the conversation with Vodacom Congo’s higher management. She has stated that “we all have a common responsibility to address the climate challenge.”
As a leading telecom company with a keen interest to move towards a low emissions economy, Vodacom was pleased with the outcome of their meeting with the Minister of Environment. Vodacom Congo has already committed to several internal initiatives in order to mitigate its own environmental impact. This includes raising awareness within the company culture and promoting e-waste management and sustainable solutions to reduce their carbon footprint.
Additionally, Vodacom Congo has several ongoing pilot projects to provide new technologies to farmers to help them reduce their environmental impact while increasing their revenues. Furthermore, it also began increasing its rural coverage sites, supplying them with solar panels to ensure connectivity for all.
The DRC is not only a solution country because of its minerals, but also the second-largest basin and the highest biodiversity in the world. However, its expansive supply of strategic minerals necessary for renewable energies and helping industries reduce their pollution. With over 20 years in the Congolese market, Vodacom is acutely aware of this, along with the indisputable fact that the private sector and public sector must collaborate to mitigate climate risks. Thus, Vodacom is fully committed to providing new technologies and contributing to the digitalization of the country.