Sustainability Project of the Year Award
This award celebrates the remarkable achievements of individuals or organisations leading the way in the development and integration of sustainable energy solutions.
2024 Shortlist
NuRAN Wireless
NuRAN Wireless is a telecommunications company focused on providing affordable and sustainable connectivity solutions to underserved and remote regions. Driven by its mission to "Bridge the Digital Divide, One Connection at a Time," NuRAN utilizes energy-efficient 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies, enabling more than a billion people to communicate over long distances. Through its innovative Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model, NuRAN collaborates with major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) like Orange and MTN, covering over 5,092 sites across eight countries in Africa.
NuRAN’s Solstice project further advances sustainability by installing solar-powered mobile charging stations in rural communities. These efforts reduce carbon emissions, preserve ecosystems, and empower local economies. By promoting rural connectivity, NuRAN helps slow urban migration and supports balanced development, all while contributing to a low-carbon future.
Anglobal
Anglobal S.A., a leading Angolan engineering company founded in 2003, specializes in telecommunications and renewable energy solutions. With over 750 employees, the company has installed more than 500 telecommunications towers and developed fiber optic networks across Angola to enhance digital connectivity. Expanding its reach, Anglobal has also ventured into international markets, establishing subsidiaries in Cape Verde and Portugal.
A key project integrates renewable energy with telecommunications infrastructure, deploying solar and wind power systems alongside advanced energy storage solutions. This initiative not only improves connectivity but also promotes sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner and more connected Angola.
Africa Data Centres
Africa Data Centres (ADC) is the largest interconnected, carrier- and cloud-neutral data centre network in Africa, providing secure and reliable data centre services across the continent. ADC has taken significant steps to reduce its environmental impact, particularly in South Africa, where water and electricity challenges are prevalent.
ADC has implemented a 12MW renewable solar energy capacity and is part of a pioneering wheeling project to transmit renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions by at least 33%. Additionally, ADC's cooling systems use a closed-loop design, minimizing water consumption. During Cape Town’s water crisis, ADC deployed an Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) to produce water for surrounding communities, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Vodacom - Net Zero Project
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Vodacom is a leading African connectivity and digital services provider, with over 200 million customers across several African countries. Vodacom is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2035 through innovative energy management initiatives across its 40,000 sites. Key efforts include the pioneering Virtual Wheeling solution in South Africa, allowing renewable energy from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to power Vodacom’s operations, reducing carbon emissions by 33%.
The company also focuses on on-site renewable energy generation through solar and wind solutions, advanced energy conservation techniques, and AI-powered energy management systems. These initiatives, such as AI models for optimizing network energy consumption, further reinforce Vodacom’s leadership in sustainability while enhancing operational efficiency and service quality across its African footprint.
South Africa Openserve
In 2024, Openserve launched the Green Central Offices (CO) Target Network Evolution project to modernize telecommunications infrastructure by transitioning from copper to fiber networks. This initiative includes phasing out outdated equipment, deploying solar power and lithium batteries, and eliminating diesel generators, reducing carbon emissions by up to 36,000 tons annually—equivalent to planting 1.6 million trees. Smart IoT sensors and remote monitoring further enhance operational efficiency and reduce physical site visits.
The project, currently active in South Africa with a showcase site in Cape Town, positions Openserve as a leader in sustainable telecom solutions. By modernizing infrastructure and using clean energy, Openserve is setting a benchmark for green network development across Africa while contributing to the country’s environmental and social goals.
OMEA – Orange Energies
Orange is a global telecommunications leader with 285 million customers and €39.7 billion in revenue in 2023. Operating in 26 countries, including 18 in Africa and the Middle East, Orange serves 156 million customers in the region and generates €7.1 billion in revenue. Its flagship financial service, Orange Money, has over 90 million customers across 17 countries. In line with its sustainability goals, Orange aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and reduce CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030.
Orange Energies, a 6-year-old business, provides over 400,000 households across Africa and the Middle East with solar energy solutions. These solutions offer reliable, affordable power for daily needs, promoting sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Through its pay-as-you-go model, customers can access solar equipment and control energy costs via mobile payments, fostering economic development and improving quality of life in underserved regions. Orange's energy transition includes solarizing over 10,000 sites, reducing diesel use, and enhancing energy efficiency across its network.
About the Sustainability Project of the Year Award
The Sustainability Project of the Year Award celebrates the remarkable achievements of individuals or organizations leading the way in the development and integration of sustainable energy solutions. This prestigious accolade recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, innovation, and impact in advancing sustainability, addressing environmental challenges, and promoting the responsible use of resources.
In a world increasingly aware of the need for sustainable practices, this award highlights the pivotal role of sustainability projects in fostering environmental stewardship, mitigating climate change, and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations. It honors those who have developed and implemented groundbreaking solutions that not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance social and economic well-being.
Award Criteria
Innovation & Creativity
The sustainability project must showcase exceptional innovation and creativity in developing and applying sustainable energy solutions that address key environmental challenges.
Environmental Impact
The project should have a significant and measurable positive impact on the environment, such as reducing carbon emissions, conserving natural resources, or enhancing biodiversity.
Social and Economic Benefits
The project should demonstrate how it contributes to social and economic well-being, improving quality of life, creating jobs, and fostering community development.
2023 Award Winner
Winner: Resilient Network, Intelligent Operation: South Africa MTN & Huawei Green Site Innovation
To solve South Africa’s intensified load shedding crisis, South Africa MTN is closely cooperating with Huawei to launch resilient and intelligent green site power solutions. For example, the innovation includes anti-theft reconstruction and smart power, which greatly adapt to power outages and weak power grids to ensure more than 99% PAV. Moreover, Huawei’s cutting-edge OSS, NetEco is added to provide continuous optimization in conjunction with AI-based green solar access to reduce carbon emissions and save electricity. Through in-depth collaboration, resilient network requirements are met for best user experience and simultaneously empowers MTN to build green & simplified sites.