In an era where electronic waste threatens our planet's future, Vodacom is transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for meaningful change. As part of our strategic commitment to Protecting the Planet, we're not just managing waste – we're reimagining how the tech industry can drive sustainability across Africa.
Closing the Loop on Electronic Waste
Through their partnership with Circular Energy, a DFFE-registered Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), Vodacom South Africa is revolutionising how electronic waste is handled. Instead of allowing devices to fill landfills, Vodacom is diverting increasing volumes into recovery and recycling programmes. From batteries to packaging, every component is managed with environmental responsibility at its core.
The RedLovesGreen programme takes this further. With 37 repair centres nationwide, customers can return devices for evaluation to determine whether it can be repaired, refurbished, resold, donated, or if it should be responsibly recycled, ensuring nothing goes to waste. There are e-waste bins at select Vodacom stores and alternatively customers can arrange for a free home collection via Circular Energy's website.
Building Tomorrow's Green Workforce
Accompanying these recycling efforts is Vodacom's E-Waste Management Learnership programme, which creates pathways for young, unemployed South Africans to enter the growing conservation sector. This 12-month initiative combines accredited training with hands-on mentorship, offering participants both technical skills and monthly stipends while they learn from industry leaders.
The repurposed devices from these recycling programmes are in turn distributed to schools and communities in need of such resources.
Regional Leadership in Action
Across Africa, our commitment translates into tangible results. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Vodacom hosts an annual Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) conference, bringing together government representatives, industry specialists, and civil society to explore innovative waste management solutions.
Safaricom has made remarkable progress, recycling nearly 2,000 tonnes of e-waste through customer drop-off programmes at retail locations while eliminating single-use plastics and promoting eSIMs.
In Egypt, the e-TADWEER digital platform – launched in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and UNDP – has recycled over 70 tonnes of e-waste since 2021, proving that technology can solve technology's environmental challenges.
How Things Come Full Circle
Every device recycled, every young person trained, and every partnership formed contributes to a circular economy where waste becomes a resource and challenges become opportunities.
Through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, Vodacom is setting new standards for environmental leadership in telecommunications. We're not just connecting people to technology – we're connecting communities to a sustainable future.
