Environmental responsibility is integral to our business – and central to our strategic pillar of Protecting the planet. As the urgency of global waste management accelerates, we are stepping decisively into a leadership role, aligning our purpose with innovative and impactful actions across Vodacom Group.

Laying the foundation for a cleaner planet

The E-Waste Management Learnership, a 12-month programme targeted at young unemployed South Africans, combines accredited training, a monthly stipend and direct mentorship within the e-waste sector.

In partnering with seasoned e-waste management industry leaders, the programme aims to cultivate valuable technical and soft skills that will prepare participants for careers in conservation. The programme is a testament to our ongoing mission to empower communities while protecting the planet for generations to come.

Circular Energy partnership: responsible e-waste solutions

Managing electronic waste responsibly is part of how we do business. In November 2024, Vodacom South Africa strengthened its commitment to sustainability by partnering with Circular Energy to divert increasing volumes of e-waste from landfills into recovery and recycling programmes.

Takalani Netshitenzhe
Director: External and Regulatory Affairs at Vodacom South Africa and Chairperson of Vodacom Foundation

“E-waste is our business’s second most material environmental issue, and encouraging circularity is key to our purpose, which includes empowering people while protecting the planet.”

Through Circular Energy’s takeback scheme, Vodacom ensures that not only e-waste but also batteries, lighting and packaging are managed in an environmentally sound manner, prioritising recycling and the safe recovery of materials at every step.

RedLovesGreen: fostering circularity, extending lifecycles

The RedLovesGreen programme is at the centre of our sustainable device management in South Africa. Customers are encouraged to return their devices to any of the 37 repair centres countrywide, where each device is dynamically evaluated for repair, refurbishment, resale, donation or responsible recycling.

Our Good as New offering allows consumers to purchase certified, pre-owned smartphones, extending device lifecycles and reducing electronic waste. Longer contract options and attractive trade-in schemes create further incentives to support sustainability.

Vodacom’s work with the Vodafone and WWF One Million Phones for the Planet campaign expands this mission. By driving awareness and incentivising device return, recycling and donation, we support a global movement for waste reduction and digital inclusion.

Heroic efforts by our heroes of zero waste

Vodacom DRC, with partners from the environmental sector, the Congolese government and the UN Global Compact, launched the annual conference dedicated to the Management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, highlighting our commitment to promoting sustainable solutions.

The WEEE conference is a response to the pressing challenges posed by this type of waste on modern societies. By bringing together industry specialists, government representatives and civil society stakeholders, the event aims to explore innovative solutions while educating the public on WEEE management.

Read more about Vodacom DRC’s heroes of zero waste here.

Regional impact: collaborating for environmental change

Our approach is part of a larger Vodafone Group effort to create meaningful environmental impact in every region. Safaricom has partnered with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Centre and the National Environment Management Authority to facilitate customer e-waste drop-off at all retail locations. To date, nearly 2 000 tonnes of e-waste has been recycled, with strong progress also made in eliminating single-use plastics and promoting eSIMs.

In Egypt, Vodafone partnered with the Ministry of Environment, the United Nations Development Programme and local industry to launch the e-TADWEER digital platform, which encourages citizens to recycle old electronic devices safely through awareness campaigns and incentives. Since its launch in April 2021, e-TADWEER has recycled more than 70 tonnes of e-waste.

Marking environmental milestones

Every year, we express our environmental commitment through action on dates of global significance. On World Environment Day 2023, Vodacom Lesotho brought internal processes under the spotlight with a No-Paper Day, communications campaigns and a collaborative clean-up in Maseru. Egypt’s team drove Eco-SIM adoption and awareness – efforts that were recognised with the Earth Guards Award from the Ministry of Social Solidarity.

Marking environmental milestones

Protecting the planet is a responsibility we embrace, transforming waste, shifting mindsets, and enabling practical change across operations and communities. Through ongoing collaboration, innovation and unwavering focus, we continue to move the needle on environmental sustainability, setting a clear example for our industry and beyond.

Click here to read our latest Environmental, Social and Governance Report, which details our commitment to supporting an inclusive, sustainable and trusted digital society where individuals and businesses can thrive.