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 American Tower Corporation (ATC) Africa Decreases Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity Per Tower by 21%

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American Tower Corporation

American Tower has invested more than $350 million in energy reduction initiatives in Africa since 2018

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 10, 2023/APO Group/ — 

American Tower Corporation (NYSE: AMT) (www.AmericanTower.com) released its 2022 sustainability report, which outlines the Company’s sustainability strategy and provides a comprehensive overview of the progress made across the three pillars of its program—Environment, Social and Governance. 

In 2022, American Tower demonstrated its commitment and progress by decreasing direct emissions by 11.0%. In Africa, the GHG emissions intensity per tower decreased by 21% against our 2019 baseline, in large part due to our increased deployment of on-site solar power. Renewable energy source hours, or the number of hours the site energy load utilized on-site solar, have nearly doubled since 2019. Consequently, the hour run time for power sourced by diesel generators has been reduced by approximately half.

Through an approximately $300 million investment in GHG emissions and energy reduction initiatives in Africa since 2018, we estimate that on-site diesel consumption has decreased by nearly 43.5 million liters annually when compared to business-as-usual operations, which equates to roughly 117,000 MTCO2e (Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) avoided.

Marek Busfy, American Tower Africa CEO pointed out that “As a global leader in digital infrastructure, we are very much commited to reducing the GHG emissions associated with our business.  Our efforts as geared to make an impact in our continent and allow us to demonstrate our reduction progress, regardless of our significant organic growth, particularly here, where connectivity is increasingly vital but power availability and reliability are recurrently uncertain”.

To drive strategy and facilitate measurable progress, American Tower adopted science based GHG emissions reduction goals, approved by the SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative), and with this effort, the company seeks to reduce its absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 40% by 2035 against a 2019 baseline.

Decarbonizing Telecommunications in Africa Through Green Sites in 2022,

American Tower announced a transformational partnership with Airtel in Africa, which will allow both companies to advance mutual GHG emissions reduction commitments through the establishment of the Green Sites program.

Per this agreement, all newly developed sites for Airtel will meet American Tower’s Green Site specifications, which require the site to generate less than four MTCO2e per year. This will equate to an approximate 95% reduction in emissions relative to an off-grid site with a similar energy load.

To achieve this reduction, sites in the Green Sites program have a much higher solar panel count coupled with LIBs. The partnership also includes a commitment to collaborate and convert existing communications sites to meet American Tower’s Green Site specifications over time.

“As we expand digital reach on the African continent, we remain committed to reducing GHG emissions in tandem with our growth. Over the past several years, American Tower has made forward-thinking investments to ensure we achieve tangible reductions in our on-site fossil fuel consumption in Africa.” – Pieter Van Der Westhuizen, American Tower Chief Technology Officer in Africa.

Africa pilots a global energy efficiency program

In 2021, 80 sites in Africa piloted a cloud based Energy Management Systems (EMS) program. Given the success of that program, in 2022, other markets began using the software.

American Tower Africa CEO, Marek Busfy stated that “Improving energy efficiency at our sites is part of what we want to accomplish in Africa and it is critical to achieving our Science Based Targets”.

American Tower, use EMSs to better monitor and manage its energy consumption, facilitating improvements in energy efficiency. These systems consist of computer-aided tools, such as remote monitoring, and allow the company to regularly review energy consumption, identify inefficiencies and quickly remediate issues as they arise.

American Tower strategically implement and operate EMSs in several markets with the highest energy use—U.S., Spain, India and across Africa—which represent approximately 99% of its total operational energy usage.

Improvement in energy management can be seen through the pilot program in Africa, which leverages artificial intelligence (AI). The cloud-based EMS uses predictive analytics and AI to identify abnormal events, such as solar degradation due to dirty solar modules, and optimizes solar panel angles to improve energy generation. At one site, after the implementation of the cloud-based EMS, the diesel generator run time was reduced by nearly 40%.

Every company manager must understand that ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss are two of the most critical challenges facing the world today

Africa biodiesel plans for 2023

American Tower Africa plans to substitute 30% of its diesel fuel with biodiesel in 2023. In 2022, the company´s energy team completed a successful proof of concept, which delivered an approximately 16% reduction in GHG emissions when compared to traditional diesel.

Using biodiesel, instead of traditional diesel fuel, can reduce our GHG emissions in the short term, while the company continues to invest in ways to implement renewable energy solutions at sites that depend on reliable backup power.

Busfy affirmed that “American Tower recognizes the importance of managing natural resources efficiently. Every company manager must understand that ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss are two of the most critical challenges facing the world today. We have to make a positive impact in the communities where we operate”.

As of 2022, over 45% of sites in American Tower portfolio— more than 100,000 sites—have achieved ISO 14001 certification, and the company is working to increase this, with additional markets in Africa and Latin America pursuing certification by 2025.

Waste Management

American Tower also focuses on limiting waste generation and diverting unavoidable waste from landfills throughout each phase of its communications sites’ lifecycle.

ATC Nigeria has implemented a comprehensive spill prevention and response procedure that requires spill response kits to be available in all diesel supply trucks. The team’s compliance policy also requires that, within 24 hours of an incident, the cause of the spill is evaluated and corrective actions to prevent future incidents are identified.

There is a similar process in the U.S. and other markets, which involves annual training for field personnel to ensure incidents are properly remedied and reported. In ATC Kenya, relevant employees completed a robust training program on hazardous materials classifications, associated health hazards, and proper handling and control of hazardous materials and wastes.

Digital Communities

In 2022, the Company’s disbursements and support totaled more than $3.5 million through the American Tower Foundation, our workplace giving and matching program, regional philanthropic programs, disaster-relief donations and other financial contributions.

American Tower Digital Communities (DCs) program, implemented through the Foundation, runs more than 120 DCs in Africa, helping bridge the gap to more than 500.000 beneficiaries around the globe.

In rural communities in Africa, which typically lack the infrastructure needed to support connectivity, our employees in partnership with our customers developed telecommunications networks that have achieved a nearly carbon-neutral operational footprint. These networks are designed to withstand challenging rural environments and provide consistent coverage to their communities.

Other key highlights from the 2022 report include: 

  • Achieved a 9.5% reduction in combined scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions compared to a 2019 baseline 
  • Grew on-site renewable energy capacity to over 85 megawatts at nearly 15,000 sites 
  • Opened 124 new Digital Communities which provide access to technology and digital connectivity in underserved communities, bringing the global total to 445 across 15 countries 
  • Distributed more than $3.5 million through workplace giving and matching programs, volunteer events, disaster-relief donations and financial contributions from the American Tower Foundation 
  • Joined the UNGC and adopted the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles  
  • Continued to invest in its diversity, equity and inclusion programs  

For more information on American Tower’s sustainability program and to view the Company’s 2022 Sustainability Report, please visit the “Sustainability” section of the Company’s website at https://apo-opa.info/3ZQvyMm.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of American Tower Corporation.

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Enlit Africa seeks contributions that move the conversation from strategy to execution: ensuring a Future Fit Africa

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2 days ago

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September 25, 2026

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Africa

Share your expertise with Africa’s power, energy and water community, connect with decision makers from across the value chain and contribute to the conversations shaping the continent’s next generation of infrastructure and investment

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Speaker submissions are open for Enlit Africa, created by VUKA Group (www.WeAreVuka.com), as it returns to the CTICC, Cape Town from 11–13 May 2027.

Do you have a project, lesson, strategy or innovation that Africa’s energy sector should hear about?

 




  

We invite utilities, project owners, developers, IPPs, commercial and industrial energy users, municipalities, policymakers, regulators, financiers, researchers and industry practitioners to submit abstracts sharing practical experience, case studies, research, projects and lessons from across Africa’s changing energy and water sectors.

What are we looking for?

We particularly encourage non-vendor speakers to submit contributions across:

  1. Enlit Africa Main Stage – From Strategy to Execution
    Policy, market reform, investment, leadership and the decisions required to turn Africa’s energy ambitions into implementation.
  2. Generation
    New capacity, generation technologies, energy security, operating performance and Africa’s evolving energy mix.
  3. Transmission & Distribution
    Grid expansion, modernisation, open access, system operation, cross-border interconnection, digitalisation and infrastructure investment.
  4. Municipal Forum:Municipal management, with an emphasis on electricity and water – with a strong emphasis on service delivery.
  5. Power Hub:Technical advancements in power generation, transmission, distribution and more. Technical presentations encouraged.
  6. Water Hub:Technical insights into water management and solutions.
  7. Water Security Hub: Strategy, finance, management and technology application for water security.
  8. Project & Investment Hub: Project developments, country roundtables, project briefings, finance, and innovative financing models (including M300).
  9. Renewable Energy & Storage:Covering both technical and strategic applications of renewables and storage.

What makes a strong submission?

We want to hear about what is happening on the ground.

Tell us about:

  • A project being implemented or developed
  • A challenge your organisation has solved – or is still trying to solve
  • Lessons from implementation
  • New research or industry findings
  • Innovative financing or commercial models
  • Technologies being deployed in real operating environments
  • Policy or regulatory changes and what they mean in practice
  • Approaches that could be replicated elsewhere in Africa

Preference will be given to submissions that provide practical insights, measurable outcomes and lessons that the wider industry can apply.

Why present at Enlit Africa?

Africa does not need another conversation about what should happen. Help us explore how we make it happen and how we ensure Africa is future fit.

Share your expertise with Africa’s power, energy and water community, connect with decision makers from across the value chain and contribute to the conversations shaping the continent’s next generation of infrastructure and investment.

Submission details

Abstract length: 300–500 words
Submission deadline: 29 January 2027
Speaker feedback: 7 December 2026 – 5 February 2027

Visit the Enlit Africa website to submit your speaker abstract: https://apo-opa.co/4d2TTq2

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




 

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CEM Africa Awards 2026 set to recognise Africa’s leading Customer Experience (CX) talent and innovation

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2 days ago

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September 25, 2026

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CEM Africa Awards

The 2025 awards attracted more than 80 entries and 31 finalists, culminating in eight award winners

The calibre of organisations and individuals recognised through the CEM Africa Awards demonstrates just how much extraordinary CX work is being done across the continent

 




 
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Customer experience professionals, teams and organisations across Africa have just days remaining to enter the 2026 CEM Africa Awards, with free applications closing on 30 September 2026.

 

Taking place on 10 November 2026 at the NH Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, the Customer Experience Africa Awards form part of the CEM Africa platform and recognise the individuals, teams, technologies and initiatives raising the standard of customer experience across the continent.

For organisations considering whether to enter, the company they could be keeping provides a compelling indication of the calibre of the awards.

A growing roll call of African CX leaders

The 2025 awards attracted more than 80 entries and 31 finalists, culminating in eight award winners. Finalists represented organisations spanning financial services, technology, telecommunications, retail, insurance, public services and social impact.

Among them were Absa, Capitec Bank, Santam, Telesure Investment Holdings, Equity Bank, Takealot.com, NTT DATA, Frogfoot, Telviva, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, the University of Pretoria and South Africa’s Department of Social Development.

The 2025 winners included Serisha Iyer of Absa Corporate and Investment Banking, named Rising Star in CX; Alma Angela Olela of Jubilee Health Insurance, named CX Leader of the Year; and Franco Cotumaccio of Shadow Global, winner of Breaking Barriers in CX.

Corporate winners included Telesure Investment Holdings for Best Overall CX Solution, Krisp for Best Use of AI, Telviva for Best Enterprise Contact Centre Platform, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator for Best Customer Experience Team of the Year and the University of Pretoria for Best Citizen Experience Initiative.

That follows a 2024 edition in which winners included NCBA Bank, MultiChoice, Digital Solutions Group, Absa Bank and Telviva, alongside individual CX leaders from across the continent.

More than a trophy

For entrants, recognition through the CEM Africa Awards puts their work in front of a wider African CX community and an independent judging panel drawn from across the industry.

The 2026 judging panel includes global CX specialist Ian Golding; Andrew (Dré) Enebeli, Head of CX & Engagement at Access Bank; Dr Oliver Museka, President and Founder of IRDM College Eswatini; Jonathan Daniels, Managing Director of CX Centric; Joven Pillay, Partner and Head of Customer Consulting at KPMG; and Qaalfa Dibeehi, Managing Partner at Human2Outcome.

This year’s awards recognise excellence across four broad pillars – People, Innovation, Transformation and Government – covering categories including CX Leader of the Year, Rising Star in CX, Breaking Barriers in CX, Best Overall CX Solution, Best Use of AI, Best Enterprise Contact Centre Platform, Best Customer Experience Team of the Year, Best Digital Transformation in Public Services and Best Citizen Experience Initiative.

“The calibre of organisations and individuals recognised through the CEM Africa Awards demonstrates just how much extraordinary CX work is being done across the continent. These awards give that work a platform. Whether it is a major transformation programme, an innovative use of technology or an individual changing how their organisation thinks about the customer, we want to make sure Africa’s best work is being seen and recognised.”

  • Briteny Price, Event Manager and CEM Africa Awards Director

Final opportunity to enter

Applications for the 2026 CEM Africa Awards are free and remain open until 30 September 2026. Finalists will be announced in October, ahead of the awards ceremony on 10 November at the NH Hotel, Sandton.

Organisations, teams and individuals working to improve customer and citizen experience across Africa are encouraged to submit their entries before the deadline.

Apply for the CEM Africa Awards 2026 by 30 September 2026

Submit your application (https://apo-opa.co/4hdcimx)

Explore the CEM Africa Awards

Visit the CEM Africa Awards website (https://apo-opa.co/4iNXzzM)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




  

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Emirates to bring the A350 to Nairobi, introducing next-generation cabin experiences

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2 days ago

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September 25, 2026

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Emirates

The introduction of the A350 also marks the first time Emirates’ highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin will be available to customers flying to and from Kenya, complementing the airline’s enhanced Business and Economy offerings

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • From 25 October, Nairobi becomes the 32nd destination to be served by the Emirates A350
  • Latest-generation aircraft introduces Emirates’ acclaimed Premium Economy cabin to Kenya for the first time, along with enhanced Business and Economy Class cabins
  • Deployment reinforces Emirates’ continued investment in Kenya and commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience across its Africa network

 




  

Emirates (www.Emirates.com), the world’s largest international airline, will soon serve Nairobi with its newest aircraft type, the Airbus A350 (https://apo-opa.co/47hy1nv). From 25 October 2026, the A350 will operate on EK717 and EK718, bringing Emirates’ latest-generation cabin experience to customers travelling between Dubai and Nairobi. The Emirates A350 is defined by spacious, bright cabins, enhanced technology, connectivity, and the airline’s signature hospitality across all three cabins.

 

The introduction of the A350 also marks the first time Emirates’ highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin will be available to customers flying to and from Kenya, complementing the airline’s enhanced Business and Economy offerings.

 

Christophe Leloup, Emirates Country Manager in Kenya said, “The arrival of the A350 in Nairobi marks an exciting new chapter for Emirates in Kenya. We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin. Combined with our growing flight schedule, the A350 gives customers travelling on the Dubai-Nairobi route something new to discover, while building on the experience they know and love from Emirates.”

 

 

What passengers can expect from the A350

The newest aircraft type to join Emirates’ all widebody fleet, the A350 accommodates 298 passengers in three spacious cabins – Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The bright and airy cabins have been thoughtfully designed to provide more space and comfort in every cabin, whilst cutting-edge technology and enhanced entertainment options elevate every journey.

 

Making its debut in Kenya, Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin offers elevated comfort, comparable to a Business Class experience on many airlines. The cabin is spacious with leather reclining seats that feature a generous pitch, adjustable headrests and more legroom. Customers can enjoy in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table, a 13.3-inch TV screen, a generously sized pillow and blanket, complimentary amenity kits on select flights – including the Dubai-Nairobi route – and a globally exclusive sparkling wine, Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.

We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin

 

Business Class is configured in a 1-2-1 layout ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access and a spacious, private environment for both work and relaxation. The fully lie-flat seat is wrapped in soft cream leather and features a personal minibar and wireless charging for comfort and convenience. At the back of the cabin is a snack display area allowing passengers to help themselves to refreshments throughout the flight.

 

Economy Class features an all new, airy colour palette of sky blue, bronze and cream, complemented by lighter-toned wood finishings. Each seat features the airline’s upgraded ice inflight entertainment system on a 13.3inch 4K adjustable touchscreen, while generous seat pitch and leather headrests provide support, comfort and extra legroom.

 

 

Continuing to raise the bar in Kenya

The deployment of the A350 follows a series of enhancements to the Emirates customer proposition in Kenya, including the introduction of the third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi in July. With 21 flights per week, customers have greater flexibility and connections between Kenya and key markets across Europe and the US, via Dubai.

 

Nairobi is also home to Africa’s first Emirates World (https://apo-opa.co/4yeI34C) store, which opened in 2024, offering customers a more immersive way to discover Emirates’ products, while offering more convenience and personalised service.

 

Earlier this year, Emirates introduced further flexibility for customers in Kenya through a partnership with Cellulant, launching a split-payment solution (https://apo-opa.co/4xLYG6R) that allows travellers to combine multiple payment methods across 24-hour instalments when purchasing airfares.

Tickets can be booked now on Emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents as well as Emirates World Store (https://apo-opa.co/46Kglkc) in Nairobi. Emirates continues to offer flexible booking policies for added peace of mind while travelling. Every ticket booked after 10th August 2026 comes with free unlimited dates changes to Dubai and one complimentary date change to anywhere else in the world, in addition to significantly reduced refund fees across all cabins and fare types, allowing passengers to adjust their travel plans with minimal penalties.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

 




 

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