VODACOM TANZANIA CUTS EMISSIONS BY 24% AS RENEWABLE ENERGY REACHES 57%

Vodacom Tanzania Plc Network Director, Andrew Lupembe, speaks to journalists during the launch of the 2026 ESG Report.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; September 11, 2026 — Vodacom Tanzania has reported significant progress in its environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, with the company achieving a 24% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 market-based greenhouse gas emissions during the financial year ended March 31, 2026.

According to the company’s FY2026 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Snapshot, total Scope 1 and 2 market-based emissions declined to 18,445.5 tonnes of CO₂e, from 24,285.6 tonnes in FY2025.

The reduction was largely driven by lower diesel generator usage following improvements in electricity availability and grid connectivity, alongside energy-efficiency gains from the modernisation of the company’s radio network.

DIESEL CONSUMPTION FALLS BY 24%

Vodacom Tanzania’s diesel consumption fell by 24%, from 8.6 million litres in FY2025 to 6.6 million litres in FY2026.

The company said improved national power availability, together with efforts to connect off-grid network sites to the national grid, played an important role in reducing dependence on diesel generators.

During FY2026, 169 off-grid sites were connected to the national electricity grid. At the Kwale data centre, for example, a power upgrade from 11kVA to 33kVA reduced generator operating time from 18 hours a day to just two hours, resulting in an 88% reduction in diesel consumption at the facility.

RENEWABLE ENERGY NOW ACCOUNTS FOR 57%

Vodacom Tanzania said 57% of its total energy consumption came from renewable sources during FY2026.

The company maintained its target of matching 100% of purchased grid electricity with electricity from renewable sources, supported by renewable energy purchases, solar generation and power purchase agreements. As a result, its Scope 2 market-based greenhouse gas emissions were reduced to zero.

Vodacom also invested TZS 3.53 billion in energy-efficiency initiatives, generating 18,340 MWh in energy savings, compared with 2,861 MWh in FY2025.

CONNECTIVITY AND DIGITAL INCLUSION

Beyond its environmental performance, Vodacom Tanzania continued to expand digital connectivity and financial inclusion.

The company’s network reached 27.7 million customers, while it launched Tanzania’s first 5G network, supporting the country’s growing digital economy and enabling new applications across homes, businesses and public spaces.

The report also highlights the role of digital services in expanding financial inclusion. M-Koba, Vodacom’s digital savings-group solution, reached 299,420 active groups, with total savings increasing by 81% during the year.

Meanwhile, Vodacom Tanzania Foundation, in partnership with the Tanzania Institute of Education, zero-rated its teacher development platform, enabling 121,832 teachers to access professional development resources without incurring data costs.

80,000 TREES PLANTED ON MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Environmental conservation also remained a key component of Vodacom Tanzania’s sustainability agenda.

During FY2026, the company supported the planting of 80,000 indigenous trees in Kahe 2 Forest on Mount Kilimanjaro under the Kilimanjaro Ecosystem Restoration Initiative.

The initiative is aimed at supporting biodiversity restoration, protecting critical water catchments and strengthening long-term climate resilience.

CONNECTING FOR A BETTER FUTURE

Vodacom Tanzania’s FY2026 ESG performance highlights how investment in connectivity, digital inclusion and environmental sustainability can move hand in hand.

From reducing diesel dependence and increasing the share of renewable energy to expanding 5G, digitising savings groups, supporting teachers and restoring ecosystems, the company says its sustainability strategy remains anchored on its purpose of “connecting for a better future.”

As Tanzania continues its digital and economic transformation, Vodacom’s latest ESG results demonstrate the growing role of technology companies in contributing not only to connectivity and economic opportunity, but also to the country’s broader sustainability ambitions.

For the full Vodacom Tanzania FY2026 ESG Snapshot, READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

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