Commerce

Siemon's 2024 ESG report: Sustainability in focus

John Siemon, chief technology officer at Siemon. (Image source: Siemon)

Siemon, a leading provider of network infrastructure solutions, has unveiled its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report

This report reaffirms Siemon’s dedication to sustainability, social responsibility, and strong governance practices, highlighting the company’s role as a pioneer in ESG efforts within the information communication technology sector.

Commenting on the release, John Siemon, chief technology officer, said, “Our 2024 ESG Report underscores Siemon’s commitment to driving meaningful change across all aspects of our business. Achieving the EcoVadis Gold Rating, investing in state-of-the-art tools for ESG reporting, and being recognised as a Great Place to Work for the second consecutive year reflect the strides we have made. At Siemon, sustainability and ethical business practices are embedded in our DNA. Together with our employees and partners, we are charting a course toward a more sustainable and equitable future.”

The report highlights several significant achievements from the past year, including:

2023 Gold EcoVadis Rating: Siemon received a gold rating from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 5% of companies worldwide for its ESG performance.
Advanced ESG Reporting Tools: Siemon has invested in cutting-edge tools such as 3E Exchange, Greenly, and One Click to enhance transparency, reporting accuracy, and decision-making processes.
Great Place to Work Recognition: For the second consecutive year, Siemon has been named a Great Place to Work, reflecting its outstanding workplace culture.

Building on these successes, Siemon has maintained its focus on minimizing environmental impacts through innovative product designs and sustainable packaging. The report also outlines the company’s alignment with global sustainability initiatives, such as the Responsible Business Alliance Code of Conduct, the United Nations Global Compact, and its commitment to the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) for achieving Net Zero.

John Siemon concluded, “As we celebrate these accomplishments, we recognise the importance of staying at the forefront of ESG innovation. This report reflects directly on the level of engagement and commitment from every Siemon employee and supplier to our values and code of conduct. It is through this engagement that we minimise adverse environmental impacts and foster personal and social wellness within our organisation, industries, and communities.”

World Bank funds Togo's digitalisation

A digital representation of global communication networks

This project will connect around 8,000 public institutions to broadband and provide over one million people with improved Internet access. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The World Bank has approved an initial US$100mn financing (approx. FCFA 62 billion) under the International Development Association to support Togo's efforts to leverage digital technologies for growth, job creation, and sector competitiveness

This investment is part of a broader programmatic initiative aimed at advancing digital inclusion through enhanced broadband connectivity, skill development, entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient technology adoption.

This project will connect around 8,000 public institutions to broadband and provide over one million people with improved Internet access. It also aims to encourage private sector investment to expand connectivity for households and businesses. In partnership with the International Finance Corporation, the initiative will enhance digital skills to improve employability and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, making it more attractive to institutional investors. Additionally, investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and the development of climate-informed guidelines will boost energy efficiency and support climate change adaptation.

Cina Lawson, Togolese minister of digital economy and transformation, remarked, “This initiative is a game-changer for Togo, as we connect our schools, health facilities, and public institutions to the very high-speed internet, unlocking opportunities for innovation and progress. By empowering our youth with digital skills and fostering an environment for entrepreneurship, we are laying the groundwork for a more competitive and resilient economy.”

Aligned with Togo’s development roadmap and the World Bank’s new country partnership framework, this initiative supports digital transformation as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable growth.

The World Bank resident representative for Togo, Fily Sissoko, stated, “By focusing on digital technologies, we aim to support the Government’s strategy to accelerate the country’s economic transformation, boost productivity and innovation. This will be achieved by connecting health and education facilities to Internet and helping people, especially young people and women, access educational content and develop digital skills and entrepreneurship."

Angola Cables strengthens submarine cable resilience

Rui Faria represents Angola Cables on a global advisory body to strengthen submarine cable infrastructure and boost West Africa's connectivity. (Image source: Angola Cables)

Angola Cables, a globally recognised provider of ICT, digital solutions, and network services, proudly announces the appointment of executive board member and chief commercial officer Rui Faria to the newly established International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience

This appointment places Angola Cables at the forefront of addressing a critical issue, following significant internet outages across several African nations earlier this year due to damage to undersea cables along the West African coastline. These incidents have highlighted the urgent need for robust infrastructure to support the region’s increasing reliance on digital networks for economic growth, trade, and innovation.

The International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience, formed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Agency for Digital Technologies, and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), is dedicated to improving the safety and reliability of submarine cables. These cables are essential to global and regional connectivity, enabling over 99% of international data exchange, including communication, financial transactions, cloud services, and digital economies. The 42-member advisory group comprises government officials, regulatory authorities, industry leaders, and experts in telecommunication cables.

Faria, with over three decades of experience in Africa’s subsea cable sector, was invited by the Angolan Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies, and Social Communication (MINTTICS) to contribute to this critical initiative. The government aims to diversify Angola’s economy and enhance its telecom infrastructure.

“West Africa’s recent experience with submarine cable failures has highlighted the fragility of our connectivity networks and the critical need for proactive solutions. As part of the International Advisory Body, we will work towards identifying vulnerabilities and implementing measures to ensure these vital cables remain operational and resilient. Strengthened collaboration and innovation will help mitigate disruptions and secure West Africa’s digital future,” said Faria.

Fernando Fernandes, CEO of TelCables Nigeria, a subsidiary of Angola Cables, emphasised the significance of this development for the region: “We are honoured that Rui has been selected to represent West Africa on the Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience. Submarine cables are the foundation of modern economies, and their stability is paramount for enabling global and regional growth. We believe this initiative will go a long way towards building resilience, ensuring uninterrupted worldwide connectivity, and unlocking new economic opportunities for West Africa.”

Angola Cables’ involvement in the Advisory Body underscores its commitment to protecting essential telecom infrastructure and promoting regional and national development. The company also supports scientific research into naturally occurring cable failures, including groundbreaking studies by the Department of Geography and Earth Science at Durham University, focusing on the Congo River Canyon Crossing in West Africa.

“Consultation, cooperation, and collaboration between countries and all technical and scientific stakeholders will ensure that we can implement better measures to safeguard submarine cable infrastructure and the integrity of the undersea data corridors, the lifeblood of our global, digital-enabled economy. On a regional front, they will enable West Africa to remain connected, competitive, and positioned for sustained digital and economic growth,” concluded Faria.

Safaricom expands network to Gambella

Safaricom Ethiopia brings 4G connectivity to Gambella City, boosting education, infrastructure, and investment potential in the region. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC has officially launched its network in Gambella City and surrounding areas, marking a major milestone in its mission to provide fast 4G data connectivity across Ethiopia

Safaricom Ethiopia’s CEO, Wim Vanhelleputte, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the country, expressing excitement about welcoming Gambella into the 07 Family.

Alemitu Oumud, president of the Gambella Region, underscored the transformative effects of enhanced infrastructure on the region’s social and economic progress.

“We commend Safaricom Ethiopia for its role in creating jobs, enhancing connectivity, and positioning Gambella as an attractive destination for investment,” remarked Oumud.

As part of its dedication to fostering digital education, the company donated 20 laptops and 4 routers with six months of free internet to two high schools in Gambella City. This initiative aims to promote digital literacy and broaden educational opportunities for the region’s youth.

Transforming small businesses through digital tools

Female traders check smartphone at vegetable stall.

Mastercard, MTN, and Arifu collaborate to digitise small businesses in Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda, boosting their growth and resilience through MoMo Coach. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth has partnered with MTN Group Fintech and Arifu to support approximately one million small businesses in Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda

This collaboration aims to digitise operations, promote the use of digital financial services, and enable access to digital marketplaces through the MoMo Coach chatbot. As part of Mastercard Strive’s global initiative, the program focuses on equipping small businesses with critical digital skills to bolster their resilience and growth. It also provides chatbot-ready business-building content, which is now accessible in Kenya and Nigeria.

Small businesses in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly those affected by the pandemic, face substantial hurdles in adopting digital tools. By December 2022, only 27.65% of businesses in the region had adopted such tools to improve efficiency, up from 19.44% in August 2020. A lack of necessary skills remains a key challenge, hindering growth and access to financial services. MoMo Coach addresses these issues by offering free, easy-to-access upskilling content through popular messaging platforms.

Empowering digital entrepreneurs

With support from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and delivered by Caribou Digital, the program enables small businesses to embrace digital tools, secure funding, and effectively engage in digital marketplaces. It aligns with Mastercard Strive’s broader vision of empowering 18 million small businesses globally to transition to digital, gain access to capital, and build valuable networks.

“Small businesses are vital to Africa’s growth and create opportunities for a more resilient and inclusive regional economy. We are delighted to catalyze a partnership between MTN Group Fintech and Arifu to equip almost one million small business owners with the digital skills and knowledge essential for thriving in an increasingly digital economy, setting them up for success,” remarked Subhashini Chandran, senior vice-president of social impact for Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.

The MoMo Coach, powered by Arifu’s Grasp Platform, uses mobile messaging to deliver micro-learning experiences. It is accessible via various platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, SMS, and MoMo, offering entrepreneurs flexibility to access actionable tips for unlocking growth in the digital economy.

Serigne Dioum, CEO of MTN Group Fintech, stated, “Empowering small businesses with digital skills is key to driving inclusive growth in Africa. Through MoMo Coach, we are unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital economy, strengthening communities, and shaping the future of business across the continent.”

In Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda, the program has reached over 930,000 MTN customers, merchants, and agents. More than 75,000 small business owners have accessed free digital courses, with over 45,000 actively using MoMo Coach. Course topics include “How to Start Your Business,” “Money Management,” and “Grow and Secure Your Business,” addressing challenges such as affordability and access to relevant business knowledge, helping entrepreneurs navigate the digital landscape.