MTN Ghana unveils biodegradable SIM cards in major sustainability milestone

GHANA – MTN Ghana has taken a significant step toward reducing electronic waste with the launch of its first biodegradable SIM cards, introduced during the opening of the company’s 2025 Sustainability Week in Accra.

The innovation marks a major advancement in MTN’s broader environmental strategy, which aims to integrate eco-friendly technologies across its operations.

According to Patrick Afari, General Manager for Supply Chain Management and General Services, the new SIM cards are engineered from forest-certified biodegradable materials that break down safely in the environment.

Even the metal components have been redesigned to degrade without releasing harmful substances.

“In terms of performance, there is no difference,” Afari assured. “The biodegradable SIM delivers the same quality, reliability and user experience that our customers expect, but with a reduced environmental footprint.”

Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Adwoa Wiafe, described the launch as a defining moment in MTN Ghana’s sustainability journey.

“We are proud to have reached this milestone,” she said. “This reflects our dedication to protecting the environment, leading responsibly, and ensuring MTN continues to set the standard for sustainable innovation.”

Reinforcing the company’s green agenda, MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett highlighted ongoing efforts to cut emissions, particularly through the company’s shift to electric mobility under the Project Zero initiative.

In the past year, MTN has deployed two electric vehicles, ten e-bikes, and installed its first charging station at its head office. “MTN remains steadfast in our commitment to reducing carbon emissions across our operations,” he noted.

The introduction of biodegradable SIM cards is part of MTN Ghana’s wider sustainability strategy, which includes reducing electronic waste, phasing out single-use plastics, promoting recycling, and embedding circular economy practices.

The initiative also aligns with MTN’s broader ESG ambitions, which include advancing digital inclusion and empowering communities.

The move places MTN Ghana among a growing number of telecom operators adopting greener alternatives for SIM card production.

In a similar development, Bahrain’s Batelco became the first telecom provider in the country to roll out Eco-SIMs made entirely from recycled plastic.

Manufactured from recycled polystyrene, sourced from discarded household appliances, the cards can be recycled again after use, promoting a circular model that reduces reliance on virgin plastic.

“Eco-SIMs are a critical step forward,” said Batelco General Manager Aseel Mattar, noting that while eSIM usage is rising, physical SIMs remain the dominant option for many users.

As telecom companies worldwide work to reduce their environmental footprint, biodegradable and recycled SIM cards are emerging as a practical and immediate pathway toward greener networks and more sustainable consumer technologies.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE