Airtel Ghana globally adjudged ‘Best Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative’

Airtel Ghana’s transformational CSR programme has been globally adjudged ‘Best Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative’ at the 2016 Global Carrier Awards held in Paris, France on Tuesday 08 November, making the Changemaker Company one of three African operators to be recognised at the prestigious Awards.

The Global Carrier Awards, now in its 12th year, recognises Telecom operators and Carriers who have distinguished themselves across 45 categories and have demonstrated outstanding performance from a growth, innovation and excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility perspective.

The prestigious Awards, organised by Capacity Media, a division of Euromoney Global which focuses on the wholesale telecommunications market and carrier-to-carrier business, has re-affirmed Airtel Ghana’s CSR programme as the best across telecom operators globally only a month after the company was adjudged the best across the African continent.

The Award recognises Airtel Ghana’s exceptional and far-reaching efforts to integrate sustainable corporate social responsibility initiatives which spans education, health, sports and community development into its business operations.

Airtel was also finalists for Best Data Service Innovation – Emerging Markets for its superior data products and leadership in data and digital innovation.

Airtel has been a clear leader in the telecom industry in Ghana with its life transforming CSR initiatives such as the award winning Airtel Touching Lives which provides the platform to celebrate, empower and inspire individuals to make a marked difference in their communities. Through the Changemaker Company’s School Adoption programme, school infrastructure including classroom blocks, fully stocked libraries and ICT centers have been built in many communities across the country – expanding both access and quality of education. The company has also invested in building capacity of teachers and provided teaching and learning materials to boost education in the country as a whole.

Quite recently, through the Evolve with STEM initiative, championed by its CEO, Lucy Quist, the company inspires belief and focuses on transforming the mindset of young people towards Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Through this initiative, more than 2,000 pupils across 4 regions have been impacted and many organisations and individuals have been inspired to initiate their own projects to promote STEM in Ghanaian schools.

Speaking on this latest recognition, CEO, Lucy Quist, said “this is an exceptional award that means a lot to us at Airtel. To be adjudged as the best in class in CSR at the global level, in such a competitive and prestigious Award is undoubtedly a remarkable achievement. This recognition is a reflection on the amazing work the CSR, Corporate Affairs and everyone at Airtel put in every day to make our company a true force for good. We are very proud of this momentous achievement and it will inspire us to continue enriching lives and empowering our communities.

Our gratitude goes to the team at Capacity Media and the judges who selected our CSR programme as the best globally”.

Airtel’s Director for Legal and Corporate Affairs commented “This extraordinary recognition coming just a month after our CSR programme was adjudged the best across Africa is truly remarkable. It is an affirmation of our commitment to driving sustainable, inclusive and innovative initiatives. At Airtel, we believe that Corporate Social Responsibility is core to our operations that is why we continue to invest in initiatives that drive the most impact in our communities. Our employees are the drivers of our CSR agenda and this recognition should make each and every one of them truly proud to be involved in making our communities thrive and improving education in the country”.

Speaking at the awards, Rosalind Irving, CEO of Capacity Media said “Congratulations to all the esteemed nominees and to the very worthy winners of our 12th Global Carrier Awards. As the market rapidly changes to keep up with innovation, it was great to take the time to celebrate the exciting companies, projects and partnerships in today’s dynamic wholesale carrier industry. A special thank you also to our sponsors for their continued support”.

Airtel Ghana has been won multiple awards for its leadership in driving sustainable corporate social responsibility initiatives including “Best CSR Initiative” at the Africa Carrier Awards 2016, IPR Best community relations programme for three consecutive years, Bharti Changemaker award (gold) for two consecutive years and best CSR Company in Education at the 2015 Ghana CSR Excellence Awards.