Zain Group has been awarded an ‘A’ score in the CDP Climate Change 2025 disclosure cycle, making it the only telecom operator in its region to achieve this leadership level. The recognition places Zain among the top 12% of telecommunications companies globally that participated in the disclosure process.
CDP is a non-profit organization that helps entities measure and disclose environmental data. Its scoring system recognizes transparency and credible action toward climate objectives. The average scores for Telecom and Data Centers are ‘B’, while the global average stands at ‘C’. Only 30 out of 252 telecommunications services companies worldwide received an ‘A’ score this year, with Zain being the sole company from Kuwait to do so.
“This ‘A’ leadership-level score reflects Zain’s strengthened commitment to environmental accountability and climate action, supported by comprehensive governance structures, enhanced risk management, and clearly defined decarbonization initiatives aligned with global standards,” stated Zain Group.
Bader Al-Kharafi, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of Zain, said: “Addressing climate change should be a key priority for every organization and everyone living on this planet.Zain’s acts with the belief that sustainable growth and climate leadership must go hand in hand.”
He continued: “As we continue to scale our digital infrastructure across the region in driving meaningful connectivity, we are equally committed to accelerate our transition and reduce emissions throughout our operations to achieve Net Zero by 2050. We firmly believe this commitment will create value to all our stakeholders.”
Jennifer Suleiman, Chief Sustainability Officer & Mohammed AlMurshed, Chief Technology Officer at Zain Group added: “Achieving an ‘A’ score from CDP is a testament to the rigor, transparency, and action embedded in our climate governance and operational execution. This recognition reinforces our commitment to SBTi-aligned targets, renewable energy expansion, and comprehensive climate-risk management across our value chain. We remain focused on pursuing transformational digital innovations and delivering measurable emissions reductions while strengthening resilience and long-term value across all our markets.”
Zain operates in several Middle Eastern and African countries where environmental risks such as rising temperatures, water scarcity, flooding, and unstable energy infrastructure are increasing. The company says it has prioritized resilience measures for its networks as well as decarbonization efforts.
The growing demand for data services along with network expansions—including deployment of technologies like 5G—has increased energy consumption within telecoms. According to Zain Group’s statement, addressing these challenges requires balancing growth with decarbonization strategies integrated into business planning.
Over recent years Zain has implemented various initiatives:
– In 2020 it improved network efficiency by reducing CO₂ emissions per terabyte of data traffic by 10%, deployed over 1,000 solar-powered base stations in Jordan, Sudan, South Sudan; achieved notable energy savings.
– In 2021 it was upgraded to an A- rating by CDP Climate Change; set near-term targets aligned with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) pathways.
– In subsequent years it expanded solar hybrid systems across hundreds of sites in multiple countries; launched frameworks for compliance; migrated more sites toward renewable power sources.
– By 2024 investments exceeded $4 million USD in solar solutions leading to reduced diesel fuel use (down approximately 7.5% year-on-year) alongside operating expenditure savings through efficient technologies.
– In Kuwait during 2025 Zain joined the Kuwait Green Building Council (KGBC), furthering its support for low-carbon economic transitions.
The company also launched a Climate Transition Plan outlining steps toward achieving net zero emissions by mid-century.
