Swedish networking and telecom giant Ericsson will be showcasing its energy-efficient 5G solutions at MWC Barcelona, 2025, as it remains committed to its net-zero targets. Speaking to Economy Middle East, Fida Kibbi, head of Marketing, Communications, Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, highlights the importance of regional initiatives and partnerships in helping the ICT industry get on track to meet its sustainability targets. She also outlines initiatives at Ericsson to encourage more women to pursue careers in the field.
Edited excerpts:
What are Ericsson’s key announcements and innovations at MWC this year? And how is Ericsson leveraging MWC to showcase its leadership in 5G and other emerging technologies?
At MWC 2025, we are excited to showcase how AI, automation, and cloud-driven technologies are transforming networks to be more intelligent, efficient, and open. Our latest advancements in programmable networks, energy-efficient 5G solutions, and enterprise connectivity will be on display, demonstrating how we continue to push the boundaries of innovation. As the industry evolves, we remain focused on delivering high-performing, sustainable networks that empower businesses and operators worldwide.
Read: Ericsson’s vision of a smarter, more connected world
Can you share some of Ericsson’s latest technological advancements aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the ICT sector?
At Ericsson, sustainability is one of the main factors that guides our designs. Our latest innovations are geared to use less power and produce a smaller carbon footprint. For example, our flagship AIR 3266 Massive MIMO radio cuts energy use by 30 percent and halves its embodied carbon, all without sacrificing performance. Our ‘breaking the energy curve’ approach drives innovation across all areas – from our radios and silicon to our software optimizations. This helps us meet growing 5G demand with best-in-class energy efficiency.
How is Ericsson working with telecom operators in the Middle East and Africa to build energy-efficient networks?
In key markets like the UAE, we’ve partnered with operators such as du to implement energy-efficient Massive MIMO solutions that have, in some cases, reduced network energy consumption by up to 50 percent. We have also established MoUs with leading regional players like Zain and Batelco to jointly develop and deploy sustainable network technologies. These collaborations involve tailored solutions that not only enhance network performance but also actively contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of telecom infrastructure.
Our regional initiatives emphasize deploying advanced hardware with integrated energy-saving features, complemented by intelligent network management systems. We also support responsible recycling programs for retired equipment, fostering circular economies that benefits both the operators and the environment.
Read: Fida Kibbi on Ericsson’s commitment to delivering the network of the future
Why is sustainability becoming a key focus in the ICT industry? And how can ICT companies balance technological growth with environmental responsibility?
In our view, sustainability is a necessity, a moral responsibility. ICT solutions may only account for 1.4 percent of the global carbon footprint but hold the potential to reduce global industrial emissions by up to 15 percent. As data traffic and network demands soar, it is crucial that we balance technological growth with environmental responsibility by designing solutions that are high-performing and energy-efficient. At Ericsson, we prioritize innovations that deliver superior performance while ensuring low energy consumption. Our investments in AI-driven network optimization, advanced cooling techniques and sustainable materials are prime examples of this balance. By aligning our growth strategies with net-zero targets, we ensure that every new deployment supports environmental objectives alongside technological advancement.
Can you elaborate on Ericsson’s sustainability strategy and its core focus areas?
Our strategy centers on creating energy-efficient network solutions that use intelligent energy management to keep power consumption in check, even as network loads increase – or as we say, ‘break the energy curve’. This approach has become a core pillar of our product development and operational practices. We remain committed to achieving net-zero emissions with our own activities by 2030 and across our entire value chain by 2040. This involves not only reducing the operational carbon footprint of our networks but also ensuring that every piece of hardware we develop contributes to a more sustainable future through recyclable design and innovative energy-saving features. Through initiatives like responsible equipment recycling and deploying next-gen energy-efficient technologies, we are driving real-world change that benefits both our business and the planet.
How can the ICT industry encourage more women to pursue careers in technology? And what advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the ICT field?
At Ericsson, we are passionate about empowering women in tech. We actively support initiatives such as Girls in ICT and host STEM outreach events to spark interest among young women. Programs like Technovation and Ericsson Educate offer mentorship and digital learning opportunities, providing the foundation for future success in ICT. Our internal recruitment and graduate programs are designed to increase female representation in ICT roles. We are proud that a significant percentage of our new hires come from diverse backgrounds, contributing to closing the digital gender gap – an essential driver of innovation.
I always tell aspiring young women to seek mentors and embrace every opportunity to learn. ‘Your perspective matters more than you know’ is a message we share consistently. We encourage you to be bold, stay curious, and remember that collaboration and support are key in overcoming industry challenges. Our experienced women leaders stress the importance of building supportive networks and celebrating collective successes – because when we lift each other up, we all succeed.
