Why Telco Procurement Must be Both Digital and Sustainable
Driving digital and sustainable procurement in telecommunications is essential to building resilient, efficient and responsible supply chains.
Digital tools such as AI, automation and data-driven platforms improve visibility, streamline operations and enhance supplier collaboration across complex global networks. At the same time, embedding sustainability into procurement decisions allows telecoms to tackle Scope 3 emissions, support circular economy initiatives and meet rising ESG expectations.
Regulators, investors and customers increasingly demand transparency, making responsible procurement a strategic necessity.
By combining digital transformation with sustainability, telecoms gain competitive advantage, reduce costs, strengthen resilience and ensure long-term alignment with global climate goals.
Join Dirk Karl, Chief Procurement Officer at MTN, as he delivers a keynote presentation covering digital and sustainable procurement on Day 2 (24 September) of Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE London 2025.
To secure your ticket for the event, click here.
Connectivity through responsibility
In telecommunications, procurement underpins the industry’s ability to expand networks, roll out 5G and support cloud infrastructure. The sector depends on complex global supply chains, and traditional methods are no longer enough to manage the pace of change.
By embracing digital procurement, telecom companies can use automation and data insights to simplify processes, improve supplier relationships and respond more quickly to disruption.
At the same time, sustainable procurement is becoming inseparable from business strategy. From reducing Scope 3 emissions to reusing network equipment, operators are expected to show progress on climate goals.
Regulators, investors and customers are watching closely, which makes responsible procurement a necessity. Bringing digital transformation and sustainability together gives telecoms an opportunity to improve efficiency while also shaping a more resilient and environmentally-responsible industry.
Driving digital and sustainable procurement
Procurement is central to driving innovation, efficiency and sustainability in telecommunications.
At Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE London, Dirk Karl will outline how MTN is reshaping procurement into a strategic function powered by digital tools, data-led insights and strong supplier collaboration.
Participants will take away practical approaches to building agile, accountable and high-impact procurement practices that fuel business growth while advancing long-term sustainability objectives.
Dirk's keynote, Driving Digital and Sustainable Procurement in Telecommunications, will take place from 10.10am on the Procurement Stage on Day 2 (24 September).
About Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE London 2025
Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE is returning to the Business Design Centre in London for its annual Global Summit on 23-24 September.
This unmissable event is aimed at facilitating knowledge sharing and connections among the world's procurement and supply chain leaders.
Those attending can enjoy inspiring keynotes, engaging panels and exclusive workshops covering a diverse range of topics, including supply chain transformation, procurement technology, sustainability and ESG, AI, finance, logistics and supplier relationship management.
To secure your tickets, click here.
