MTN POSITION STATEMENT

Electromagnetic fields (EMF)

Introduction

Electric fields are produced by voltage and magnetic fields by electrical current required for all electrical equipment. Information and telecommunication network operators ensure network equipment (especially masts) and mobile phone handsets operate within safe electromagnetic field (EMF) levels.

Purpose

• Leveraging scientific research on EMF.
• Setting the standards and guidelines for ensuring safe exposure to EMF.
• Regular national and international reviews of EMF.

Approach

MTN monitors the latest international research and scientific publications on EMF and complies with the following international standards:

• International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
• World Health Organization (WHO).
• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).
• European Union (EU) standards.

MTN’s EMF approach

• MTN’s mobile handset suppliers must provide electrical and electromagnetic safety certification confirmations to the national communications authority of each country in which we operate. These certificates must confirm that the products supplied comply with the Electrical Safety Testing Standard EN50191 and the European Standard for Safety of Battery Chargers ENE03352-29 standard, international specifications, and country-specific regulations.
• MTN distributes devices directly in its operating areas. MTN-branded devices also undergo safety tests such as electromagnetic compatibility and specific absorption rate (SAR), based on the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI).
• MTN’s corporate services are responsible for engaging with regulators, members of the public and other stakeholders on matters related to the environment and health to ensure that any concerns raised are addressed. Field workers and employees required to conduct extensive mobile telecommunications are more exposed to health and safety. Hence, they are required to undertake annual compliance training and certification.

Key principles of MTN’s EMF

• MTN adheres to environmental certification, authorisations, permits and reporting requirements in each country of operations in accordance with local legislation and internationally recognised practices.
• We implement and demonstrate sound measures to prevent pollution, reduce
biodiversity impacts and minimise generation of solid waste and air emissions.
• We strictly follow all applicable laws and regulations related to hazardous materials, chemicals and substances.
• We ensure that network masts and devices it distributes directly operate within safe levels of EMF.
• We also comply with electromagnetic field exposure limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and relevant national regulators, where applicable, in the countries in which we operate. We measure our exposure limit and undertake measures to ensure that we remain within globally defined standards.
• We ensure that user equipment supplied directly by MTN, like handsets, complies with the relevant SAR limits in addition to undergoing conformity assessments particular to the country in which they are supplied.
• To this end, we maintain an in-house EMF testing facility as an additional verification step. We take a conservative approach to using resources such as paper, plastic, water and other resources through demand reduction, refurbishment, recycling, and upcycling. Employee awareness and support are also critical to ensuring that individual actions to conserve resources result in meaningful outcomes.

Roles and responsibilities

• Our Board, through the Group Social, Ethics and Sustainability Committee, oversees the Group’s actions and performance regarding EMF.
• The Group's Executive Committee is responsible for policy implementation and identifying, addressing, and remedying EMF risks, driven by the Group Legal and Regulatory function, in line with the MTN’s policy.

Applicability and transparent reporting

• Our EMF policy applies to all our directors, officers, employees, and representatives of the Company, whether permanent, temporary or on contract.
• We expect our intermediaries, agents, contractors, suppliers, and business partners to uphold the same standards.
• Our Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the minimum standards, including EMF, that each supplier of products or services must comply with.
• We are committed to transparency and disclosure regarding EMF at MTN.

Communication and training

MTN’s EMF policy is shared with all employees of MTN’s operating entities, subsidiaries and partners; the policy is translated into local languages as required. Detailed training is provided to employees and partners on an annual basis.