Airtel Africa has saved 9.1 million litres of diesel during its 2025/2026 financial year as the telecommunications and mobile money provider accelerated efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while expanding digital and financial inclusion across Africa.
The company achieved the milestone by reducing its reliance on diesel-powered infrastructure and increasing the use of lower-carbon energy sources. During the year, Airtel Africa converted 390 network sites to on-grid electricity, improving operational efficiency while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
The achievement was highlighted by Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar during the release of the company’s Sustainability Scorecard, which outlines progress toward building a more sustainable, inclusive and digitally connected Africa.
Circular economy initiatives reduce environmental impact
Beyond transitioning to cleaner energy, Airtel Africa strengthened its environmental sustainability efforts by recycling 94 per cent of the waste generated across its operations during the financial year.
The initiatives form part of the company’s broader sustainability strategy, which seeks to balance business growth with environmental stewardship, digital inclusion and socio-economic development.
According to Taldar, responsible business growth remains central to Airtel Africa’s long-term strategy, enabling the company to expand access to essential digital services while advancing its sustainability commitments.
Expanding connectivity and financial inclusion
Airtel Africa continued to grow its telecommunications footprint, with its network now covering 81.9 per cent of the population across its 14 African markets. The expanded coverage is improving access to communication, education, information and economic opportunities for millions of people.
The company’s digital financial services business also recorded significant growth. Airtel Money now serves 54.1 million customers through a network of 2.4 million agents, making it one of Africa’s largest mobile financial services platforms.
Women account for 44.1 per cent of Airtel Money customers, reflecting the platform’s increasing role in promoting financial inclusion and providing access to secure and affordable financial services.
Foundation invests in education and digital skills
Through the Airtel Africa Foundation, the company invested US$6.2 million during the year to support programmes focused on financial inclusion, education, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion.
One of the Foundation’s flagship initiatives, implemented in partnership with UNICEF, has connected 3,296 schools to free internet services, benefiting more than 2 million learners and 38,868 teachers across the continent.
In addition, 64 zero-rated digital learning platforms enabled over 11 million learners to access educational content at no cost, helping bridge the digital divide in underserved communities.
Investing in Africa’s future workforce
Airtel Africa also expanded its support for youth empowerment through digital skills development and higher education.
During the financial year, more than 30,000 young people received digital skills training, equipping them with competencies required for the digital economy.
The company also awarded more than 250 full undergraduate STEM scholarships through the Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship programme, supporting the development of future innovators, engineers and technology leaders across the continent.
The latest sustainability milestones underscore Airtel Africa’s commitment to integrating environmental responsibility, digital inclusion and community investment into its business strategy as it continues expanding connectivity and financial services across Africa.
