Airtel Africa saved 9.1 million litres of diesel during its 2025/26 financial year after reducing its reliance on diesel-powered operations and increasing the use of lower-carbon energy sources across its network.
The telecommunications and mobile money provider said the savings were achieved after converting 390 infrastructure sites to on-grid power during the year, a move that improved operational efficiency while lowering emissions.
The progress was highlighted by Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar as the company released its 2026 Sustainability Scorecard, outlining steps taken to reduce its environmental impact while expanding access to digital and financial services across the 14 African countries where it operates.
In addition to reducing diesel consumption, the company said it recycled 94 per cent of the waste generated during the financial year as part of its efforts to promote a circular economy and minimise waste.
Taldar said responsible business growth remains at the centre of Airtel Africa’s strategy as the company continues to expand its services while pursuing its sustainability targets.
“Responsible growth remains central to our business strategy,” he said, noting that the company is working to extend services and opportunities to more people while advancing its sustainability goals.
According to the report, Airtel Africa’s network now covers 81.9 per cent of the population across its markets, increasing access to mobile connectivity, information, education and economic opportunities.
The company also reported continued growth in its mobile money business. Airtel Money now serves 54.1 million customers through a network of 2.4 million agents, with women accounting for 44.1 per cent of its customer base.
Beyond its core business, the Airtel Africa Foundation invested US$6.2 million in programmes focused on financial inclusion, education, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion during the year.
Education remained one of the foundation’s key areas of investment. Through Airtel Africa’s partnership with UNICEF, 3,296 schools have been connected to free internet access, reaching more than two million learners and 38,868 teachers. In addition, 64 zero-rated digital learning platforms enabled more than 11 million learners to access educational content at no cost.
The company also said more than 30,000 young people received digital skills training during the year, while over 250 students were awarded undergraduate STEM scholarships through the Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship programme to support the next generation of technology professionals.
The latest sustainability report highlights Airtel Africa’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its operations while continuing to invest in digital connectivity, financial inclusion and education across the markets it serves.
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