As companies around the world look for ways to reduce their environmental footprint, cleaner technology is becoming a key part of how they operate. Airtel Africa says it is embracing this shift by adopting cleaner energy solutions, improving the efficiency of its network, and investing in technologies that support sustainable growth across the 14 African countries where it operates.
According to the company’s latest Sustainability Scorecard, Airtel Africa saved 9.1 million litres of diesel during the 2025/2026 financial year by reducing its dependence on diesel-powered generators. A major part of this effort involved connecting 390 network infrastructure sites to national electricity grids, allowing the company to rely more on cleaner energy sources while lowering fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
The company said cleaner technology is also helping improve the way it manages its operations. During the year, Airtel Africa recycled 94% of the waste generated from its activities, supporting a circular economy that reduces waste and makes better use of resources.
Presenting the Sustainability Scorecard, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said responsible growth remains at the centre of the company’s strategy. He noted that investing in cleaner technologies and more efficient infrastructure is helping Airtel Africa expand its services while reducing its environmental impact.
The company’s network now reaches 81.9% of the population across its markets, giving millions of people greater access to communication services, digital information, education, and economic opportunities. Airtel Africa said modernising its network with more efficient technologies is helping it improve connectivity while operating more sustainably.
Cleaner technology is also supporting the company’s digital financial services. Airtel Money now serves 54.1 million customers through a network of 2.4 million agents, making it one of Africa’s largest mobile money platforms. Women account for 44.1% of Airtel Money customers, highlighting the platform’s role in expanding access to secure and affordable financial services.
Beyond its commercial operations, Airtel Africa continues to invest in projects that use technology to improve lives. Through the Airtel Africa Foundation, the company invested US$6.2 million during the year in programmes focused on financial inclusion, education, environmental sustainability, and digital inclusion.
Its partnership with UNICEF also continued to expand digital access to education. During the year, 3,296 schools were connected to free internet, benefiting more than 2 million learners and nearly 39,000 teachers. In addition, 64 free digital learning platforms enabled more than 11 million learners to access educational content online.
The company also invested in developing future technology talent. More than 30,000 young people received digital skills training, while over 250 undergraduate STEM scholarships were awarded through the Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship programme. Airtel Africa said these initiatives are helping equip young Africans with the skills needed to drive innovation and support the continent’s growing digital economy.
Through its continued investment in cleaner technology, Airtel Africa says it is working to build a network that is not only more efficient and reliable but also more environmentally responsible, while expanding access to digital services and opportunities across Africa.
One of the company’s biggest achievements during the 2025/2026 financial year was reducing its diesel consumption by 9.1 million litres. Airtel Africa said this was made possible by relying less on diesel-powered generators and increasing the use of cleaner energy sources. During the year, the company also connected 390 network infrastructure sites to national electricity grids, helping to lower fuel use and reduce carbon emissions.
The company also reported progress in managing waste, saying it recycled 94% of all waste generated during the year. These efforts form part of Airtel Africa’s broader sustainability strategy, which aims to grow the business while protecting the environment, expanding digital access, and supporting economic development across Africa.
Speaking while presenting the company’s Sustainability Scorecard, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said responsible growth remains central to the company’s long-term strategy.
He said Airtel Africa is committed to expanding its services while ensuring that more people benefit from improved connectivity, digital opportunities, and sustainable business practices. According to the company, its network now covers 81.9% of the population across the 14 countries where it operates, giving millions more people access to communication services, information, education, and economic opportunities.
The company also highlighted progress in financial inclusion through Airtel Money. The mobile money platform now serves 54.1 million customers through a network of 2.4 million agents, making it one of Africa’s largest digital financial services platforms. Women account for 44.1% of Airtel Money customers, reflecting the platform’s growing role in improving access to financial services for women.
Beyond its core business, Airtel Africa said it continued investing in community development through the Airtel Africa Foundation. During the year, the Foundation invested US$6.2 million in projects focused on financial inclusion, education, environmental sustainability, and digital inclusion.
The company also expanded its partnership with UNICEF to improve internet access in schools. During the year, 3,296 schools were connected to free internet, benefiting more than 2 million learners and nearly 39,000 teachers. In addition, 64 free digital learning platforms were made available, allowing more than 11 million learners to access educational content online at no cost.
Airtel Africa also invested in helping young people develop digital skills. 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. The company said these initiatives are helping prepare the next generation of African innovators and technology professionals.