Airtel Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible business growth after reducing its diesel consumption by 9.1 million litres during the 2025/2026 financial year through investments in cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
The telecommunications and mobile money provider, which operates in 14 African countries has achieved the milestone by reducing its dependence on diesel-powered infrastructure and converting 390 network sites to on-grid electricity.
The achievements were unveiled by Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, during a media roundtable in Lusaka, Zambia, where he presented the company’s 2026 Sustainability Scorecard and outlined progress towards building a more sustainable, inclusive and digitally connected Africa.
Taldar said responsible growth remains central to Airtel Africa’s business strategy, enabling the company to expand access to telecommunications and financial services while reducing its environmental footprint.
In addition to lowering diesel consumption, Airtel Africa recycled 94% of the waste generated across its operations during the financial year.
Taldar added that the company reported a continued expansion of its network, which now covers 81.9 percent of the population across its markets, increasing access to connectivity, information, education and economic opportunities for millions of people.
“Through improving operational efficiency while lowering carbon emissions we are reinforcing our commitment to a circular economy and environmental stewardship. These initiatives form part of the company’s broader sustainability agenda, which balances business growth with environmental protection, digital inclusion and socio-economic development”, he said.
Beyond its commercial operations, the Airtel Africa Foundation invested US$6.2 million in programmes focused on financial inclusion, education, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion across the continent.
The latest achievements underscore Airtel Africa’s continued efforts to combine business growth with environmental responsibility while driving digital and financial inclusion across the continent.
