Airtel Africa Plc cut its diesel usage by 9.1 million litres in its 2025/2026 financial year as the telecom firm boosted its adoption of lower-carbon energy sources and enhanced measures to lessen the environmental footprint of its activities.
In December 2025, the average retail prices for diesel in Nigeria ranged from N1,409 to N1,450 per litre, based on the market data available. Given those prices, the telecom provider’s decrease in diesel consumption equates to an estimated worth of around N12.8bn to N13.2bn.
The firm indicated that the decrease was accomplished in part by converting 390 infrastructure locations to on-grid energy throughout the year, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions throughout its network.
Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar, revealed the numbers at a media roundtable in Lusaka, Zambia, where he showcased the company’s sustainability scorecard and its advancements in creating what he called a more sustainable and connected Africa.
The telecom provider, offering mobile and financial services in 14 African nations, stated that responsible growth is key to its strategy while enhancing connectivity and digital services throughout the continent.
Taldar stated, “We aim to generate sustainable value by harmonizing business expansion with environmental care, digital accessibility, and socio-economic progress.”
Aside from cutting down on diesel usage, Airtel Africa stated that it recycled 94 percent of the waste produced over the year to support a circular economy and enhance resource efficiency.
Aside from cutting down on diesel usage, Airtel Africa stated that it recycled 94 percent of the waste produced over the year to support a circular economy and enhance resource efficiency.
The sustainability report states that the company’s network now reaches 81.9 percent of the population in its markets, providing improved access to digital services, education, and economic opportunities.
Airtel Africa noted an increase in its mobile money sector, as Airtel Money catered to 54.1 million clients via a network of 2.4 million agents.
The company stated that women represent 44.1 percent of Airtel Money users, emphasizing the platform’s contribution to increasing access to financial services for marginalized communities.
The Airtel Africa Foundation allocated $6.2 million to initiatives aimed at financial inclusion, education, environmental sustainability, and digital inclusion.
Airtel Africa stated that the foundation’s collaboration with UNICEF has provided free internet connectivity to 3,296 schools, benefiting over two million students and 38,868 educators.
It stated that 64 zero-rated digital learning platforms offered free educational content to over 11 million learners, and more than 30,000 youth were trained in digital skills throughout the year.
The firm granted over 250 undergraduate STEM scholarships through its Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship program, which focuses on nurturing future technology skills in the region.
Airtel Africa stated that the sustainability efforts are integral to its larger plan to lower operational emissions and promote economic involvement via connectivity and digital financial services.
