Airtel Africa has reinforced its commitment to responsible business growth after announcing that it saved 9.1 million litres of diesel during the 2025/2026 financial year through major investments in cleaner energy, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion across its 14 African markets.
The telecommunications and mobile money giant disclosed the achievement during a media roundtable in Lusaka, Zambia, where Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar unveiled the company's 2026 Sustainability Scorecard, highlighting significant progress in reducing its environmental footprint while expanding access to digital and financial services across the continent.
According to the company, the reduction in diesel consumption was achieved by lowering dependence on diesel-powered infrastructure and increasing the use of cleaner energy sources. During the year, Airtel Africa converted 390 network sites to on-grid electricity, significantly improving operational efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The company also reported that it successfully recycled 94 per cent of the total waste generated during the financial year, reinforcing its commitment to promoting a circular economy and responsible environmental management.
Speaking during the presentation, Taldar said sustainability remains at the heart of Airtel Africa's long-term business strategy.
He explained that the company's goal is not only to expand telecommunications services but also to ensure that growth delivers lasting economic, social and environmental benefits for communities across Africa.
"Our commitment to responsible growth means expanding connectivity while reducing our environmental impact. We believe sustainable business is about creating long-term value for our customers, communities and shareholders by balancing innovation with environmental stewardship," he said.
Beyond environmental sustainability, Airtel Africa continued to expand access to digital services across the continent.
The company revealed that its telecommunications network now covers 81.9 per cent of the population in its 14 operating countries, providing millions of Africans with improved access to communication, education, healthcare, information and economic opportunities.
Its mobile money platform also recorded impressive growth during the year.
According to the report, Airtel Money now serves 54.1 million customers through a network of 2.4 million agents, making it one of Africa's largest digital financial services ecosystems.
Notably, women account for 44.1 per cent of Airtel Money users, reflecting the platform's growing role in promoting financial inclusion and empowering women with access to secure, affordable and convenient financial services.
The company's social impact initiatives also continued to expand through the Airtel Africa Foundation, which invested US$6.2 million in projects focused on financial inclusion, education, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion across the continent.
One of Airtel Africa's most impactful partnerships remains its collaboration with UNICEF to improve digital education.
During the financial year, the partnership connected 3,296 schools to free internet services, benefiting more than 2 million students and 38,868 teachers.
Additionally, 64 zero-rated digital learning platforms enabled over 11 million learners to access educational content at no cost, helping bridge Africa's digital divide and improve access to quality education.
Recognising the growing demand for digital skills, Airtel Africa also trained more than 30,000 young people in technology-related skills during the year.
The company further awarded over 250 undergraduate STEM scholarships through its Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship, supporting the development of future African scientists, engineers and technology innovators.
These initiatives reflect Airtel Africa's broader strategy of combining business growth with sustainable development by investing in cleaner energy, expanding digital infrastructure and creating opportunities that improve lives across the continent.
As demand for reliable connectivity and digital services continues to grow across Africa, Airtel Africa says it remains committed to building a more connected, financially inclusive and environmentally sustainable future.
The company believes that responsible investment in technology, education and renewable energy will play a critical role in driving Africa's economic transformation while ensuring long-term benefits for future generations.