Airtel Africa has reported a major reduction in diesel consumption during the 2025/2026 financial year, showing the company’s commitment to cleaner energy and environmentally friendly business practices. The telecommunications company revealed that it used 9.1 million fewer litres of diesel compared to the previous year as part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency across its operations.
Based on diesel prices in Nigeria, which ranged between N1,409 and N1,450 per litre in December 2025, the reduction represents an estimated saving of between N12.8 billion and N13.2 billion. This highlights not only the environmental benefits of the initiative but also its significant financial impact.
One of the key reasons for the reduction was the conversion of 390 telecom sites from diesel-powered systems to on-grid electricity. This move allowed Airtel Africa to rely less on fuel-powered generators, lowering operating costs while reducing harmful emissions. The company said improving energy efficiency remains an important part of its long-term sustainability strategy.
Speaking during a media roundtable held in Lusaka, Zambia, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the company is focused on achieving business growth while protecting the environment and supporting communities across the continent. He explained that sustainability remains a key part of the company’s future plans as it continues to expand its services in Africa.
According to Taldar, Airtel Africa aims to create lasting value by combining business success with environmental responsibility, digital inclusion and economic development. He noted that the company wants to provide more people with access to communication and financial services while reducing the environmental impact of its operations.
Apart from lowering diesel consumption, Airtel Africa also made progress in waste management. The company disclosed that it successfully recycled 94 percent of the waste generated during the financial year. This effort supports the principles of a circular economy by reducing waste and making better use of available resources.
The company’s network coverage also expanded during the year. Airtel Africa said its services now reach 81.9 percent of the population across the 14 African countries where it operates. The wider coverage is expected to improve access to digital services, education, healthcare information and economic opportunities for millions of people.
Airtel Money, the company’s mobile financial service, also recorded strong growth. The platform now serves 54.1 million customers through a network of about 2.4 million agents across Africa. Airtel Africa revealed that women make up 44.1 percent of Airtel Money users, reflecting the platform’s growing role in improving financial inclusion for underserved communities.
Through the Airtel Africa Foundation, the company invested 6.2 million dollars in projects focused on education, financial inclusion, environmental sustainability and digital development. Working with UNICEF, Airtel Africa helped connect 3,296 schools to free internet services, benefiting more than two million students and nearly 39,000 teachers.
The company also provided free access to educational content through 64 digital learning platforms, reaching over 11 million learners. In addition, more than 30,000 young people received digital skills training, while over 250 university students were awarded STEM scholarships through the Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship programme.
Airtel Africa said these achievements reflect its commitment to reducing emissions, expanding digital access and supporting economic growth across Africa through sustainable technology and financial services.
