Airtel Africa saved 9.1 million litres of diesel during its recently concluded 2025/26 financial year as part of its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its operations.
The savings were achieved by reducing reliance on diesel and increasing the use of lower-carbon energy sources, including converting 390 infrastructure sites to grid power during the year, the operator said. Airtel Africa operates in 14 African countries.
The company saved 9.1 million litres of diesel during the year, said Sunil Taldar, chief executive officer of Airtel Africa, during a media roundtable in Lusaka, Zambia, where he presented the group's Sustainability Scorecard and outlined progress against its sustainability objectives.
The announcement comes as sustainability becomes an increasing priority for telecommunications operators. According to the World Broadband Association, the sector accounts for about 2% of global carbon emissions, while operators also have opportunities to reduce emissions through more efficient networks and lower-carbon energy sources.
Airtel Africa said other initiatives included promoting the circular economy by recycling 94% of the waste it generated during the year.
The company said these initiatives form part of its broader sustainability strategy, which aims to balance business growth with environmental stewardship, digital inclusion and socioeconomic development.
Taldar said responsible growth remains central to Airtel Africa's business strategy and is reflected in the company's efforts to expand services while advancing its sustainability goals.
The operator said its network now reaches 81.9% of the population across its markets, enabling greater access to connectivity, information, education and economic opportunities.
The company also reported progress in advancing financial inclusion.
It said: "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, 44.1% of Airtel Money customers are female, demonstrating the platform's growing role in empowering women through access to secure, affordable and convenient financial services."
Beyond connectivity and financial inclusion, Airtel Africa said its philanthropic arm, the Airtel Africa Foundation, invested US$6.2 million during the year in programmes focused on financial inclusion, education, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion.
Through its partnership with UNICEF, the company said 3,296 schools have been connected to free internet, reaching more than two million learners and 38,868 teachers. It added that 64 zero-rated digital learning platforms enabled more than 11 million learners to access free digital educational content.
The company also said more than 30,000 young people received digital skills training during the year, while more than 250 full undergraduate STEM scholarships were awarded through the Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship programme.
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