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Airtel Africa, one of the continent’s leading providers of telecommunications and mobile money services, has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, outlining significant strides in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives across its 14 operating markets.
The report underscores the company’s commitment to fostering inclusive digital access, enhancing economic opportunity, and advancing environmental sustainability, with a sharp focus on underserved and rural communities.
“This year’s achievements—from connecting 2,176 schools through our UNICEF partnership to reaching 44.6 million Airtel Money users with near-gender parity—demonstrate how technology can be a powerful equalizer,” said Sunil Taldar, Group CEO of Airtel Africa. “We are not just expanding our networks—we are building pathways to education, financial empowerment, and sustainable growth for Africa’s next generation.”
Expanding Access and Inclusion
According to the report, Airtel Africa expanded its network coverage to 81.2%, up from 80.4% the previous year. The company now operates over 36,000 4G sites, with 15,300 located in rural areas, following a $670 million investment to enhance connectivity infrastructure. This expansion is aimed at narrowing the digital divide and enabling broader access to communication and digital financial services.
Data usage surged to 73.4 million users, a 14% year-on-year increase, while Airtel Money—the company’s mobile financial service—reached 44.6 million users, with women representing nearly half of the customer base. The number of Airtel Money agents also grew to 1.7 million, reflecting progress in financial inclusion and job creation.
Internally, the company has continued to advance gender representation, with women now accounting for almost 30% of its workforce, reinforcing its commitment to workplace diversity and inclusion.
Accelerating Digital Education and Economic Empowerment
Airtel Africa made notable progress in education, connecting 2,176 schools to the internet at no cost—an increase from 1,201 schools the previous year. This initiative, in partnership with UNICEF, aims to boost digital literacy and equip students and teachers with essential online resources.
The company’s extensive agent network continues to play a crucial role in entrepreneurship support and job creation, particularly in remote and low-income communities.
Driving Environmental Sustainability
In line with its environmental commitments, Airtel Africa transitioned 500 network sites from diesel generators to grid power, helping to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. It also recycled 93% of its operational waste in 2025, reflecting a deliberate push toward more sustainable waste management practices.
Transparency and Accountability
The 2025 Sustainability Report is aligned with international ESG reporting standards, demonstrating Airtel Africa’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and measurable impact. The report highlights the company’s long-term vision of integrating sustainability at the core of its operations—ensuring that commercial growth translates into meaningful societal and environmental progress.
The full report is available at Sustainability Report 2025.
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