Airtel Africa details ESG progress in 2025 sustainability report

LONDON (June 25, 2025) — Airtel Africa PLC has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, outlining the company’s significant strides in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. The report also highlights the telecommunications and mobile money provider’s continued efforts to advance digital and financial inclusion across 14 African markets.

The report reaffirms Airtel Africa’s corporate purpose of transforming lives by expanding access to essential digital services, supporting inclusive economic growth, and advancing environmental stewardship throughout its operations.

In the 2024-25 fiscal year, Airtel Africa reported substantial progress in bridging the digital divide, boosting financial inclusion, and supporting underserved communities. These achievements are attributed to strategic investments in connectivity, people, and sustainable practices.

Sunil Taldar, Airtel Africa’s chief executive officer, commented on the report’s findings. “This year’s achievements, from connecting 2,176 schools through the UNICEF partnership to reaching 44.6 million Airtel Money customers with near-gender parity, prove that the power of technology is a catalyst for gender balance,” Taldar said. “At Airtel Africa, we believe in not only expanding networks but also building bridges to education, financial security and sustainable growth for Africa’s next generation.”

Among the key ESG highlights, Airtel Africa increased its population coverage to 81.2% across 14 markets, up from 80.4% in 2023-24. The company now boasts 36,159 4G infrastructure sites, with more than 15,300 located in rural areas. Airtel Africa invested $670 million in network expansion and modernization, aiming to boost speed, coverage, and capacity. The company aims to connect the unconnected, providing millions with access to voice, data, and mobile money services, thereby driving economic opportunity and enhancing access to essential services.

In terms of bridging the digital divide and driving financial inclusion, data customers grew by 14.1% to 73.4 million. Airtel Money customers increased by 17.3% to 44.6 million, with 44.2% of those being women, a 6.2% increase from 2023-24. The Airtel Money agent network expanded by 23.4% to 1.7 million agents. Women in the workforce across the Group rose to 29.2%, up from 28.3% in 2023-24. Through inclusive digital services and affordable financial products, Airtel Africa is empowering individuals and communities, particularly women, to fully participate in the digital economy.

Regarding unlocking potential through education and employment, Airtel Africa connected 2,176 schools to the internet free of charge, a significant increase from 1,201 in 2023-24. This initiative provides young people with free connectivity and online resources. The growing agent network also supports employment and entrepreneurial opportunities across its footprint.

Finally, in minimizing environmental impact, five hundred off-grid sites were converted to on-grid power, reducing reliance on diesel generators. Additionally, 93% of total waste was recycled, a 3% increase from 2023-24. Airtel Africa states its commitment to reducing its operational environmental footprint through investments in renewable energy solutions and responsible waste management.

The 2025 Sustainability Report adheres to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and GSMA telecommunications industry standards. The full report is available on Airtel Africa’s website.