Airtel Africa, one of the continent’s foremost telecommunications and mobile money providers, has unveiled its Sustainability Report 2025, underscoring its ongoing commitment to transforming lives through digital access, inclusive growth, and environmental responsibility. Operating across 14 African countries, Airtel Africa is positioning itself as a major driver of socioeconomic advancement and sustainable innovation.
According to the 2025 report — sourced by TechMarge — Airtel Africa made remarkable strides over the past year in connecting underserved communities, promoting gender equity, and modernizing its infrastructure to reduce environmental impact.
Expanding Connectivity to Underserved Communities
Airtel Africa’s efforts in bridging the digital divide saw its network population coverage rise to 81.2%, up from 80.4% in 2023/24, with a total of 36,159 active 4G sites deployed across its markets. Notably, over 15,300 of these are located in rural areas — part of a broader strategy to ensure equitable access to digital tools.
To support this expansion, the company invested $670 million in network modernization and coverage enhancement, improving access to essential services like mobile voice, data, and digital finance for millions of Africans.
Promoting Financial Inclusion and Gender Equity
The report also showcases significant growth in financial inclusion, with Airtel Money users surging to 44.6 million — a 17.3% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, an impressive 44.2% are women, reflecting Airtel Africa’s commitment to narrowing the gender gap in financial access.
Furthermore, the company’s mobile data customer base grew to 73.4 million, a year-on-year increase of 14.1%, driven by more affordable data offerings and expanding coverage. Airtel also strengthened its mobile money agent network, increasing it by 23.4% to reach 1.7 million agents, further improving financial access in remote and underserved regions.
Workforce diversity also saw a modest yet significant improvement, with women now representing 29.2% of Airtel Africa’s total workforce — up from 28.3% the previous year.
Investing in Education and Youth Empowerment
Through its partnership with UNICEF and its ongoing commitment to education, Airtel Africa has connected 2,176 schools to the internet at no cost, up from 1,201 in the previous year. This initiative is part of the company’s broader goal to empower Africa’s youth with access to digital education tools and bridge the learning gap.
“Airtel Africa isn’t just about expanding networks. We’re building bridges to education, financial security, and sustainable growth for Africa’s next generation,” said CEO Sunil Taldar. “Our achievements this year — from gender-balanced financial services to rural school connectivity — prove that technology can be a catalyst for transformative change.”
Driving Environmental Sustainability Across Operations
In a move to minimize its environmental footprint, Airtel Africa transitioned 500 off-grid sites to on-grid power, significantly reducing its reliance on diesel generators. Additionally, 93% of the company’s waste was recycled in 2025 — a 3% improvement over the previous year.
These changes are in line with Airtel Africa’s green strategy, which prioritizes investments in renewable energy, energy-efficient infrastructure, and sustainable waste management. The company says these measures will not only cut emissions but also lower operational costs over the long term.
Adhering to Global Sustainability Standards
The 2025 Sustainability Report was developed in accordance with both the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and GSMA’s telecommunications industry standards, ensuring Airtel Africa’s disclosures align with best global practices for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) transparency.
TechMarge notes that this adherence to international standards not only strengthens Airtel Africa’s credibility but also signals to investors and stakeholders that the company is fully committed to sustainable development.
Looking Ahead: A Catalyst for Growth and Inclusion
Airtel Africa’s 2025 Sustainability Report paints a picture of a company evolving beyond traditional telecom operations into a holistic enabler of digital transformation, financial inclusion, and environmental responsibility.
By investing in robust infrastructure, supporting gender balance, and embracing green technology, Airtel Africa is helping build a more inclusive and resilient digital future for millions across the continent.
To read or download the full Airtel Africa Sustainability Report 2025, visit the official website.
