Airtel Africa Diesel Reduction: Company Cuts Fuel Use by 9.1 Million Litres
Airtel Africa diesel reduction efforts helped the telecommunications company save 9.1 million litres of diesel during the 2025/2026 financial year. The achievement forms part of the company’s broader sustainability strategy to lower carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support responsible business growth across its 14 African markets.
The company achieved the fuel savings by reducing its dependence on diesel generators and expanding the use of cleaner energy sources. During the year, Airtel Africa converted 390 telecommunications sites to grid electricity. This reduced fuel consumption while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Speaking during a media roundtable in Lusaka, Zambia, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar presented the company’s Sustainability Scorecard. He said responsible growth remains central to Airtel Africa’s long-term strategy.
Airtel Africa Diesel Reduction Supports Sustainability Goals
Taldar explained that the company is committed to balancing business growth with environmental responsibility. He said expanding connectivity should go hand in hand with reducing the environmental impact of network operations.
Besides the Airtel Africa diesel reduction, the company recycled 94% of the waste generated during the financial year. The recycling programme forms part of its circular economy strategy, which focuses on reducing waste and making better use of available resources.
Network Expansion and Airtel Money Continue to Grow
Airtel Africa also expanded access to digital services across the continent. Its mobile network now covers 81.9% of the population in its operating markets. This wider coverage gives more people access to communication services, online education, digital information, and economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, Airtel Money continued to strengthen financial inclusion across Africa. The platform now serves 54.1 million customers through a network of 2.4 million agents. Women make up 44.1% of Airtel Money users, highlighting the platform’s role in improving access to digital financial services.
Foundation Invests in Education and Digital Inclusion
Through the Airtel Africa Foundation, the company invested US$6.2 million in programmes focused on financial inclusion, education, environmental sustainability, and digital inclusion.
As part of its partnership with UNICEF, Airtel Africa connected 3,296 schools to free internet services. The initiative has reached more than 2 million students and 38,868 teachers. In addition, 64 zero-rated digital learning platformsenabled over 11 million learners to access educational content without paying for mobile data.
The company also continued investing in Africa’s future technology workforce. During the financial year, more than 30,000 young people received digital skills training. Additionally, over 250 undergraduate STEM scholarships were awarded through the Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship Programme.
Airtel Africa Strengthens Long-Term Sustainability Strategy
The Airtel Africa diesel reduction reflects the company’s wider commitment to sustainable development across the continent. By reducing fuel consumption, expanding digital connectivity, improving financial inclusion, and supporting education, Airtel Africa aims to create long-term value for communities while reducing its environmental footprint.
