Airtel Africa reaffirms commitment to digital inclusion and sustainability

LONDON:  Airtel Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development and digital empowerment across the continent, with the launch of its Sustainability Report 2025. The report outlines the company’s progress in bridging the digital divide, expanding financial inclusion, empowering women, and reducing environmental impact.

In a statement issued yesterday, the telecommunications giant said it had made significant strides in 2024/25 in enhancing access to digital services, promoting inclusive economic growth, and supporting environmental stewardship across its 14 operational markets in Africa.

Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sunil Taldar, said the year’s achievements reflect the company’s ongoing purpose of transforming lives through technology.

“At Airtel Africa, we believe we are not only expanding networks, but also building bridges to education, financial security and sustainable growth for Africa’s next generation,” he said.

The company highlighted that its partnership with UNICEF had enabled 2,176 schools to access free internet, up from 1,201 the previous year.

It also reported a substantial increase in the number of Airtel Money customers, reaching 44.6 million – a 17.3 per cent rise – with women accounting for 44.2 per cent of that number, reflecting a 6.2 per cent increase in female participation.

The report shows that Airtel Africa achieved 81.2 per cent population coverage across its markets, up from 80.4 per cent in 2023/24. The company established 36,159 4G sites, with over 15,300 located in rural areas.

During the reporting year, it invested $670 million in network expansion and modernisation to enhance speed, coverage, and capacity.

Through these efforts, Airtel Africa is enabling millions of people in underserved communities to access voice, data, and mobile money services, thus enhancing their access to essential services and economic opportunities.

In promoting financial inclusion and gender equality, the company registered 73.4 million data customers, a 14.1 per cent increase from the previous year.

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Its Airtel Money agent network grew to 1.7 million agents, marking a 23.4 per cent growth. Women now make up 29.2 per cent of Airtel Africa’s workforce, up from 28.3 per cent in 2023/24.

In support of youth empowerment, Airtel Africa connected over 2,000 schools to the internet free of charge, while its growing distribution network created employment and entrepreneurship opportunities across the continent.

On environmental responsibility, the report shows that 500 off-grid sites were converted to on-grid power, reducing dependence on diesel generators. The company also recycled 93 per cent of its total waste, an improvement of 3 per cent from the previous year.

The Sustainability Report 2025 aligns with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the GSMA’s industry-specific standards, underscoring Airtel Africa’s intention to operate transparently and accountably while delivering long-term value to its stakeholders.

Mr Taldar emphasised that technology remains a powerful catalyst for change, particularly in driving gender parity and creating inclusive growth.

“Our efforts in 2025 demonstrate that technology, when directed with purpose, can empower communities and transform futures,” he said.