Airtel cuts diesel use by 9.1m litres amid green transition

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Airtel Africa Plc reduced its diesel consumption by 9.1 million litres during its 2025/2026 financial year as the telecommunications company increased its use of lower-carbon energy sources and expanded efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its operations.

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Diesel retail prices in Nigeria averaged between N1,409 and N1,450 per litre in December 2025, according to available market data. At those prices, the telecom operator’s reduction in diesel usage translates to an estimated value of about N12.8bn to N13.2bn.

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The company said the reduction was achieved partly through the conversion of 390 infrastructure sites to on-grid power during the year, improving energy efficiency and lowering emissions across its network.

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Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, disclosed the figures during a media roundtable in Lusaka, Zambia, where he presented the company’s sustainability scorecard and progress towards building what he described as a more sustainable and connected Africa.

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The telecom operator, which provides mobile and financial services across 14 African countries, said responsible growth remains central to its strategy as it expands connectivity and digital services across the continent.

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“Our focus is on creating long-term value by balancing business growth with environmental responsibility, digital inclusion and socio-economic development,” Taldar said.

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Beyond reducing diesel consumption, Airtel Africa said it recycled 94 per cent of the waste generated during the year as part of efforts to promote a circular economy and improve resource efficiency.

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The company’s network now covers 81.9 per cent of the population across its markets, enabling greater access to digital services, education and economic opportunities, according to the sustainability report.

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Airtel Africa also reported growth in its mobile money business, with Airtel Money serving 54.1 million customers through a network of 2.4 million agents.

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The company said women account for 44.1 per cent of Airtel Money customers, highlighting the platform’s role in expanding access to financial services among underserved groups.

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Through the Airtel Africa Foundation, the company invested $6.2m in programmes focused on financial inclusion, education, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion.

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The foundation’s partnership with UNICEF has connected 3,296 schools to free internet access, reaching more than two million learners and 38,868 teachers, Airtel Africa said.

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It added that 64 zero-rated digital learning platforms provided free educational content access to more than 11 million learners, while over 30,000 young people received digital skills training during the year.

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The company also awarded more than 250 undergraduate STEM scholarships through its Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship programme, aimed at developing future technology talent on the continent.

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Airtel Africa said the sustainability initiatives form part of its broader strategy to reduce operational emissions while supporting economic participation through connectivity and digital financial services.

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