Airtel Africa Reduces Diesel Consumption by 9.1 Million Litres, Strengthening Sustainability Efforts
Airtel Africa has reported significant progress in its sustainability strategy, announcing a reduction of 9.1 million litres in diesel consumption and a 94% waste recycling rate during the 2025/26 financial year.
The milestones were presented during a media roundtable in Lusaka, where Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, unveiled the company’s latest Sustainability Scorecard. The report highlights the operator’s achievements across environmental sustainability, digital connectivity, financial inclusion, education, and community development.
As part of its environmental initiatives, Airtel Africa continues to reduce its reliance on diesel-powered operations while increasing resource efficiency across its network. The company said these efforts form part of its broader commitment to lowering its environmental footprint and supporting sustainable business growth across the continent.
Airtel Africa also reported continued expansion of its telecommunications network, which now reaches 81.9% of Africa’s population. The company currently serves 183.5 million customers, including 84.2 million data subscribers, reflecting growing demand for digital services across its markets.
Its digital financial services platform, Airtel Money, has expanded to 54.1 million customers, supported by a network of 2.4 million agents. Women account for 44.1% of Airtel Money users, highlighting the platform’s contribution to advancing financial inclusion and increasing access to formal financial services.
Expanding Digital Education in Zambia
In Zambia, Airtel continues to invest in education and digital transformation through several initiatives.
Working in partnership with UNICEF Zambia, the company has connected 300 schools to the internet, providing digital access to more than 292,000 learners and equipping 5,189 teachers with online educational resources. The initiative is helping schools integrate digital learning while improving access to quality education.
Through its School Adoption Programme, Airtel has also invested in classroom construction, computer laboratories, internet connectivity, and sanitation facilities in schools located in Chipata, Solwezi, Mufulira, Mansa, and Mongu. These projects aim to create better learning environments and strengthen education infrastructure.
Supporting Innovation and Digital Skills
Airtel Zambia is also contributing to the country’s innovation ecosystem through the ZICTA Innovation Challenge. The programme has trained more than 500 innovators, supported the commercialisation of over 30 start-ups, and helped create more than 200 direct jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship and technology-driven economic growth.
In addition, the company’s Tech for Her Programme has equipped more than 300 women and young people with digital and entrepreneurial skills. The initiative includes advanced technology training for 200 women and entrepreneurship programmes for 100 young people, helping bridge the digital gender gap while expanding employment and business opportunities.
Airtel Africa said these achievements reflect its continued commitment to environmental sustainability, digital inclusion, education, innovation, and inclusive economic development across the markets it serves.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much did Airtel Africa reduce its diesel consumption?
Airtel Africa reduced its diesel usage by 9.1 million litres during the 2025/26 financial year as part of its sustainability programme.
2. What waste recycling rate did Airtel Africa achieve?
The company reported a 94% waste recycling rate, demonstrating its commitment to responsible environmental management.
3. How many customers does Airtel Africa serve?
Airtel Africa currently serves 183.5 million customers, including 84.2 million data users across its operations.
4. How large is Airtel Money’s customer base?
Airtel Money has grown to 54.1 million customers, supported by approximately 2.4 million agents across Africa.
5. How is Airtel supporting education in Zambia?
The company has connected 300 schools to the internet through its partnership with UNICEF Zambia, benefiting over 292,000 students and 5,189 teachers. It has also invested in school infrastructure through its School Adoption Programme.
6. What is the ZICTA Innovation Challenge?
The ZICTA Innovation Challenge is a programme that supports innovation and entrepreneurship in Zambia by training innovators, helping start-ups commercialise their ideas, and creating employment opportunities.
7. What is the Tech for Her Programme?
Tech for Her is Airtel Zambia’s digital inclusion initiative that provides women and young people with technology and entrepreneurship training to improve digital skills, increase employability, and support business creation.
8. Why are these sustainability initiatives important?
By reducing diesel consumption, expanding digital connectivity, promoting financial inclusion, supporting education, and investing in innovation, Airtel Africa is helping build a more sustainable, inclusive, and digitally connected future across the continent.
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