Airtel Africa plc | Sustainability Report 2025

Airtel Africa at a glance

Connecting communities and accelerating progress

Airtel Africa plc

Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with operations in 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We provide an integrated offer to our subscribers, including mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services both nationally and internationally.

Our purpose of transforming lives is at the heart of everything we do.

See more in our At a glance

Footprint population: 662 million

(Source: UN population prospectus 2024)

Letter from the Board

Today, access to digital and financial services is not just an opportunity – it is a necessity, a gateway to everyday life in an increasingly connected world.

Annika Poutiainen
Board member and sustainability champion

See more in our Letter from the Board

Chief executive officer’s Q&A

In a continent as dynamic and diverse as Africa, the needs are significant, but so is the potential. And it’s our responsibility to ensure that as we grow, we’re creating meaningful value for the people and communities we serve.

Sunil Taldar
Chief executive officer

See more in our CEO's Q&A

ESG highlights

Airtel Africa is transforming lives across Africa

We reached more people than ever in 2024/25 with our voice, data and mobile money services – increasing financial and digital inclusion and providing an opportunity for better futures across our 14 markets.

Providing underserved communities with access to reliable network and connectivity

Women paying utility bill using her mobile phone

Bridging the digital divide, driving financial inclusion and addressing gender inequality

Unlocking potential through education and employment opportunities

School children preparing presentations during the World Children's Day Celebration in Kampala, hosted by UNICEF Uganda and the Uganda Communications Commission.

Man with a bicycle looking at camera talking on a mobile phone in a rural setting

Minimising the impact of our operations on the environment

Providing underserved communities with access to reliable network and connectivity

Bridging the digital divide, driving financial inclusion and addressing gender inequality

Unlocking potential through education and employment opportunities

Minimising the impact of our operations on the environment

See how our ESG highlights

Driving impact

Airtel Africa is positively impacting Africa’s future

Connectivity, digitisation and financial inclusion are transforming lives across Africa – and our strategy reflects a deep, long-term commitment to creating meaningful, sustainable change.

Sunil Taldar
Chief executive officer, Airtel Africa plc

See more in Driving impact

We are focusing on four areas where we have the most meaningful and lasting impact:

Contributing to inclusive economic growth
Bridging the digital divide
Driving financial inclusion
Supporting social development and environmental protection

Transforming lives in action

Unlocking opportunity in Nigeria

Before, I was just doing my thing. Now people stop me on the street to ask for help with their internet. It’s a privilege.

Gbolahan Salaudeen,

Airtel agent, Lagos, Nigeria

53.3 million

total customers

(+4.7% vs 2023/24)

29.1 million

data customers

(+6.3% vs 2023/24)

49.6%

smartphone penetration

(+4.7% vs 2023/24)

Image of Gbolahan Salaudeen, Airtel agent, Lagos, Nigeria

Airtel Money agent, Moreen Ampeire, helping a customer

Driving financial inclusion in Uganda

People used to travel miles just to send money or pay a bill. Now, they do it in seconds. It’s more than convenience – it's transformation.

Moreen Ampeire

Airtel Money agent, Gayaza, Uganda

10.5 million

Airtel Money customers

(+9.3% vs 2023/24)

334,000

Airtel Money agents

(+37.9% vs 2023/24)

47%

Airtel Money women customers

See more in Transforming lives in action

Sustainability strategy overview

Our sustainability strategy

Since the launch of our sustainability strategy in 2021, we have remained focused on delivering meaningful and lasting impact. Our strategy is built around four pillars – ‘Our business’, ‘Our people’, ‘Our community’ and ‘Our environment’ – each supported by clear goals, targets and commitments that guide our actions.

Our business

Our ambition is to enhance digital inclusion by expanding and strengthening our network infrastructure. This empowers individuals, families and businesses to actively participate in the digital economy – fostering growth, stability and long-term prosperity across the continent.

Our people

At Airtel Africa, our people are at the centre of everything we do. We’re building an inclusive, empowering culture that values every voice and supports every ambition. By nurturing talent and promoting equity, we’re creating a workforce equipped to lead our sustainability journey across the continent.

Our community

We believe lasting transformation begins in the community. Our role goes beyond connectivity – it’s about opening doors to learning, enterprise and opportunity. We are committed to fostering dignity and inclusion, helping individuals and communities realise their potential in an increasingly digital world.

Our environment

Our commitment to the environment is grounded in action and ambition. As we grow, we strive to do so responsibly – minimising our footprint, embracing renewable solutions and contributing to a climate-resilient future. Just like digital and financial inclusion, environmental sustainability has the power to transform lives.

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