Letter from the Board
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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.
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Annika Poutiainen
Board member and Airtel Africa's sustainability champion
Digital infrastructure is not just about technology – it is about human connections, economic empowerment and resilience for the future. As Airtel Africa’s sustainability champion, I am inspired by the impact the company’s services have on communities across Africa. I am delighted to introduce the Sustainability Report 2025 and reflect on how Airtel Africa is transforming the lives of customers.
Today, access to digital and financial services is a necessity, a gateway to everyday life in an increasingly connected world. Yet, millions in developing markets remain excluded, deepening global inequality. Airtel Africa is addressing this through continuous investment in network infrastructure across its 14 sub-Saharan markets. As a result, in the past year alone, 13 million more people have gained access to reliable mobile and internet connectivity, enabling them to communicate, trade, bank and participate in the digital economy.
This investment, combined with Airtel Money services, boosts financial inclusion which, in turn, drives economic stability and independence. In remote areas – and particularly for women – it encourages entrepreneurship, savings and provides access to financial products, helping individuals, families and communities thrive. The fact that 44% of Airtel Money customers are women demonstrates Airtel Africa is making a sound contribution to bridging the digital gender divide in sub-Saharan Africa.
With adverse weather events increasing worldwide – and Africa facing a disproportionate risk – resilience is more important than ever. Airtel Africa’s investment in robust, state-of-the-art infrastructure ensures that when crises occur, connectivity is a lifeline. Airtel Africa’s network supports emergency response efforts, aid distribution and vital communication when it matters most. But resilience is also critical for everyday life. Customers depend on a secure and uninterrupted service and entrust the company with their personal and financial data. Airtel Africa takes the delivery of all its material topics very seriously – and resilience aligns with two of its highest priority material topics: data security and service quality.
Expanding Airtel Africa’s network into remote areas presents a unique energy challenge, with many regions lacking reliable grid infrastructure. While this makes emissions reduction challenging, the company is deploying green energy solutions wherever practicable, improving efficiency and enhancing emissions monitoring across its footprint. Striking a balance between economic development and environmental stewardship is essential.
Of course, Airtel Africa’s greatest asset is its people. I have witnessed its strong culture of inclusion, empowerment and continuous learning which are central to the company's sustainability ambitions. I’m a passionate advocate for women in business and I’m delighted that diversity and leadership development remain priorities, with programmes such as the global talent accelerator ensuring more women are ready to take senior roles in the telecoms sector.
Thinking of the next generation, I am particularly proud of the launch of the Airtel Africa Foundation which is positioned to operate as the philanthropic arm of the business moving forward and will oversee Airtel Africa’s landmark $57 million partnership with UNICEF. The Foundation will contribute to driving long-term socio-economic transformation on the continent, focusing on financial inclusion, education, environmental protection and digital inclusion.
Through continuous investments to drive digital and financial inclusion, resilient infrastructure and education, Airtel Africa is delivering on its promise to transform lives and confirming its commitment to the future of the continent. Africa’s young, ambitious population is full of potential, and Airtel Africa is committed to unlocking it. It's a privilege to be part of this journey.
Board engagement and oversight in 2024/25
Our Board is committed to promoting the long-term, sustainable success of Airtel Africa while delivering value to all stakeholders. Among its core responsibilities are defining the company’s business and sustainability strategies, setting risk management and ESG-related policies and monitoring progress against financial and sustainability targets – while remaining mindful of the interests of a broad and diverse stakeholder base.
In 2024/25, our non-executive directors visited several key markets – the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Republic of the Congo and Rwanda – to engage directly with employees and learn about operational challenges. These visits included tours of Airtel Africa shops and Airtel Money branches (AMBs) as well as distributors, agents and sites – the ecosystem through which we advance digital and financial inclusion. These engagements deepen the Board’s understanding of local operations and foster a culture of trust and collaboration.
During the visits, Board members received updates on sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives, including programmes to connect schools to the internet, deliver disaster relief, support healthcare campaigns and other initiatives which are aligned with local needs and our broader sustainability commitments.
In September 2024, we launched the ‘Employee connect’ initiative enabling independent non-executive directors to engage virtually with employees on a regular basis. Through structured sessions and informal dialogue, employees share ideas, outline challenges and learn about the company’s strategic direction.
These immersive engagements allow our Board to understand how our products and services are developed to meet real customer needs and how we’re creating social and economic opportunities. Firsthand experiences offer valuable insight into rising data demand, customer service enhancements and our broader business model.