Contributing to inclusive economic growth

We believe that a connected society is a more resilient and prosperous one. Our investments in infrastructure, engagement with local supply chains and digital business ecosystems are creating opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and innovation at every level.

In 2024/25, our total capex investment of $670m enabled us to focus on strengthening service quality, reliability and reach. From the rollout of 5G and fibre to upgrading tower sites in the DRC, Kenya and Uganda, we’re laying the groundwork for a truly inclusive digital economy.

This year, we supported approximately 1.7 million Airtel Money agents serving their communities. Our presence contributes to national economies, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas, where digital infrastructure is helping to reduce inequality and increase resilience.

We also contributed approximately $1.7bn in tax revenues to support public services and economic recovery across our 14 markets. These fiscal contributions help governments deliver healthcare, education and local infrastructure – extending our impact far beyond telecommunications. 

According to GSMA's Mobile Economy Report, mobile technologies contributed 7% of GDP in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023. Airtel Africa is proud to be helping power this transformation.

Bridging the digital divide

Many of the countries where we operate are among the world’s least connected to mobile technology. With rapid population growth, millions of people across Africa still lack access to the digital tools. Bridging the digital divide means more than expanding coverage – it means addressing affordability and digital literacy so that everyone has the chance to participate.

We're also tackling affordability. Through handset financing schemes and tailored data bundles, we’re making it easier for low-income users to get connected and stay connected. This focus is having a positive impact with data customer penetration up to 44.2% and smartphone penetration reaching 44.8% in 2024/25, both continuing an ongoing upward trend. For each of these impact metrics, every percentage point represents thousands of people gaining access to education, healthcare, information and community.

Our digital literacy campaigns are also helping close the gender gap in internet access. More women and girls are learning to use digital tools safely and confidently – enabling greater independence, economic participation and connection ensuring no one is left behind.

Driving financial inclusion for all

Financial inclusion gives people agency, dignity and control. It provides them with the tools to invest in their future and support their communities. It's a core part of our strategy, and one of the most powerful tools we have for driving equitable development across Africa.

Across our markets, millions of people still lack access to formal banking services. Airtel Money is changing that. It provides a safe, affordable and accessible entry point to the financial system for everyone, including farmers, informal workers, women-led enterprises and small traders.

In 2024/25, we served 44.6 million Airtel Money customers – offering secure transactions, savings, credit and insurance services. Over the year, we processed more than 17 billion transactions, amounting to $136bn in value. Our growing customer base demonstrates how quickly trust and adoption can florish when services are developed around people’s real needs.

We are particularly proud of the role Airtel Money plays in gender inclusion. In 2024/25, 44.2% of Airtel Money customers were women. 

Supporting social development and environmental protection

Through the Airtel Africa Foundation, we’re building human capital and expanding access to digital education for young people. The landmark five-year $57m partnership with UNICEF continues to connect schools and deliver digital literacy programmes across 13 markets. In 2024/25, 2,176 schools were connected to the internet, offering free data access and enabling thousands of students to participate in online learning.

Gender equity is also central to our social agenda. While the percentage of women in our workforce is growing and stands at 29.2% across the Group, and 28.5% of our OpCo Executive Committee (ExCo) roles are held by women, driving this forward is a key imperative for us. Programmes such as the global talent accelerator and the mobility programme help to build a more diverse and inclusive leadership pipeline, while cross-market assignments foster shared learning and professional growth.

As confirmed by GSMA's mobile for development platform, collaboration is key to long-term impact. That’s why we work alongside governments, NGOs and private partners to deliver solutions that are scalable, sustainable and inclusive.

Our commitment to improved environmental performance is closely linked to our mission to connect and support communities. As we scale our operations across markets, we’re determined to limit our impact on the environment.

We’re candid about balancing our ambitious digital inclusion goals with the long-term environmental targets which require careful management. That’s why we’re deploying renewable energy solutions wherever feasible. In 2024/25, we continued to invest in solar-powered and hybrid network sites, intelligent cooling systems and moving off-grid sites to on-grid/hybrid energy solutions which reduce the costs of running these sites while minimising our impact on the environment.

We’re also taking action on e-waste management and circularity. In 2024/25, we recycled 93% of our total wasted generated across our operations, promoting responsible consumption in line with UN SDG 12.