Sustainability strategy overview
Our sustainability strategy
Since the launch of our sustainability strategy in 2021, we've 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.
This structured approach underpins and contributes to Airtel Africa's refreshed business strategy with exceptional focus on great customer experience. It enhances service quality, strengthens data security and improves supply chain management, ensuring we operate responsibly and ethically. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace, upholding ethical labour practices and prioritising employee health and safety.
Through our network expansion, we’re empowering communities by driving digital and financial inclusion and increasing access to quality education. At the same time, we’re actively working to limit our environmental impact and improve environmental stewardship to support a more sustainable future.
- See Our Strategy section in our Annual Report and Accounts 2025
Alignment with the UN SDGs
We contribute to six of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), addressing challenges such as gender equality, economic growth, industry, innovation and responsible consumption.
Our commitment is also reinforced through our alignment with the UN Global Compact’s (UNGC) Ten Principles, which guide us in embedding human rights, labour standards, environmental responsibility and anti-corruption measures into our business practices.
SDG 4: Quality education – Through the provision of free internet access and supporting digital learning in schools, we’re helping children build the literacy and digital skills they need to succeed. Our targeted support ensures that all students can access high quality educational resources.
SDG 5: Gender equality – Expanding our network into rural and underserved areas empowers more women to connect, learn and access financial tools that support independence and family security. Within our own business, we are committed to creating a fair and inclusive culture where everyone – regardless of gender – can develop their careers and achieve their full potential.
SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth – Our mobile and financial services drive entrepreneurship and enable informal and small businesses to flourish. Across our operations, we prioritise local hiring and skills development, offering meaningful employment opportunities and supporting economic progress in the communities we serve.
SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure – Our expanding infrastructure – including resilient mobile networks, fibre and fintech platforms – supports inclusive access to digital services allowing customers to communicate, learn, trade and access financial services. Combined with strong data security and service reliability, we’re building the digital foundations for long-term socio-economic resilience.
SDG 10: Reduced inequalities – We aim for our services to be inclusive, affordable and widely accessible – ensuring that everyone within our coverage footprint, regardless of income, gender, age or ability, can benefit from the digital economy and participate fully in society.
SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production – We are committed to operating responsibly by reducing energy use, improving efficiency and managing electronic waste. Through investments in renewable energy and emissions monitoring, we’re working to minimise our environmental impact as we grow.
Our sustainability strategy
Our business
We’re building Africa’s digital future. By delivering secure, high-quality and resilient telecoms and financial services, we’re helping unlock economic opportunity, strengthen social infrastructure and support inclusive development across the continent.
SDG alignment
- We describe progress of this pillar in ‘Our business’
Our people
Our people are the driving force behind our success, and we’re building a workforce ready to shape Africa’s digital future. We are committed to a diverse, inclusive and safe working environment that supports continuous learning and leadership development, especially for women.
Our community
We’re closing the connectivity gap and creating real impact where it’s needed most. By expanding access to mobile money, digital tools and education, we empower individuals and communities to participate fully in the digital economy while building resilience and taking control of their futures.
SDG alignment
- We describe progress of this pillar in ‘Our community’
Our environment
We recognise our responsibility to minimise environmental impact as we grow. Through our ambition to reduce emissions while adopting clean energy and improving circular economy practices, we ensure that our operations contribute to a more sustainable and climate-resilient Africa.
SDG alignment
- We describe progress of this pillar in ‘Our environment’