Scaling opportunity across Africa
In 2025/26, we continued to expand connectivity, accelerate financial inclusion and invest responsibly across our 14 markets. As demand for data and digital finance increases in fast-growing economies, we're strengthening the infrastructure and systems that underpin long-term inclusive development.
Our ESG priorities are embedded within our strategy. By delivering reliable networks, secure financial services and disciplined environmental management, we create sustainable value for customers, communities and shareholders.
Building resilient digital infrastructure
Reliable connectivity underpins economic participation and national resilience. We continue to expand coverage, increase access to our services in rural areas and invest in network quality.
Network expansion
40,378
total infrastructure sites
(37,117 in 2024/25)
We continue to invest in network capacity, improve quality and geographic reach while providing access to our digital services in rural areas by rolling out over 3,250 new sites (2,550 in 2024/25).
Population coverage
81.9%
(81.2% in 2024/25)
We're increasing population coverage by extending our network footprint, enabling more communities to access reliable voice, data and digital services.
Total
customers
183.5 million
(+10.5%)
By extending our distribution network in both rural and semi-urban areas and providing resilient, far-reaching coverage, we've enabled millions of people to access telecoms and banking services.
Expanding inclusive digital and financial participation
We are committed to ensuring that connectivity leads to meaningful participation. By expanding access to digital and financial services, we help ensure that more people can adopt, use and benefit from the opportunities created by an increasingly connected economy.
Bridging the digital divide
84.2 million
data customers
(73.4 million in 2024/25)
Growing smartphone adoption and improved network quality are enabling more customers to access data services and participate in the digital economy.
Increasing financial inclusion
54.1 million
Airtel Money customers
(44.6 million in 2024/25)
We're expanding access to secure, affordable financial products and services through Airtel Money, enabling more individuals and businesses to participate in formal financial systems.
Addressing the digital gender divide
44.1%
Airtel Money women customers
(44.2% in 2024/25)
We're breaking down gender barriers to connectivity and accelerating female financial empowerment by expanding access to secure, affordable financial products and services through Airtel Money.
Enabling skills, jobs and economic mobility
By expanding connectivity across our ecosystem, we’re strengthening employment opportunities, opening access to education and empowering individuals and businesses to participate more fully in the digital economy.
Creating employment opportunities
2.4 million
Airtel Money agents
(1.7 million in 2024/25)
Our expanding agent network creates income opportunities and supports local economies, while extending access to essential financial products and services across our footprint.
Strengthening gender balance
29.9%
women in our workforce
across the Group
(29.2% in 2024/25)
We continue to strengthen gender balance across our workforce, supporting inclusive talent development and creating a more balanced and representative organisation.
Providing access to digital education
3,296
schools connected to the
internet free of charge
(2,176 in 2024/25)
Providing free access to the internet for schools and supporting digital learning through the Airtel Africa Foundation
Reducing the environmental impact of our operations
As our operations continue to grow, we remain focused on improving efficiency while reducing our environmental footprint. Through targeted initiatives and responsible resource management, we’re minimising the environmental impact of our activities while supporting sustainable business growth.
Optimising energy solutions
390
infrastructure sites converted
to on-grid power in 2025/26
(500 converted in 2024/25)
We're converting off-grid sites to on-grid power supply to reduce the reliance on diesel generators, lowering operational cost and carbon emissions.
Improving energy efficiency
9.1 million
Litres of diesel saved
By reducing reliance on diesel and increasing the use of lower-carbon energy sources we're improving efficiency and directly addressing our key sources of operational emissions.
Promoting the circular economy
94%
total generated waste recycled
(93% in 2024/25)
We're increasing recycling and reuse of materials across our operations to minimise waste and reduce the environmental impact of our activities.