Airtel Africa plc
Sustainability Report 2026
Unlocking opportunities through responsible growth

Sustainability KPIs
Population covered by mobile network
81.9%
(81.2% in 2024/25)
Scope 1 and 2 emissions
136,133
tCO2e
(134,021 in 2024/25)
Total energy consumption
457,691,861
kWh
(448,050,273 in 2024/25)
Gender balance
29.9%
(29.2% in 2024/25)
Airtel Africa at a glance
Providing essential services and connecting the unconnected across Africa
We provide voice, data and mobile money services for customers and enterprises across 14 countries in our three regions: Nigeria, East Africa and Francophone Africa. Demand for our services is supported by a young, fast-growing population who continue to seek digital and financial inclusion.
183.5 million
total customers (+10.5%)
84.2 million
data customers (+14.8%)
54.1 million
Airtel Money customers (+21.3%)
$196bn
Airtel Money total processed value (+35.2% in constant currency)
1st or 2nd
largest operator in 13 markets
78 million
increase in addressable population (>15 years) by 2031
Footprint population: 679 million
(Source: UN population prospectus 2024, population data for 2025)
ESG highlights
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


Expanding inclusive digital and financial participation
Enabling skills, jobs and economic mobility


Reducing the environmental impact of our operations
Letter from the Board

1
Airtel Africa’s growth is creating real opportunity. Access to connectivity, financial products and education can unlock the potential of a young and ambitious continent.
2
Annika Poutiainen
Board member and Airtel Africa's sustainability champion
Chief executive officer’s Q&A
1
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.
2
Sunil Taldar
Chief executive officer, Airtel Africa plc

40,378
infrastructure sites across our 14 markets
81,900 km
of connecting fibre across the African continent
2.4 million
Airtel Money agents
49.5%
smartphone penetration
Transforming lives
Airtel Africa is positively impacting Africa’s future
Bridging the digital divide
We're expanding reliable and affordable connectivity so that more people can connect with each other, access information and services, trade and transact.


Driving financial inclusion
We're providing secure digital financial services that strengthen resilience, independence and economic participation.

Powering livelihoods and employment
We enable income generation and entrepreneurship through our developing agent ecosystem and across our workforce.
Supporting social development
We invest in infrastructure that underpins national resilience, public services and long-term inclusive growth.

The Airtel Africa Foundation
Contributing to a thriving and inclusive Africa through development programmes for underserved communities

Mission and strategic focus
Established in 2024, The Airtel Africa Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa, operating across 14 countries. The Foundation’s mission is to transform lives through four core pillars: financial inclusion, education, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion (‘FEED’).

Programmes and highlights
The Airtel Africa Foundation supports initiatives across 14 markets promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth. Programmes focus on expanding access to education, strengthening digital capabilities and improving economic opportunity in communities where barriers to learning, connectivity and financial inclusion remain significant.

Partnerships
The Foundation works closely with local teams and partners to deliver initiatives for inclusive learning, building skills for the future and unlocking opportunity for women and young people.
1
Through the Foundation, we are committed to transforming lives by tackling the structural barriers that limit opportunity across Africa. By advancing financial empowerment, education, digital inclusion and environmental protection, we aim to equip young people and communities with the tools to build a more inclusive and prosperous future.
2
Olusegun Ogunsanya
Chair, The Airtel Africa Foundation
Sustainability strategy
Our sustainability strategy is integral to our business strategy, enabling sustainable growth, creating long-term value and transforming lives across our markets.

Our business
We connect millions of people every day, and that connection must be secure, reliable and resilient. As we expand our network, more communities are coming within coverage. We continue to invest in our infrastructure and digital platforms so customers can rely on consistent service, wherever they live. We strengthen cybersecurity, protect customer data and work closely with our suppliers to uphold responsible standards across our value chain. By focusing on quality, resilience and reliability, we build lasting trust with customers, regulators and partners across our markets.


Our people
Our people bring our purpose to life every day. Across our 14 markets, their talent, commitment and local insight underpin the services we deliver to our customers. We’re creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to grow. That means improving gender balance, investing in skills development and maintaining strong health and safety standards. We encourage collaboration, learning and open dialogue so colleagues can perform at their best. When our people thrive, we strengthen our culture, improve performance and create a more resilient business for the future.


Our community
Connectivity opens doors to opportunity. By expanding digital inclusion, scaling mobile money and establishing impactful partnerships, we’re helping more people participate in the digital economy and build secure futures. Through partnerships and the work of the Airtel Africa Foundation, we extend that impact to digital inclusion and education initiatives across our markets. Together, these efforts strengthen resilience, enhance digital skills and equip communities with tools to shape their own economic future.


Our environment
As we expand and modernise our network, we’re working to reduce GHG emissions, improve energy efficiency and increase the use of cleaner energy solutions. We also continue to strengthen our approach to waste management and circularity. By managing our environmental impact carefully and improving operational efficiency, we support a more climate-resilient future while building a business that is fit for the long term.

Airtel Africa plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2026
Transforming the customer experience, unlocking opportunity
