Sustainability strategy overview
Transforming lives through connectivity and inclusion is at the heart of our sustainability strategy
Our mission to transform lives is delivered through our commitment to bridging the digital divide, increasing financial inclusion, increasing access to education, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and minimising our environmental footprint. 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.
By prioritising enhanced network service quality, strong data security and continuous improvements in supply chain management, we ensure that we operate responsibly and ethically.
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace, upholding ethical labour practices and safeguarding the health and safety of our employees. Through the expansion of our network, we’re empowering communities by advancing digital and financial inclusion and increasing access to quality education. At the same time, we’re working to reduce our environmental impact and strengthen environmental stewardship in support of a more sustainable future.
Advancing the UN SDGs and UN Global Compact Principles
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 the financial tools which 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 four sustainability pillars set out how we expand digital access, support our people and communities and manage our environmental impact as we grow.
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.
- We describe progress of this pillar in ‘Our business’
SDG alignment
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.
- We describe progress of this pillar in ‘Our people’
SDG alignment
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.
- We describe progress of this pillar in ‘Our community’
Goals
* From 1 April 2025, this goal is fully managed through the Airtel Africa Foundation.
SDG alignment
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.
- We describe progress of this pillar in ‘Our environment’
SDG alignment