Functional and technical capability

In 2025/26, targeted functional training was delivered across priority areas including engineering, network operations, digital services, cybersecurity, finance, risk management and customer experience. These programmes are designed to ensure our employees have the technical expertise required to design, operate and maintain networks and digital platforms while supporting business resilience and growth.

Training is delivered through a combination of structured programmes, on-the-job learning and digital platforms. Our internal learning platform, Percipio, enables consistent access to high-quality training across all markets, supports flexible, hybrid learning and improves training participation and completion rates. This approach allows us to scale capability development efficiently while ensuring alignment to local market needs.

In 2025/26, our people completed 655,907 hours of learning, a 54% increase from the previous year, reflecting our continued investment in building skills and capabilities across the business.

Strengthening our leadership capability

Strong leadership is critical to delivering excellent customer experience and sustainable performance. During the year we continued the rollout of a Group-wide leadership and people manager development programme designed to strengthen management capability across the organisation. The programme focused on practical leadership skills including team management, decision-making, performance coaching and inclusive leadership. It was designed to support both new and experienced managers, strengthening consistency in how teams are led and developed across Airtel Africa.

As of 31 March 2026, more than 86% of managers had completed leadership and people management training.

Building data and digital capability

As we continue to evolve into a more agile organisation, strengthening our data and digital capability is a key priority. The ability to translate data into actionable insight is critical to improving decision-making, optimising performance, and delivering a consistent customer experience across our markets. In 2025/26, we accelerated the rollout of data literacy programmes, equipping employees across all functions with foundational skills in data analysis and interpretation. This included a structured Excel upskilling programme, complemented by broader digital learning pathways covering data analytics and related tools. Engagement was strong, with 78% of employees completing Excel skill assessments, establishing a clear baseline. More than 4,000 employees enrolled in data analytics courses, with over 1,200 completing Excel training, strengthening practical analytical capability across the organisation.

Developing our HR specialists and managers

Continually developing our HR specialists and people managers to be at the top of their profession is central to our ability to support the business effectively. HR teams and managers undertake regular training in labour law, employee relations and regulatory compliance across our markets. 

Continuous professional development is also supported through external courses, internal academies and monthly peer learning forums that bring our people leadership teams together to share knowledge and best practice.

Compliance and governance training

Mandatory training programmes continue to support strong governance and ethical business practices. All employees complete annual training on key areas, including the Code of Conduct, information security and health and safety. These programmes reinforce a culture of accountability while ensuring employees understand the policies and standards that guide responsible business conduct across our operations. In 2025/26, we achieved 100% completion across all key compliance training programmes, demonstrating strong organisational commitment to ethical standards and regulatory compliance.