Airtel Africa has released its Sustainability Report 2025, showcasing a year of substantial strides in digital connectivity, financial inclusion, gender equity, and environmental responsibility across its 14 African markets.
The report outlines the telecom and mobile money provider’s commitment to long-term environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact, as it continues to invest in infrastructure, innovation, and inclusive economic access across underserved regions.
Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, said this year’s impact shows how digital tools can drive meaningful social change.
“This year’s achievements, from connecting 2,176 schools through the UNICEF partnership to reaching 44.6 million Airtel Money customers with near-gender parity, prove that the power of technology is a catalyst for gender balance. At Airtel Africa, we believe in not only expanding networks, but we’re also building bridges to education, financial security, and sustainable growth for Africa’s next generation.”
In 2024/25, the company continued to scale up mobile and data access, aiming to close the digital divide and bring more people into the financial ecosystem.
Airtel Africa is enabling individuals and entire communities, especially women to engage in the digital economy through inclusive online services and accessible financial products. Their initiative to offer free connectivity and online materials to schools is providing young people with vital tools to fulfil their potential. Additionally, expanding their agent network is creating new jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities throughout their operating regions.
Key milestones from the report include:
- Expanding reliable connectivity to underserved areas
- 81.2% population coverage across 14 markets (up from 80.4% in 2023/24)
- 36,159 4G infrastructure sites, including more than 15,300 in rural areas
- Continued investment of $670m in network expansion and modernisation to boost speed, coverage and capacity.
Airtel Africa is expanding access to voice, data, and mobile money services, enabling millions to participate in the digital economy and access vital services that support livelihoods and growth.
- Advancing digital access, financial inclusion, and gender equity
- 73.4 million data customers (+14.1% vs 2023/24)
- 44.6 million Airtel Money customers (+17.3%), with 44.2% Airtel Money customers who are women (+6.2% vs 2023/24)
- 1.7 million Airtel Money agents in our distribution network (+23.4% vs 2023/24)
- 29.2% women in the workforce across the Group (up from 28.3% vs 2023/24).
Through inclusive digital services and affordable financial products, Airtel Africa is empowering individuals and communities, particularly women, to fully participate in the digital economy.
- Empowering individuals via education and employment opportunities
- 2,176 schools connected to the internet free of charge (up from 1,201 in 2023/24)
Airtel Africa supports young people’s development by offering free connectivity and digital resources to schools. Its expanding agent network also promotes job creation and entrepreneurship throughout its operations.
- Minimising the impact of our operations on the environment
- 500 off-grid sites converted to on-grid power, reducing reliance on diesel generators
- 93% of total waste recycled (+3% vs 2023/24)
Taldar emphasized that alongside digital access, environmental stewardship remains a key focus.
The company’s 2025 Sustainability Report complies with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and GSMA telecom industry benchmarks, reinforcing its intention to be transparent, accountable, and proactive in its ESG commitments.
