How Airtel Africa is Scaling Fintech While Cutting Emissions
Airtel Africa continues to scale its telecoms and fintech infrastructure across 14 sub-Saharan markets, while keeping its environmental impact broadly stable.
Operating in areas where energy access is often limited, the company approaches sustainability as an integral part of day-to-day operations rather than a standalone compliance exercise.
In many locations lacking reliable national grid connectivity, Airtel Africa has historically depended on diesel generators to maintain network uptime.
During 2025/26, however, the company transitioned 390 off-grid sites onto grid power, taking its total number of grid-connected sites to more than 21,500 out of a portfolio exceeding 40,300 assets.
These improvements, alongside the deployment of 176 lithium-ion batteries and enhanced cooling technologies, contributed to a reduction of 9.1 million litres in diesel usage over the year.
As a result, Scope 1 and 2 emissions reached 136,133 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent, marking a modest 1.6% year-on-year increase.
This represents a notable deceleration compared to the 4.3% rise recorded in 2024/25, despite continued network expansion.
At the same time, emissions intensity has fallen by 20% against a 2022 baseline, supporting progress towards the company’s target of a 62% reduction by 2032.
“Across Africa, access to connectivity, financial services and digital education is increasingly essential to economic opportunity,” says Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa.
“Sustainability remains embedded in how we operate and grow our business. By improving energy efficiency and reducing reliance on diesel, we’re strengthening operational resilience while supporting long-term sustainable growth.”
Supply chain interventions and the circular economy
Airtel Africa has identified Scope 3 emissions as a significant hurdle, representing approximately 85% of its total greenhouse gas footprint across its African operations.
Within this category, upstream leased assets contribute the majority share, accounting for 79% of Scope 3 emissions.
In response, the company has tightened contractor oversight and introduced stricter environmental criteria into agreements with higher-risk suppliers.
As part of its membership in the Joint Alliance for CSR (JAC), Airtel Africa carried out five supplier audits over the past year and resolved 66% of outstanding corrective action plans, supporting responsible mineral sourcing and ethical mining practices.
Alongside this, the business has advanced local circular economy initiatives.
Through a material take-back programme with OEM partners including Nokia, Huawei, ZTE and Ericsson, Airtel Africa recovered, recycled or repurposed 532 tonnes of electronic network waste, with no e-waste sent to landfill.
In total, the company reached a circularity rate of 94% across the waste it generated.
Commercial growth with a purpose
Airtel Africa embeds ESG performance indicators into executive remuneration as part of its broader sustainability governance framework.
This approach to accountability has contributed to an increase in female representation, with women now comprising 29.9% of the Group’s workforce and 36.3% of its Board.
At the same time, its commercial strategy leverages digital and financial inclusion as a key driver of wider socioeconomic development.
“From a Board perspective, there is a strong and consistent focus on ensuring that sustainability remains fully embedded in how the business operates and grows,” says Annika Poutiainen, Board Member and Airtel Africa's sustainability champion.
“The Board, supported through its committees, regularly reviews progress against key priorities and maintains oversight of how the business manages evolving risks, including those related to climate.
“This provides assurance that sustainability is not treated as a separate agenda but as an integral part of decision-making and long-term value creation.
“Operating across diverse environments brings challenges, particularly in relation to energy and resource use. The company continues to strengthen its approach, working to balance expansion with careful stewardship.”
Airtel Money’s active user base increased by 21.3% to surpass 54 million customers, collectively processing approximately $196bn in transactions.
Women account for 44.1% of the mobile money user base, helping to expand financial independence across traditionally underbanked rural and semi-urban populations.
