CEO Sunil Taldar; the power of technology is a catalyst for gender balance
* While advancing digital and financial inclusion across 14 African markets as published in its Sustainability Report 2025
* The Sustainability Report 2025 adheres to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and GSMA telecommunications industry standards
* At Airtel Africa, we believe to not only expanding networks but we’re also building bridges to education, financial security and sustainable growth for Africa’s next generation
By Duncan Mlanjira
Airtel Africa, has published its Sustainability Report 2025, reaffirming its corporate purpose of transforming lives by expanding access to essential digital services, supporting inclusive economic growth, and advancing environmental stewardship throughout its operations.
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In its statement issued yesterday from London, the leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services across 14 African countries, says in 2024/25, Airtel Africa made significant progress in bridging the digital divide, advancing financial inclusion and supporting underserved communities — through strategic investment in connectivity, people, and sustainable practices.
Airtel Africa’s chief executive officer (CEO) Sunil Taldar is quoted as saying: “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 to not only expanding networks but we’re also building bridges to education, financial security and sustainable growth for Africa’s next generation.”
Airtel Africa’s key environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact highlights include:
1. Providing underserved communities with access to reliable network and connectivity:
* 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 US$670m in network expansion and modernisation to boost speed, coverage and capacity.
“Airtel Africa is connecting the unconnected, giving millions access to voice, data and mobile money services – driving economic opportunity and enhancing access to essential services.”
2. Bridging the digital divide, driving financial inclusion and addressing gender inequality:
* 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.”
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3. Unlocking potential through education and employment opportunities:
* 2,176 schools connected to the internet free of charge (up from 1,201 in 2023/24)
“By providing free connectivity and online resources to schools, Airtel Africa is helping young people reach their full potential. A growing agent network also supports employment and entrepreneurship opportunities across its footprint.”
4. 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)
“Airtel Africa is committed to reducing the impact of its operations on the environment through investment in renewable energy solutions and responsible waste management.”
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The Sustainability Report 2025 adheres to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and GSMA telecommunications industry standards.
Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with operations in 14 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, whose integrated offer provides national and international mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services to over 156 million customers.
The company’s strategy is focused on delivering a great customer experience across the entire footprint and increasing digital and financial inclusion to transform lives across Africa, in line with its corporate purpose.
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