Airtel Africa has announced significant progress in its sustainability agenda, revealing that it reduced diesel consumption by 9.1 million litres and achieved a 94% waste recycling rate during the 2025/26 financial year.
The achievements were unveiled during a media roundtable in Lusaka, where Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, presented the company’s latest Sustainability Scorecard, highlighting its efforts in environmental stewardship, connectivity, financial inclusion, education, and community development.
The company reported continued expansion of its telecommunications services across the continent, with its network now covering 81.9% of Africa’s population. Airtel Africa currently serves 183.5 million customers, including 84.2 million data users. Its mobile financial services platform, Airtel Money, has grown to 54.1 million customers supported by a network of 2.4 million agents, with women accounting for 44.1% of its customer base, reflecting the company’s efforts to promote financial inclusion and economic participation.
In Zambia, Airtel highlighted several initiatives aimed at supporting education and digital transformation. Through its partnership with UNICEF Zambia, the company has connected 300 schools to the internet, benefiting more than 292,000 learners and providing 5,189 teachers with access to digital education resources. Airtel said the initiative is helping to improve learning outcomes by expanding access to technology in schools.
The company’s School Adoption Programme has also contributed to improving education infrastructure by investing in classroom facilities, computer laboratories, internet connectivity, and sanitation services in schools located in Chipata, Solwezi, Mufulira, Mansa, and Mongu. These investments are intended to create more conducive learning environments while supporting the country’s broader education objectives.
Airtel Zambia also underscored its role in advancing the country’s digital economy through the ZICTA Innovation Challenge. The programme has trained more than 500 innovators, supported the commercialization of over 30 startups, and contributed to the creation of more than 200 direct jobs, helping to strengthen Zambia’s innovation ecosystem.
In addition, the company’s Tech for Her Programme has provided digital and entrepreneurial skills training to more than 300 women and young people. This includes specialized technology training for 200 women and entrepreneurship training for 100 youth, with the aim of narrowing the digital gender gap and creating new economic opportunities.
Airtel Zambia said these achievements demonstrate its continued commitment to sustainable development, digital inclusion, and supporting Zambia’s national development priorities through investments that expand connectivity, improve education, foster innovation, and promote inclusive economic growth.
