---
title: Airtel Africa cuts diesel use by 9.1m litres as sustainability drive gathers pace - Developing Telecoms
description: Airtel Africa reduced diesel consumption by 9.1 million litres during its 2025/26 financial year as the operator accelerated efforts to lower emissions and improve the sustainability of its network operations.
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date: 2026-07-09T11:13:35Z
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  ![Airtel Africa cuts diesel use by 9.1m litres as sustainability drive gathers pace](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Company_Logos/800x600/airtel-logo-1200x900.jpg)  

 

Airtel Africa reduced diesel consumption by 9.1 million litres during its 2025/26 financial year as the operator accelerated efforts to lower emissions and improve the sustainability of its network operations.

The operator achieved the reduction by decreasing its reliance on diesel generators and converting 390 network sites to grid power, improving energy efficiency while cutting carbon emissions.

Speaking at a media briefing in the Zambian capital of Lusaka, Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said responsible growth remains central to the company’s strategy, balancing network expansion with environmental stewardship, digital inclusion and socio-economic development.

As part of its wider sustainability programme, Airtel Africa also recycled 94% of the waste generated across its operations during the year as it continued promoting circular economy initiatives.

The operator’s network now covers 81.9% of the population across its 14 African markets, while its mobile money business continued to expand. Airtel Money ended the year with 54.1 million customers supported by 2.4 million agents, with women accounting for 44.1% of its customer base.

 

 

   
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