Airtel Africa says it has cut its diesel consumption by 9.1 million litres in one year, signalling a major shift towards cleaner and more efficient network operations, even as African telecom operators face rising energy costs, stricter climate expectations and increasing demand for network expansion.
The company announced that the reduction was achieved during its 2025/2026 financial year by reducing dependence on diesel generators and expanding the use of lower-carbon energy sources across its operations in 14 African countries.
Read also: Nigeria’s tycoon Elumelu to step down as UBA chair after 12 years
Speaking during a media roundtable in Lusaka, Zambia, Sunil Taldar, Airtel Africa chief executive officer, said the company converted 390 telecom infrastructure sites from diesel-powered operations to national electricity grids during the year. The move, he said, improved operational efficiency while significantly lowering carbon emissions.
The announcement highlights a growing trend among African telecom companies to reduce the high cost of powering network infrastructure. With unreliable electricity supply in many countries forcing operators to rely heavily on diesel generators, energy has become one of the biggest operating expenses for the industry.
