‌Airtel Africa plc Sustainability Report 2025

Transforming

lives

‌2 Airtel Africa plc / Sustainability Report 2025

Airtel Africa plc

Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with operations in 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We provide an integrated offer to our subscribers, including mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services both nationally and internationally.

Our purpose of is at the heart of everything we do.

Sustainability strategy overview 24

Sustainability KPIs 26

Identifying and managing our material

topics 27

Financial inclusion 60

Access to education 64

Our environment 67

Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 68

Environmental stewardship 72

Sustainability governance 29

Sustainability governance structure 30

Management oversight of business ethics 31

ESG policies 31

ESG risk management 33

Our commitment to human rights 35

Metrics and disclosures 76

ESG data 77

GSMA metrics 82

GRI disclosures index 84

Glossary and abbreviations 96

‌3 Airtel Africa plc / Sustainability Report 2025‌

Sustainability at Airtel Africa

Sustainability at Airtel Africa

Transforming

lives

We established our sustainability goals and commitments to minimise our impact on the environment and maximise the positive impact we bring to individuals, families and communities across the African continent.

About this report 4

ESG highlights 5

Airtel Africa at a glance 7

Letter from the Board 9

CEO Q&A 11

Airtel Africa Foundation 13

Driving impact 14

Transforming lives in action 20

‌About this report‌

Airtel Africa plc is pleased to present its Sustainability Report 2025, reflecting the company's commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices for the financial year 2024/25. This report provides an overview of our sustainability performance, highlighting our achievements, challenges and programmes that minimise impact on the environment and optimise the positive impact we have on the communities in which we operate.

The report has been prepared in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework, adhering to GRI's nine reporting principles of accuracy, balance, clarity, comparability, completeness, sustainability context, timeliness, verifiability and stakeholder inclusiveness. We also align with GSMA's ESG recommendations for the telecommunications industry and the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Alignment with these reporting frameworks ensures we maintain best practices in transparency and accountability.

Scope and boundaries

This report covers Airtel Africa's operations across its 14 markets: Nigeria; Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia (East Africa); and Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Madagascar, Niger, Republic of the Congo, the Seychelles (Francophone Africa). Where data is disclosed on a Group wide basis this is separately noted in the GRI disclosure index. Updates on certain activities may not be included due to lack of data availability and in these instances, we provide clear explanation in the GRI disclosures index. We'll continue to enhance our reporting and disclosures in future publications.

Double materiality assessment and stakeholder engagement

The report details Airtel Africa's material topics (impacts) which were identified through a structured double materiality assessment in the previous reporting year. The assessment incorporated input from stakeholders, including employees, investors, customers and local communities. This rigorous approach to identifying our highest priority material topics ensured we focused on the most relevant ESG issues affecting our business and stakeholders in 2024/25. This report provides details of how we manage our high priority material topics.

Data collection and assurance

We are committed to enhancing the integrity and transparency of our sustainability reporting and governance. In addition to the comfort that management obtains internally over this report, we are working towards obtaining independent assurance on sustainability KPIs in future reporting cycles, which reflects our ongoing efforts to strengthen data quality and governance.

Our commitment to sustainability

We recognise our responsibility to reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and our responsibility towards environmental protection, corporate governance, human rights and community development. We report our progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and remain committed to upholding the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).

We remain wholly committed to maintaining responsible business practices guided by appropriate internal governance, the Sustainability Committee (a Board sub-committee) and oversight from the Board of directors.

This Sustainability Report has been developed by the head of sustainability and approved by the Sustainability Committee, Executive Committee (ExCo) and the Board of directors.

B See Annual Report and Accounts 2025for more on the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)

B See more information on our contribution to UN SDGs (p15)

B See our GRI disclosures index (p84)

‌ESG highlights‌

Airtel Africa is

We reached more people than ever in 2024/25 with our voice, data and mobile money services - increasing financial and digital inclusion and providing an opportunity for better futures across our 14 markets.

Providing underserved communities with

Population coverage

Sustainability at Airtel Africa

81.2%

population covered by our network (80.4% in 2023/24)

We're connecting the unconnected and providing communities with the ability to access information and services. This drives economic opportunities and enhances emergency response.

Access to digital services in rural areas

15,300+

infrastructure sites in rural locations (+850 vs 2023/24)

In remote areas, more people than ever have access to voice, data and mobile money services stimulating local economic growth and improving access to essential services.

Network expansion

36,159

infrastructure sites on 4G (32,800 in 2023/24)

We continue to roll out new sites to provide an ever-increasing number of people across Africa with the ability to access digital services.

Investment in our network

$670m

annual capex ($737m in 2023/24)

We are strengthening the quality and resilience of our network: our ongoing modernisation boosts speed, capacity and coverage while addressing demand for data.

‌Bridging the driving and addressing

Bridging the digital divide

73.4 million

data customers (+14.1% vs 2023/24)

By enriching people's lives through technology, we're helping to create the digital economy of the future while addressing gender inequality and empowering communities and individuals.

Increasing financial inclusion

44.6 million

Airtel Money customers (+17.3% vs 2023/24)

With the provision of affordable financial products and services through Airtel Money, we're advancing financial inclusion by focusing on empowering communities, particularly women.

Bridging the digital gender divide

44.2%

Airtel Money customers are women

(+6.2% vs 2023/24)

We're breaking down gender barriers to connectivity and accelerating female financial empowerment by providing digital technologies for all.

Unlocking potential through

employment opportunities

Access to digital education

2,176

schools connected to the internet free of charge

(1,200 in 2023/24)

We're providing schoolchildren with free access to the internet and online educational resources so that they have the tools to reach their full potential.

Job opportunities

1.7 million

Airtel Money agents in our distribution network

(+23.4% vs 2023/24)

By employing a large network of agents who deliver products and services to customers across our footprint, we strengthen our market presence.

Gender balance

29.2%

women in our workforce across the Group

(28.3% in 2023/24)

We continue to create a working environment where every woman in our workforce can achieve their full potential.

Minimising the impact of our operations on the environment

Optimising energy solutions

500

sites converted from off-grid to on-grid in 2024/25

We're converting off-grid sites to on-grid power supply to reduce reliance on diesel generators, lower operating costs and cut carbon emissions.

Promoting circular economy

93%

of our total generated waste is recycled

(+3% vs 2023/24)

We continue to minimise our impact on the environment by recycling and reusing materials to reduce pollution and divert waste from landfills.

Improving energy efficiency

1,411

end-of-life batteries replaced with new lithium-ion batteries

(3,022 in 2023/24)

Replacing end-of-life batteries with lithium-ion alternatives which enable the use of clean, renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuel.

‌7 Airtel Africa plc / Sustainability Report 2025‌

Airtel Africa at a glance

Connecting communities and

accelerating progress

Transforming

Our purpose is to transform the lives of millions of people living and working across Africa. We deliver this by providing connectivity which drives digital and financial inclusion and access to education. By offering affordable and accessible services, we empower individuals, businesses and communities, playing a crucial role in driving equality and fostering economic development.

Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, both in terms of population and urbanisation. Across our 14 markets, a large and growing share of the population is under the age of 25. Yet, despite this demographic strength, the region still faces significant challenges, such as limited infrastructure and low levels of mobile and financial inclusion.

Sustainability at Airtel Africa

166.1 million

total customers

73.4 million

data customers

44.6 million

Airtel Money customers

Footprint population: 662 million (Source: UN world population prospectus 2024)

‌8 Airtel Africa plc / Sustainability Report 2025 / Airtel Africa at a glance

Our services

We operate a vertically integrated telecommunications business, providing essential services in 14 vibrant sub-Saharan markets.

Voice

Including pre- and post-paid wireless voice services, international roaming and fixed-line telephony services

Data

Including 4G, 5G, home broadband, fibre and data centres

Mobile money

* Decline in 2025 mobile customers is partly contributed by NIN barring and partly due to data correction done by NCC in Glo and 9-mobile subscribers' reporting.

Data sources:

Including digital wallet payment systems, microloans, merchant services, savings, insurance and international money transfers

Sustainability at Airtel Africa

‌Letter from the Board‌

1

Today, a gateway to everyday life in an increasingly connected world.

2

Annika Poutiainen

Board member and Airtel Africa's sustainability champion

Digital infrastructure is not just about technology - it is about human connections, economic empowerment and resilience for the future. As Airtel Africa's sustainability champion, I am inspired by the impact the company's services have on communities across Africa. I am delighted to introduce the Sustainability Report 2025 and reflect on how Airtel Africa is transforming the lives of customers.

Today, access to digital and financial services is a necessity, a gateway to everyday life in an increasingly connected world. Yet, millions in developing markets remain excluded, deepening global inequality. Airtel Africa is addressing this through continuous investment in network infrastructure across its 14 sub-Saharan markets. As a result, in the past year alone, 13 million more people have gained access to reliable mobile and internet connectivity, enabling them to communicate, trade, bank and participate in the digital economy.

This investment, combined with Airtel Money services, boosts financial inclusion which, in turn, drives economic stability and independence. In remote areas - and particularly for women - it encourages entrepreneurship, savings and provides access to financial products, helping individuals, families and communities thrive. The fact that 44% of Airtel Money customers are women demonstrates Airtel Africa is making a sound contribution to bridging the digital gender divide in sub-Saharan Africa.

With adverse weather events increasing worldwide - and Africa facing a disproportionate risk - resilience is more important than ever. Airtel Africa's investment in robust, state-of-the-art infrastructure ensures that when crises occur, connectivity is a lifeline. Airtel Africa's network supports emergency response efforts, aid distribution and vital communication when it matters most. But resilience is also critical for everyday life.

Customers depend on a secure and uninterrupted service and entrust the company with their personal and financial data. Airtel Africa takes the delivery of all its material topics very seriously - and resilience aligns with two of its highest priority material topics: data security and service quality.

‌Expanding Airtel Africa's network into remote areas presents a unique energy challenge, with many regions lacking reliable grid infrastructure. While this makes emissions reduction challenging, the company is deploying green energy solutions wherever practicable, improving efficiency and enhancing emissions monitoring across its footprint. Striking a balance between economic development and environmental stewardship is essential.

Of course, Airtel Africa's greatest asset is its people. I have witnessed its strong culture of inclusion, empowerment and continuous learning which are central to the company's sustainability ambitions. I'm a passionate advocate for women in business and I'm delighted that diversity and leadership development remain priorities, with programmes such as the global talent accelerator ensuring more women are ready to take senior roles in the telecoms sector.

Thinking of the next generation, I am particularly proud of the launch of the Airtel Africa Foundation which is positioned to operate as the philanthropic arm of the business moving forward and will oversee Airtel Africa's landmark $57 million partnership with UNICEF. The Foundation will contribute to driving longterm socio-economic transformation on the continent, focusing on financial inclusion, education, environmental protection and digital inclusion.

Through continuous investments to drive digital and financial inclusion, resilient infrastructure and education, Airtel Africa is delivering on its promise to transform lives and confirming its commitment to the future of the continent. Africa's young, ambitious population is full of potential, and Airtel Africa is committed to unlocking it. It's a privilege to be part of this journey.

B See more about the Airtel Africa Foundation (p13)

Board engagement and oversight in 2024/25

Our Board is committed to promoting the long-term, sustainable success of Airtel Africa while delivering value to all stakeholders. Among its core responsibilities are defining the company's business and sustainability strategies, setting risk management and ESG-related policies and monitoring progress against financial and sustainability targets - while remaining mindful of the interests of a broad and diverse stakeholder base.

In 2024/25, our non-executive directors visited several key markets - the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Republic of the Congo and Rwanda - to engage directly with employees and learn about operational challenges. These visits included tours of Airtel Africa shops and Airtel Money branches (AMBs) as well as distributors, agents and sites - the ecosystem through which we advance digital and financial inclusion. These engagements deepen the Board's understanding of local operations and foster a culture of trust and collaboration.

During the visits, Board members received updates on sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives, including programmes to connect schools to the internet, deliver disaster relief, support healthcare campaigns and other initiatives which are aligned with local needs and our broader sustainability commitments.

In September 2024, we launched the 'Employee connect' initiative enabling independent non-executive directors to engage virtually with employees on a regular basis. Through structured sessions and informal dialogue, employees share ideas, outline challenges and learn about the company's strategic direction.

These immersive engagements allow our Board to understand how our products and services are developed to meet real customer needs and how we're creating social and economic opportunities. Firsthand experiences offer valuable insight into rising data demand, customer service enhancements and our broader business model.

Sustainability at Airtel Africa

‌Chief executive officer's Q&A‌

1

In a continent And it's our responsibility to ensure that as we grow, we're

2

Sunil Taldar

Chief executive officer, Airtel Africa plc

With one of the youngest populations in the world and fast-growing demand for digital and financial services, Africa is entering a pivotal chapter in its development. Airtel Africa is uniquely placed to help shape this future - not only by providing critical infrastructure but by championing the aspirations of the continent's people.

Sunil Taldar, chief executive officer of Airtel Africa plc, reflects on the company's role in accelerating inclusive growth, building a customer-first culture, and delivering sustainable impact through our operations and the newly launched Airtel Africa Foundation.

Q1.

Let's start with the big picture -what does 'transforming lives' mean to you personally?

For me, 'transforming lives' goes beyond a strategic objective - it's the core of our purpose and the reason we exist as a business. In a continent as dynamic and diverse as Africa, the needs are significant, but so is the potential. And it's our responsibility to ensure that as we grow, we're creating meaningful value for the people and communities we serve.

Africa is home to one of the world's youngest populations, and that presents an immense opportunity - not just for business, but for societal progress. We know that the aspirations of Africa's youth are powerful.

They want to learn, they want to build, they want to be part of the global digital economy. But in many areas, what holds people back isn't ambition - it's access.

Access to reliable internet, to education, to digital tools and financial services.

This is the gap we're working to close. In 2024/25, we invested $670m of capex (excluding licence renewals and spectrum acquisitions) to improve network capacity and quality, reinforce a future-ready network and protect our business from the global threat of cyber attacks. The investment in digital applications is also designed to enhance customer experience.

This year we rolled out 2,600 new sites and deployed 3,300 km of fibre. These investments enable rural schools to connect to the internet, small businesses to operate online and individuals to participate in the digital economy on their own terms.

We've also made progress on our environmental agenda, transitioning 500 sites from off-grid to on-grid energy and saving around 350,000 litres of fuel. This increased our operational efficiency while supporting sustainable, scalable growth.

Another example I'm particularly proud of is the partnership with UNICEF. Through this initiative, over 1.6 million students across 13 countries have been connected to digital learning platforms. For many, this is their first meaningful access to educational content online - and that opens up entirely new possibilities for their futures.

So, when we talk about transforming lives, we mean delivering infrastructure that empowers people, services that enable progress and partnerships that unlock opportunity - for communities, families and individuals.

‌Q2.

Customer experience is now at the heart of your strategy. Why does that matter so much?

Customer experience has always been important, but today it's the defining factor in how we differentiate and grow. In many of the markets where we operate, we're not just another service provider - we are often the primary gateway to digital inclusion.

That makes the experience we offer both a commercial imperative and a moral obligation.

Our customers rely on us not just for voice and data, but for access to education, healthcare, financial services and business tools. With that, our services are essential and come with a high level of expectation. People want connectivity that is reliable, secure and easy to use.

We have competition in every one of our markets. But I believe it is how we treat our customers that truly sets us apart - how responsive we are, how easy it is to access our services, and how well we anticipate and meet evolving needs.

Upgrading from 2G to 4G is a good example. This transition is a pathway to participation: it means that a young entrepreneur can run a business from a phone or a student can stream a lesson without interruption. It's about enabling economic activity and social inclusion through better quality service.

Security is another critical area. We know that fraud and scams are a serious concern for customers, especially in rural and underserved areas. It's something I hear directly when I visit our markets. So, we're strengthening our data protection protocols, building customer awareness, and improving digital safety features across our platforms. People must feel confident and secure when they use our services - and we are committed to earning and maintaining that trust.

Q3.

Airtel Money has seen strong growth. What role does it play in transforming financial inclusion across Africa?

Airtel Money is a cornerstone of our ambition to drive financial inclusion. Large segments of the population across our markets remain unbanked or underbanked. Traditional financial infrastructure is limited or inaccessible - and Airtel Money is helping to close that gap.

The ability to store, transfer and manage money securely through a mobile device is genuinely transformative. It allows individuals to save money, to send school fees, to pay bills, and to transact with confidence - many for the first time. It also enables small businesses and micro-merchants to participate in the broader economy and opens up a pathway to more formal financial services.

We're seeing strong momentum in this space. In Zambia, for example, our Airtel Money customer base grew by more than 26% this year. And across our markets, customer numbers and transaction volume are both growing strongly. As smartphone adoption grows, we're expanding the range of digital use cases, from merchant payments to airtime lending, insurance, and beyond. Our B2B portal is now more robust and we've continued to enhance our compliance and governance, setting our Airtel Money business up for future evolution. These developments reflect the scale of the opportunity and the strength of the platform we've built.

But at its heart, this is about impact. Financial inclusion is a fundamental enabler of development. When people have access to mobile financial services, they have greater control over their lives. That is exactly the kind of transformation we're here to deliver.

Q4.

What's the role of the Airtel Africa Foundation - and how does it connect to your wider purpose?

The Airtel Africa Foundation is the company's philanthropic arm which builds on our purpose of transforming lives while delivering sustainable impact across our markets. It was launched in June 2024 to bring greater structure and scale to the work we were already doing. The Foundation is focused on four priorities - financial inclusion, education, environmental protection and digital empowerment. These areas are aligned with our sustainability strategy which underpins our business strategy, and are vital to sustainable development in Africa.

The Foundation will lead several flagship programmes, including our landmark $57m partnership with UNICEF aimed at connecting schools to the internet across 13 countries and providing free access to online educational platforms. This partnership is enabling access to digital learning resources, teacher training and connectivity infrastructure - all at no cost to the schools or students. It's a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration.

The Foundation also strengthens Airtel Africa's internal culture. Our people take pride in knowing the work of the Foundation contributes to long-term social progress and that sense of purpose is a powerful motivator.

As we move forward, the Foundation will play an increasingly important role in helping deliver measurable impact for the societies we serve.

Sunil Taldar

Chief executive officer

Sustainability at Airtel Africa

‌Airtel Africa Foundation‌

Highlights in 2024/25

In its first nine months, the Airtel Africa Foundation has focused on empowering young people with the skills and support needed to thrive in a digital future.

In September 2024, the Foundation launched its first fellowship programme, an investment in the continent's next generation of technology leaders. It awarded four-year scholarships to support ten exceptional students - five men and five women - to pursue degrees in data science and artificial intelligence at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in Zanzibar, Tanzania. With tuition and living expenses fully covered for up to

$500,000, these students represent the first cohort of what will become a growing network of African digital innovators equipped to shape the region's technological future.

Alongside this, the Foundation extended its support to grassroots technical education, funding the training of 25,000 young people through Nigeria's 'Three million technical talents' (3MTT) initiative. This government-led programme focuses on equipping youth with market-ready digital skills, opening doors to employment and entrepreneurship in one of Africa's most dynamic tech ecosystems.

Together, these early initiatives reflect the Foundation's commitment to unlocking potential -investing in the individuals and skills that will power Africa's digital transformation in the years ahead.

Empowering communities and transforming futures through sustainable impact

In June 2024, Airtel Africa established the Airtel Africa Foundation to scale its social impact. The Foundation is our dedicated philanthropic arm: it was created to formalise and expand Airtel Africa's commitment to transforming lives across its 14 markets in sub-Saharan Africa.

Chaired by former Airtel Africa CEO, Olusegun Ogunsanya, the Foundation has been set up to be a long-term driver of inclusive growth and social transformation. By focusing on strategic, scalable initiatives, the Foundation aligns its mission with Airtel Africa's sustainability strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Focused on impact: four pillars of change

The Airtel Africa Foundation has set its sights on four objectives where it can deliver the greatest impact:

Increase financial literacy and access to digital financial services

By expanding internet access and promoting digital literacy, the Foundation aims to bridge the digital divide. It also supports initiatives that improve access to mobile financial services, helping underserved populations, especially women and small business owners, participate more fully in the economy.

Expand access to education

Education is central to the Foundation's vision of socio-economic empowerment. Through scholarships, partnerships and digital learning platforms, it seeks to equip future generations with the STEM1 skills and opportunities, particularly among young women, to thrive in a digital world.

Promote sustainable environmental services

Climate change poses a growing threat across the continent. The Foundation is investing in community-based environmental programmes that foster sustainability - from protection of natural resources and renewable energy to climate education and resilience-building.

Enhance access to digital technologies

This is crucial for driving economic growth, improving education, healthcare and financial inclusion across underserved populations. Enhancing access to digital technologies also empowers individuals and businesses to participate in the global digital economy, reducing inequality and fostering innovation.

1. STEM is an umbrella term used to group together the distinct but related technical disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

‌Driving impact‌

Airtel Africa is

At Airtel Africa, we believe that to transform lives we must continue to expand access to digital and financial services that empower people, build resilience and unlock economic opportunities across the continent.

Through our investments in digital connectivity, mobile money and education, we're helping to remove the barriers that prevent many people in Africa achieving their aspirations or reaching their full potential. And in doing so, we're enabling more people - especially young people, women and rural communities - to build better futures for themselves and their families.

We're focusing on four areas where we have the most meaningful and lasting impact:

Contributing to inclusive economic growth Bridging the digital divide

Driving financial inclusion

Supporting social development and environmental protection

1

Connectivity, digitisation and financial inclusion are transforming lives across Africa - and our strategy reflects a deep, long-term commitment to creating meaningful, sustainable change.

2

Sunil Taldar

Chief executive officer, Airtel Africa plc

‌Contributing to ‌

Capex Investments

Annual capex investments

Aligned with: UN SDG8 Decent work and economic growth and

UN SDG9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Sustainability at Airtel Africa

We believe that a connected society is a more resilient and prosperous one. Our investments in infrastructure, engagement

with local supply chains and digital business ecosystems are

creating opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and

innovation at every level.

In 2024/25, our total capex investment of $670m enabled us to focus on strengthening service quality, reliability and reach. From the rollout of 5G and fibre to upgrading tower sites in the DRC, Kenya and Uganda, we're laying the groundwork for a truly inclusive digital economy.

This year, we supported approximately 1.7 million Airtel Money agents serving their communities. Our presence contributes to national economies, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas,

Employment impact

Number of Airtel Money agents in our distribution ecosystem

Aligned with: UN SDG8 Decent work and economic growth

where digital infrastructure is helping to reduce inequality and

increase resilience.

We also contributed approximately $1.7bn in tax revenues to support public services and economic recovery across our 14 markets. These fiscal contributions help governments deliver healthcare, education and local infrastructure - extending our impact far beyond telecommunications.

According to GSMA's Mobile Economy Report, mobile technologies contributed 7% of GDP in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023. Airtel Africa is proud to be helping power this transformation.

Direct and indirect contribution

Total direct and indirect contribution (including taxes) by the Group in 14 markets

Aligned with: UN SDG8 Decent work and economic growth

SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth

SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

‌Bridging the

Many of the countries where we operate are among the world's least connected to mobile technology. With rapid population growth, millions of people across Africa still lack access to the digital tools. Bridging the digital divide means more than expanding coverage - it means addressing affordability and digital literacy so that everyone has the chance to participate.

We're also tackling affordability. Through handset financing schemes and tailored data bundles, we're making it easier for low-income users to get connected and stay connected. This focus is having a positive impact with data customer penetration up to 44.2% and smartphone penetration reaching 44.8% in 2024/25, both continuing an ongoing upward trend. For each of these impact metrics, every percentage point represents thousands of people gaining access to education, healthcare, information and community.

Our digital literacy campaigns are also helping close the gender gap in internet access. More women and girls are learning to use digital tools safely and confidently - enabling greater independence, economic participation and connection ensuring no one is left behind.

Network coverage

Percentage of population covered

Aligned with: UN SDG9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure

2G/3G

4G

Data customer penetration

Percentage of customers using data services

Aligned with: UN SDG9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure

SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

SDG 10: Reduced inequalities

Smartphone penetration

Percentage of customers using smartphones

Aligned with: UN SDG10 Reduced inequalities

B See our progress update on digital inclusion (p57)

‌Driving

Financial inclusion gives people agency, dignity and control. It provides them with the tools to invest in their future and support their communities. It's a core part of our strategy, and one of the most powerful tools we have for driving equitable development across Africa.

Across our markets, millions of people still lack access to formal banking services. Airtel Money is changing that. It provides a safe, affordable and accessible entry point to the financial system for everyone, including farmers, informal workers, women-led enterprises and small traders.

In 2024/25, we served 44.6 million Airtel Money customers -offering secure transactions, savings, credit and insurance services. Over the year, we processed more than 17 billion transactions, amounting to $136bn in value. Our growing customer base demonstrates how quickly trust and adoption can florish when services are developed around people's real needs.

We are particularly proud of the role Airtel Money plays in gender inclusion. In 2024/25, 44.2% of Airtel Money customers were women.

Airtel Money customers

Total number of registered and active users

Aligned with: UN SDG10 Reduced inequalities

Mobile money transactions

Transaction value in Airtel Money ecosystem

Aligned with UN SDG10 Reduced inequalities

Airtel Money women customers

Percentage of Airtel Money women customers Aligned with: UN SGD10 Reduced inequalities

Sustainability at Airtel Africa

SDG 5: Gender equality

SDG 10: Reduced inequalities

B See our progress update on financial inclusion (p60)

‌Supporting and

Through the Airtel Africa Foundation, we're building human capital and expanding access to digital education for young people. The landmark five-year $57m partnership with UNICEF continues to connect schools and deliver digital literacy programmes across 13 markets. In 2024/25, 2,176 schools were connected to the internet, offering free data access and enabling thousands of students to participate in online learning.

Gender equity is also central to our social agenda. While the percentage of women in our workforce is growing and stands at 29.2% across the Group, and 28.5% of our OpCo Executive Committee (ExCo) roles are held by women, driving this forward is a key imperative for us. Programmes such as the global talent accelerator and the mobility programme help to build a more diverse and inclusive leadership pipeline, while cross-market assignments foster shared learning and professional growth.

As confirmed by GSMA's mobile for development platform, collaboration is key to long-term impact. That's why we work alongside governments, NGOs and private partners to deliver solutions that are scalable, sustainable and inclusive.

Our commitment to improved environmental performance is closely linked to our mission to connect and support communities. As we scale our operations across markets, we're determined to limit our impact on the environment.

We're candid about balancing our ambitious digital inclusion goals with the long-term environmental targets which require careful management. That's why we're deploying renewable energy solutions wherever feasible. In 2024/25, we continued to invest in solar-powered and hybrid network sites, intelligent cooling systems and moving off-grid sites to on-grid/hybrid energy solutions which reduce the costs of running these sites while minimising our impact on the environment.

We're also taking action on e-waste management and circularity. In 2024/25, we recycled 93% of our total wasted generated across our operations, promoting responsible consumption in line with UN SDG 12.

Schools connected to the internet

Total number of schools with free internet access

Aligned with: UN SDG4 Quality education and UN SDG9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Gender balance

Percentage of women across the Group

Aligned with: UN SDG5 Gender equality and UN SDG8 Decent work and economic growth

Waste management

Percentage of total generated waste recycled

Aligned with: UN SDG12 Responsible consumption and production

Investment in solar and hybrid sites

Number of sites migrated from off-grid to on-grid/hybrid

Aligned with: UN SDG12 Responsible consumption and production

B See more about commitments to our people (p48)

B See more about our environmental pillar (p67)

SDG 4: Quality education

SDG 5: Gender equality

SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth

SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production

‌Improving our sustainability profile with sustainability-linked loans

In 2024/25, we signed a sustainability-linked loan (SLL) with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in two of our OpCos (the DRC and Rwanda) for a total of $135m. The structure of the loan includes target interest margin incentives on the achievement of specific social KPIs related to digital inclusion, financial inclusion and gender balance.

These KPIs are aligned with our long-term sustainability strategy which underpins our business strategy focused on developing the infrastructure and services that will drive digital and financial inclusion for people across Africa.

This loan is in addition to our agreement with Citibank, signed in 2022, for a sustainability-linked loan which included targets related to digital inclusion and gender balance which span several Group subsidiaries.

Partnerships and collaborations

Aligned to the ethos of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), we recognise that real impact comes through collaboration and partnership, with organisations working in unison to achieve the same goal.

We collaborate with governments, regulators, fintech providers, technology partners and local businesses to enhance connectivity, financial inclusion and sustainable development.

We work with more than 2,600 partners and suppliers across Africa, including mobile brands, IT companies and telecoms infrastructure providers - with the top 100 vendors and suppliers accounting for 87.2% of our procurement spend.

Airtel Africa has been a signatory of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) since April 2021 and we are committed to upholding its values and principles and using our participation as an opportunity to learn from other organisations. Similarly, we participate fully in our trade body, GSMA, to collaborate, share and learn from industry peers.

Sustainability at Airtel Africa

‌20 Airtel Africa plc / Sustainability Report 2025 / Driving impact‌

Transforming lives in action

Transforming lives of individuals, families, communities and nations through mobile technology

At Airtel Africa, we're proud to work with 1.7 million Airtel Money agents who help to power progress across 14 countries. Through our unique and growing network of retail touchpoints - now more than 390,000 customer-activating outlets - and a digitalised approach, we bring mobile technology and financial services closer to underserved communities every day.

Meet two of our agents - one in Nigeria and one in Uganda - who, on a daily basis, witness how access to mobile data and financial services can genuinely transform the lives of customers. Their stories reflect how our investments in network expansion, distribution channels and local entrepreneurship are creating tangible impact, supporting a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.