Airtel Africa Expands Digital Access and Financial Inclusion Across Africa

Airtel Africa has announced significant progress in expanding digital connectivity, strengthening financial inclusion, and reducing the environmental impact of its operations, according to its Sustainability Report 2026.

The telecommunications and mobile money provider operates across 14 African countries and says its investments during the 2025/26 financial year helped improve access to communication services, digital financial tools, and educational opportunities for millions of people, especially in rural and underserved communities.

The report highlights continued growth in network infrastructure, smartphone adoption, digital services, and sustainability initiatives designed to support long-term economic development across the continent.

“Our commitment is to ensure that connectivity, financial services and digital education become accessible to more people across Africa,” said Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar.

“Across Africa, access to connectivity, financial services and digital education is increasingly essential to economic opportunity. This year, we continued to grow network coverage, smartphone adoption and Airtel Money services, while strengthening partnerships that extend our impact.”

Network Coverage Continues to Grow

Airtel Africa reported further expansion of its mobile network coverage during the financial year.

The company’s network now reaches 81.9 percent of the population across its markets, up from 81.2 percent a year earlier. Rural network coverage also increased to 73.1 percent, helping more communities gain access to communication services.

At the same time, demand for digital services continued to rise. Data customer penetration reached 45.9 percent, while smartphone penetration increased to 49.5 percent. The growth reflects greater access to internet-enabled devices and digital platforms across Africa.

Airtel Money Drives Financial Inclusion

Financial inclusion remained one of Airtel Africa’s fastest-growing business segments.

The company’s Airtel Money platform expanded to more than 54 million customers, compared to 44.6 million users the previous year. Total transaction value processed through the platform reached approximately US$196 billion, a substantial increase from US$136 billion recorded a year earlier.

Women represented 44.1 percent of Airtel Money customers, highlighting the platform’s role in improving access to financial services for underserved groups.

Airtel Africa also expanded its Airtel Money agent network to 2.4 million agents. This growth has helped create employment opportunities while extending financial services to communities with limited access to traditional banking infrastructure.

Digital Ecosystem Records Strong Growth

The company’s digital ecosystem continued to expand throughout the year.

Transactions completed through the MyAirtel application increased by 80 percent, reaching US$8.3 billion. Monthly active users on the platform grew to 10.5 million.

The growth demonstrates increasing consumer adoption of digital services and self-service platforms across Airtel Africa’s markets.

Education Partnership Connects More Schools

Beyond telecommunications and financial services, Airtel Africa continued investing in education through the Airtel Africa Foundation’s partnership with UNICEF.

As of March 31, 2026, the initiative had connected 3,043 schools to free internet services. This represents a significant increase from 2,176 schools connected during the previous reporting period.

The program aims to improve digital learning opportunities and expand access to online educational resources for students and teachers across Africa.

Sustainability Efforts Reduce Environmental Impact

Airtel Africa also reported progress toward its environmental sustainability goals.

During the reporting period, the company converted more than 950 telecommunications sites from off-grid power systems to on-grid electricity. This transition significantly reduced dependence on diesel-powered generators and improved energy efficiency.

As a result, Airtel Africa reduced diesel consumption by 9.1 million litres during the year.

The company also increased its recycling efforts, reporting that 94 percent of operational waste was recycled, compared to 93 percent in the previous year.