Airtel Africa’s 5G network coverage up by 4.14% in urban areas- report

The coverage of Airtel Africa’s 5G network has gone up by 4.14% primarily in urban areas since its inception a year ago.

According to the Airtel Africa sustainability report for 2024, the company has continued to expand telecommunications services, supporting economic growth and development across the continent growing the customer base to 152.7 million across 14 markets, expansion of the 4G network and reaching 70.7% of the population in these markets, a 4.9% increase since 2022/23.

The report also shows increased workforce and leadership diversity, with 35.4% of new or open leadership roles filled by women, raising the representation of women in senior management to 22.3%, up from 19.5% the previous year.

The company also reported enhanced diversity and inclusion and advancing female talent through the ‘Women for technology’ programme which benefitted 54 high performing women and resulted in a 21% increase in internal promotions from this group as of 31 March 2024

The report also indicates driving financial inclusion for unbanked populations by growing Airtel Money’s customer base to 38 million people.

This is particularly significant for the financial inclusion of women in Africa, who make up 38% of Airtel Money’s customers

“I’m very proud of the strides Airtel Africa has made in advancing our sustainability goals. While targets are vital to driving change, our mission is much bigger: to transform people’s lives through connectivity, products and services fostering digital and financial inclusion while unlocking the potential of the next generation,” said  Airtel Africa’s outgoing Group CEO, Segun Ogunsanya.