Airtel increased its subscriber base in Nigeria to 60,065,904 in 2022 by adding 6,139,018 new subscribers from December 2021 to December 2022, according to data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Airtel opened the year 2022 with 54,635,863 active subscribers, recording month-to-month increase in subscriber enrolments.
A cursory of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) data on NCC’s website shows Airtel Nigeria managed about 60-40 ratio on outgoing and incoming porting activities during the year.
Airtel Long-term sustainability strategy
There are signs of the Airtel Africa’s long-term sustainability strategy launched in October 2021 having impact on the operations
The sustainability strategy includes nine goals and commitments, with corresponding programmes that address the business’ material topics and enable the Group to continue delivering sustainable growth and uphold the best governance standards. Some of the plans are geared towards:
1. Data security goal
As a group with a presence in 14 countries across Africa, Airtel pledged to establish industry-leading data security for its customers through investments in technology and expertise, updated processes and consumer awareness – with focus areas around confidentiality, integrity and availability.
2. Service quality goal
The long-term sustainability plan also reflects on Airtel undertaking to provide access to reliable networks and connectivity through the rollout of new infrastructure and technology, improved fibre connectivity and capacity – with focus areas on service accessibility, delivery and reliability.
3. Supply chain goal:
Ensure all our suppliers are aligned with our sustainability agenda through programmes to increase supplier disclosure and audit ESG performance – with focus areas on enhanced supplier due diligence and ongoing ESG compliance.
4. Commitment to provide rewarding employment opportunities and to achieve genuine diversity and inclusion at all levels across the business.
Airtel is also pursuing its goal to significantly improve digital Inclusion across Africa by driving the penetration of mobile, smartphones and home broadband in rural areas through the provision of retail and support services.
The Group always works to significantly increase financial inclusion in Africa, with particular support for women through the development of affordable financial products to meet the needs of the un- and under-banked, a reliable service and financial confidence and literacy.
Care for the environment
Prof Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, in his speech at this year’s World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), spoke extensively on the need for telcos to diversify their source of energy bygoing green.
Interestingly, Airtel had committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ahead of the 2050 deadline set out in the Paris Agreement.
To do this, the telco established a sector leading and credible decarbonisation pathway in 2022, ahead of the publication of its first Sustainability Report.
From the forgoing, Airtel Nigeria which has secured a 5G license is definitely one of the telecom companies to watch in 2023.
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