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Africa’s cellphone towers turn to solar as diesel costs surge
Operators are adding solar and battery systems as fuel spikes raise operating costs and threaten service reliability, GSMA said.
- Rising diesel prices linked to global conflict have accelerated the shift of Africa's roughly 500,000 telecom towers to solar power, as operators abandon fossil fuels to ensure service stability.
- Up to 60% of operating costs for off-grid telecom towers historically went toward diesel, but recent supply disruptions and price spikes have made this energy source increasingly difficult to manage.
- American-Owned Atlas Tower Kenya is investing $52.5 million to build 300 solar-powered towers, while MTN Group and Airtel Africa have reduced diesel consumption by 30% and more than half respectively.
- Solar-Powered infrastructure enables faster expansion into rural communities, helping to close the gap where about 65% of people remain unconnected to mobile internet while improving service stability.
- As fuel prices remain uncertain, Lande Abudu, senior energy specialist for Africa at the GSMA, emphasizes the shift is essential for resilience. "It's about resilience, cost and keeping Africa connected," Abudu said.
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21 Articles
21 Articles
Associated Press News+19 Reposted by 19 other sources
Africa’s cellphone towers turn to solar as diesel costs surge
Cellphone tower operators across Africa are increasingly turning to solar power to reduce reliance on costly diesel fuel and expand connectivity in off-grid areas.
·United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left10Leaning Right2Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 40%
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