NAIROBI – As diesel prices rise due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, there’s an urgent need for change across Africa. Many cellphone towers, which mostly rely on diesel, are feeling the pinch. With about 500,000 towers in Africa, supply issues and soaring prices are forcing a rethink on energy sources.
The switch to solar power for these towers isn’t entirely new. It has been driven by cost and climate goals. However, the current global situation has only sped up this transition.
“Diesel costs have always been a burden, but recent events have made them even more unpredictable,” says Lande Abudu, a senior energy specialist at GSMA. This shift bolsters the case for cleaner solar and hybrid energy solutions.
More mobile operators across Africa are adopting hybrid energy systems. These combine solar power, battery storage, and a bit of diesel backup. Some aim for fully solar-powered sites, especially in rural areas where extending power lines can be costly.
Traditionally, diesel generators powered these towers, requiring constant manual refuels. In contrast, solar towers use sunlight for energy, storing it in batteries for continuous operation.
In richer nations like the United States and India, most towers are connected to the electric grid, using diesel only as a backup. But in Southeast Asia, like Indonesia, the trend is similar — a shift toward renewable energy.
Recently, Atlas Tower Kenya announced a $52.5 million project to build 300 solar-powered towers. These will serve major companies like Safaricom and Airtel. Currently, 82% of their towers are solar-powered.
“This is just the beginning, but it’s an important step,” Abudu emphasizes.
Financial benefits for solar towers are clear. Energy costs can reach up to 60% of a tower’s operating expenses. Diesel has become not only more expensive but also tougher to manage due to logistics and maintenance challenges.
For instance, Vodacom Africa reported a 5% increase in energy costs, totaling $300 million in 2025, driven by rising electricity tariffs and fuel prices. Companies like Safaricom are proactively raising funds to transition to green energy.
In Nigeria, fuel removal subsidies caused diesel prices to skyrocket, with operators now spending about $400 million annually to keep their towers running. The conflict in Iran has intensified this pressure.
To adapt, businesses are rapidly rolling out solar towers. Operators like Orange, Vodacom, and Airtel are expanding their use of solar and hybrid systems.
Rakesh Kukreja, CEO of iSAT Africa, states they expect significant reductions in carbon emissions by converting to solar.
Initial results are promising. MTN’s operations in South Sudan saw a 30% cut in fuel spending with solar, while Airtel Africa has halved diesel use in Zambia and Congo.
Beyond cost savings, solar towers enhance reliability. They’re less susceptible to fuel shortages, crucial in underserved regions. In northern Nigeria and Congo, service disruptions linked to fuel shortages have hampered mobile transactions and emergency calls.
With about 65% of potential mobile internet users in Africa still unconnected, solar energy could help bridge this digital divide, says GSMA.
“Renewable energy systems allow for quicker expansion into underserved areas,” Abudu points out.
In rural Kenya, solar towers have improved mobile service stability. Locals now rely on consistent access to banking and health info.
Martin Imwatok, a teacher in northern Kenya, shares, “Before we had this tower, getting help during emergencies was a struggle. Now, everything is much easier.”
Africa’s heavy reliance on diesel underscores both challenges and potential gains from this transition. Governments are encouraging telecom operators to integrate solar minigrids, providing power not just for the towers but nearby communities as well.
Aminu Maida, head of Nigeria’s telecom regulator, explains, “These towers can serve as anchors for mini-grids, supplying electricity not only to the towers but also to homes and businesses.”
As fuel prices remain unpredictable, experts agree the need for cleaner energy options will grow.
“This is about more than just climate change,” Abudu concludes. “It’s about building resilience, reducing costs, and keeping Africa connected.”
For more insights on the impact of renewable energy, check out this report by the International Energy Agency.
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World news,Martin Imwatok,environment,Climate,Business,Rakesh Kukreja
