The shift to solar energy for powering communication towers in Africa is accelerating due to rising diesel prices linked to the fallout from the war in Iran. Diesel costs, which power around 500,000 communication towers across the continent, have become more expensive and harder to obtain, prompting governments and companies to reassess their energy strategies.
The Associated Press revealed that many African countries heavily reliant on imported fuel are experiencing price hikes and supply disruptions, which enhances the momentum towards cleaner energy sources. This transition was already underway before the price increases, but recent global events, including the war in the Middle East, have expedited this trend.
Event Details
Landi Abudo, a senior energy specialist for Africa at the GSMA, stated that diesel has always been a major cost, but recent global events have made it more volatile, enhancing the viability of solar and hybrid solutions. Mobile network operators across the continent are increasingly adopting hybrid systems that combine solar panels and battery storage with limited diesel use as a backup.
Some companies are striving to power sites entirely with solar energy, especially in rural or off-grid areas where expanding networks is costly. Traditionally, communication towers operated on diesel generators, while solar-powered towers rely on sunlight to generate electricity.
Background & Context
Globally, most communication towers in developed markets are connected to the electrical grid, with diesel primarily used as a backup. In parts of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, operators have also relied heavily on diesel but are now seeking to transition to renewable energy.
Last month, Atlas Tower Kenya announced an investment of $52.5 million to build 300 new solar-powered communication towers. The company currently has 82% of its 500 towers operating on solar energy.
Impact & Consequences
Economic considerations are increasing, as energy accounts for up to 60% of the operating costs of communication towers in off-grid areas. Vodacom Africa reported that its energy costs rose by 5% to reach $300 million in 2025 compared to the previous year.
In Nigeria, the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023 led to diesel prices soaring by up to 200% within a year, increasing pressures on operators who spend around $400 million annually to run the towers.
Regional Significance
Replacing diesel generators with solar power could help bridge the connectivity gap in Africa, where approximately 65% of the population remains unconnected to mobile internet. In rural areas of Kenya, solar towers have improved service stability, allowing for more consistent access to mobile banking and education services.
Africa's reliance on diesel poses a significant challenge due to the weak infrastructure of electrical networks. As uncertainty over fuel prices continues, industry experts believe that the shift towards clean energy will gain more strength.