Rising Diesel Prices Push Africa Telecom Towers Toward Solar Power

Rising diesel prices linked to global tensions, including the fallout from the Iran conflict, are accelerating a shift across Africa toward solar-powered telecom towers.

According to the Associated Press, diesel—still the main energy source for most of the continent’s roughly 500,000 telecom towers—has become more expensive and harder to secure in recent weeks. This has pushed governments and telecom operators to rethink energy strategies.

The transition to cleaner energy was already underway due to cost pressures and climate goals, but recent market volatility has increased its pace. Industry data from GSMA shows operators are increasingly adopting hybrid systems combining solar panels, battery storage, and limited diesel backup, especially in rural areas where grid expansion is costly.

Companies are also moving toward fully solar-powered towers over time. Solar systems generate electricity through panels and store energy in batteries, reducing reliance on fuel deliveries and lowering operational risks.

Investment in this shift is growing. Kenya-based tower firm Atlas Tower Kenya recently announced a $52.5 million plan to build 300 solar-powered towers, with most of its existing sites already running on solar energy. Major operators such as Vodacom, MTN Group, and Airtel Africa are expanding solar and hybrid solutions across their networks.

Energy costs can account for up to 60% of tower operating expenses in off-grid areas. In markets like Nigeria, diesel prices have surged sharply in recent years, increasing financial pressure on operators. Some companies now spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually on fuel.

Early results show significant savings. MTN Group has cut fuel costs by about 30% in parts of South Sudan after adopting solar systems, while Airtel Africa reduced diesel use by more than half at sites in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Beyond cost reductions, solar-powered towers improve service reliability by reducing outages caused by fuel shortages or generator failures. This is especially important in remote areas where telecom access supports mobile banking, education, and emergency communication.

Experts say the shift could also help close Africa’s connectivity gap, with millions still lacking mobile internet access. In some regions, solar-powered towers may serve as hubs for mini-grids, supplying electricity to nearby homes and businesses.