Rising diesel prices linked to the Iran war are adding urgency to an ongoing transition across Africa, where mobile network operators are replacing fossil-fuel generators with solar power to run their cellular infrastructure. The shift predates recent supply disruptions and market tightening, but the global conflict has accelerated the push for cleaner energy across the continent’s roughly 500,000 telecommunications towers.
Diesel generators have long served as the default power source for cell sites in regions where grid electricity is weak or nonexistent. But fuel has become more expensive and harder to secure in recent weeks, prompting governments and companies to reassess their energy strategies across multiple African nations.
“Diesel has always been a major cost, but recent global events have made it even more volatile,” said Lande Abudu, senior energy specialist for Africa at GSMA, a global industry organization representing mobile operators. “That strengthens the case for solar and hybrid solutions.”
The economics are becoming increasingly compelling for operators. Energy accounts for up to 60% of operating costs for towers in off-grid areas, and maintaining diesel generators introduces challenges ranging from transport logistics to theft and routine mechanical upkeep.
Vodacom Africa said its energy costs rose 5% to $300 million in 2025 from the prior year, citing higher electricity tariffs and fuel prices. The company operates in multiple countries across North and Sub-Saharan Africa, including Egypt, South Africa, Congo, Mozambique, Tanzania and Lesotho. Its subsidiary Safaricom raised $153.6 million in green bonds last year specifically to transition its towers to solar power.
In Nigeria, the financial pressure shifted sharply after the government removed fuel subsidies in 2023. The policy change triggered a surge in diesel prices that climbed by as much as 200% within a year. Operators now spend an estimated $400 million annually just to keep towers running, with recent global price increases tied to the Iran conflict layering further pressure onto infrastructure budgets.
Atlas Tower Kenya announced last month a $52.5 million investment to construct 300 new solar-powered towers for major carriers, including Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom Kenya. The American-owned firm currently has 82% of its 500 towers running on solar power.
“It’s a significant shift, but there’s still a long way to go,” Abudu said.
Firms such as iSAT Africa are rolling out solar-powered towers backed by new financing models, while major operators including Orange, Vodacom, MTN Group and Airtel Africa are expanding hybrid systems across their networks.
“By replacing diesel-powered telecom towers with fully solar-powered infrastructure, we expect to reduce the carbon emissions associated with mobile network operations,” said iSAT Africa CEO Rakesh Kukreja in March.
Early deployments are delivering measurable savings. MTN operations in South Sudan cut fuel spending by about 30% after adopting solar power, according to company reports. Airtel Africa, working with ENGIE Energy Access, has reduced diesel use by more than half at sites in Zambia and Congo.
Beyond saving money, solar installations improve service uptime. Diesel-powered towers remain vulnerable to fuel shortages and mechanical failures. In parts of northern Nigeria and Congo, cellular outages linked to fuel scarcity disrupted mobile money transactions and emergency communications even before the Iran war drove prices higher.
Replacing unreliable diesel generators with solar energy could help close a massive connectivity gap. About 65% of people across Africa who could benefit from mobile internet remain unconnected, according to the GSMA.
“Renewable energy systems enable faster and more cost-effective expansion into underserved areas,” Abudu said.
Residents in northern Kenya who live near off-grid solar-powered masts report more stable service, which sustains daily commerce and emergency responsiveness.
“Before this telecommunication mast was installed, we struggled to process mobile money payment or even call for help during medical emergencies,” said Martin Imwatok, a teacher in northern Kenya. “When these towers go off, business and life stop.”
Regulators see potential beyond telecommunications. The Nigerian telecom regulator encourages operators to integrate towers into solar minigrids that supply electricity to nearby communities.
“These telecom towers can act as anchor clients for solar minigrids, supplying electricity not only to the towers but also to nearby homes, businesses and public services,” said Aminu Maida, head of the Nigerian Communications Commission.
As fuel prices remain uncertain amid global tensions, industry experts said the financial and operational case for solar will continue to strengthen.
“This is no longer just about climate,” Abudu said. “It’s about resilience, cost and keeping Africa connected.”