As Africa's digital revolution accelerates, telecommunication towers face mounting challenges from their reliance on diesel power. Rising costs, frequent network outages, and environmental impact are making the transition to renewable energy solutions a necessity.

More than half a million telecommunication towers across Africa remain dependent on diesel for power, hindering digital competitiveness and driving up operating costs, according to a July 2025 analysis by CrossBoundary Energy (CBE).

The analysis reveals that in some remote areas of the continent, diesel accounts for 30% to 60% of a tower's operational costs. Logistical expenses further exacerbate the problem, with fuel transportation alone increasing costs by 15% to 30%, according to data cited from GSMA Intelligence. Over the past two years, geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions have worsened the situation, causing diesel costs to surge by 40% to 60% in many African markets.

The reliance on diesel leads to inconsistent fuel deliveries, which in turn causes network outages that directly impact service quality and operator revenue. This model is becoming unsustainable as the energy demands of the telecommunications sector soar. The rollout of 5G networks, for instance, requires a fourfold increase in tower density and consumes two to three times more energy than 4G. Future data centers, essential for supporting digital growth, also demand power capacities that current national grids are unable to provide.

Shift to Solar and Hybrid Solutions

Hybrid solutions using solar power and battery storage are emerging as the most viable alternative. These systems can reduce energy expenditures by 20% to 40% while enhancing reliability. Orange, a pioneer in this area on the continent, has reported a 30% reduction in operating costs and a 65% decrease in emissions by switching from diesel to a hybrid solar model.

Beyond cost savings, the transition to renewables is a critical factor for competitiveness. CBE’s analysis found that 60% to 80% of towers in sub-Saharan Africa experience daily grid outages lasting between 8 and 12 hours. In Sierra Leone, the company Zoodlabs launched the country's first 5G network through a partnership with CBE, which designed a solar and battery system specifically to handle national grid instabilities.

As governments increasingly mandate carbon reduction, the pressure to move away from a diesel-only approach for digital infrastructure is growing. The energy choices made by telecom companies in the coming years will not only affect operational costs but also the quality and competitiveness of digital services across the continent.

Abdoullah Diop