Telecom tower companies are increasingly turning to solar energy to power base stations across Nigeria and other parts of Africa, in a strategic shift aimed at reducing diesel costs and environmental impact. Although full-scale adoption remains in its early stages, solar-powered telecom towers are gaining momentum, especially in off-grid and remote areas.

In Nigeria, diesel accounts for nearly 60 percent of telecom operators’ operating expenses, according to Ernest Akinola, a UK-based renewable energy expert and former CEO of a Nigerian telecom firm. With roughly 42,000 base stations in the country—just half of what is needed to ensure widespread coverage—Akinola says the economics of continued diesel reliance no longer add up.

“Given the scale and the fact that these towers operate 24/7, the economics simply don’t support continued diesel dependence. Solarisation has become a necessity,” Akinola told The PUNCH.

Most telecom operators in Nigeria no longer own their base stations, having transferred them to tower companies that maintain shared infrastructure for multiple network providers. These firms co-locate critical telecom components, such as Home Location Registers, enabling more cost-efficient operations and energy usage.

However, Akinola revealed that only 20 percent of Nigeria’s base stations are currently powered by solar energy—a gap he believes represents both a challenge and an opportunity for transformation.

The push toward more energy-efficient infrastructure has become known in the industry as “tower power,” a term reflecting the move toward sustainable base station operations. Akinola explained that this transition is being led by well-funded original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offering solar tower solutions through revenue-sharing agreements based on energy cost savings.

“The transition is both an economic and strategic imperative,” he said. “If 60 percent of your operational expenses is going to diesel, the case for switching to solar is obvious. Without this transition, the economics of the industry will not hold up.”

Across the continent, similar shifts are underway. In South Sudan, MTN reports that it has cut fuel costs by 30 percent through solar integration, part of a broader effort to green its operations.

“MTN South Sudan has already achieved a remarkable 30 percent reduction in fuel costs, reflecting our dedication to environmental stewardship and operational efficiency,” the company said in a statement.

Other operators, including MTN Nigeria and Airtel, are actively exploring renewable options such as solar and wind. Still, large-scale rollout faces several obstacles, particularly in remote or insecure locations where equipment maintenance and security can be difficult.

“Beyond the upfront investment, there are logistical and security issues that complicate solar deployment,” Akinola said.

Despite the hurdles, industry experts believe the move to renewable power is inevitable and essential to sustaining telecom operations amid rising fuel costs and growing demand for digital services.

Akinola also highlighted solarisation as a gateway to innovation in energy management and new business models. Revenue-sharing partnerships between tower firms and OEMs could provide much-needed financial relief for operators, while also aligning with global sustainability goals.

“The telecom industry in Nigeria is at a turning point,” Akinola said. “What happens next in terms of infrastructure power will shape how affordable and accessible digital services become for millions of Nigerians.”