Airtel Africa plc has announced financial results for the quarter ended 30 June 2025, with revenue climbing to $1.415 billion, representing a 24.9 per cent increase in constant currency and 22.4 per cent in reported currency.
Net profit surged to $156 million, up from $31 million in the same period last year, reflecting strong operating performance, easing currency pressures, and improved macroeconomic conditions across key markets.
The company’s latest trading update shows broad-based growth across its business segments. Mobile services revenue rose by 23.8 per cent in constant currency, driven by voice revenue growth of 13.9 per cent and a sharp 38.1 per cent rise in data revenue.
Data demand continues to accelerate, supported by a 17.4 per cent increase in data customers to 75.6 million and a 47.4 per cent rise in data usage.
In his response, the chief executive officer of Airtel Africa, Sunil Taldar, said the company’s strong financial and operational performance reflects the strength of Airtel’s business model and continued demand for its services.
“We remain focused on providing exceptional customer experience and expanding digital and financial inclusion across the continent,” Taldar stated.
Mobile money remained a major growth pillar, with revenues in that segment rising 30.3 percent in constant currency. Airtel Money customers increased to 45.8 million, driving a 35 percent year-on-year growth in annualised transaction value to $162 billion. Average revenue per user (ARPU) also grew by 11.3 percent in the segment.
Operating momentum was further reflected in the company’s EBITDA, which rose by 29.8 percent in reported currency to $679 million. EBITDA margin improved to 48.0 percent, up from 45.3 percent in the prior year, aided by cost efficiencies and more stable fuel prices. Basic earnings per share increased to 3.4 cents from 0.2 cents, while EPS before exceptional items rose from 2.3 cents to 3.4 cents.
Airtel continued to invest in expanding its network infrastructure, rolling out 2,300 new sites to reach a total of 37,579 and extending its fibre network by 2,700 kilometres to over 79,600 kilometres. These efforts pushed 4G population coverage to 74.7 per cent, up 3.4 percentage points from the previous year, and helped drive smartphone penetration to 45.9 per cent.
Capex for the quarter stood at $121 million, lower than the previous year due to timing differences, though the company reaffirmed its full-year guidance of $725 million to $750 million. Meanwhile, Airtel’s debt localisation programme made further progress, with nearly 95 percent of its operating company debt now in local currency, up from 86 percent a year ago, reducing exposure to foreign exchange volatility.
As part of its shareholder return strategy, Airtel Africa also disclosed that it had repurchased 7.1 million ordinary shares worth $16.9 million since the launch of the second tranche of its $55 million share buyback programme.
“With a strong balance sheet, improving macroeconomic outlook, and a relentless focus on digitisation and customer experience, we are well-positioned to capture the significant growth potential across our markets,” Taldar asserted.
