Data Surge, Mobile Money Expansion Fuel Airtel Africa Growth

Airtel Africa’s integrated strategy of connectivity and mobile money has delivered exceptional financial performance, with group revenue climbing to $4.67 billion, a 28.3 per cent increase, as constant currency growth accelerated to 24.7 per cent in Q3.

According to Airtel Africa plc’s results for the period ending 31 December 2025. The results underscore a period of strong execution, where increased network investment and a customer-centric approach have translated into superior financial performance and enhanced market leadership across the continent’s ICT landscape.

The company’s profitability saw remarkable improvement even as Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 35.9 per cent to $2.28 billion, with the margin expanding 272 basis points to 48.9 per cent. Similarly, Profit After Tax increased by 136.6 per cent to $586 million.

Data revenue, the largest contributor to group income, grew by 36.5 per cent in constant currency, accounting for 46.9 per cent of mobile services revenue. This was propelled by a 24.6 per cent increase in data usage per customer, now at 8.6GB per month, and smartphone penetration rising to 48.1 per cent

Chief executive officer of Airtel Africa, Sunil Taldar, remarked that this is directly related to strategic capital expenditure, stating that the company has accelerated investment to enhance coverage and data capacity while expanding its fibre network.

While Airtel Money emerged as a powerhouse segment, surpassing 50 million customers and achieving an annualised Total Processed Value (TPV) exceeding $210 billion in Q3.

However, with its revenue growth of 29.4 per cent in constant currency, the platform is a key player in driving financial inclusion. The company confirmed it remains on track for the anticipated listing of Airtel Money in the first half of 2026.

Hence, the mobile firm’s Capital expenditure increased by 32.2 per cent to $603 million, funding the rollout of approximately 2,500 new sites and significant fibre expansion. Also, its landmark partnerships, including a collaboration with SpaceX to deploy Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity, position Airtel at the forefront of bridging Africa’s digital divide.

Taldar emphasised that coupling this investment with innovative partnerships strengthens our customer proposition.

Meanwhile, in its regional performance and outlook, Nigeria delivered a standout performance, with constant-currency revenue growth of 50.6 per cent, while the East and Francophone Africa regions sustained solid momentum with growth of 14.4 per cent and 15.0 per cent, respectively.

Similarly, strong operational cash flow of $2.3 billion enabled leverage reduction, with the net debt-to-EBITDA ratio improving to 1.9x.

Taldar, reiterating the company’s strategic confidence, said, “These results reinforce our confidence in the long‑term potential of our markets and our ability to create value for all our stakeholders.”

Consequently, the company continues to focus on integrating AI, digitising processes, and further integrating its GSM and mobile money services to unlock further demand.