Telecom Consumers Borrow Airtime Worth N4.6trn In 1 Year

Millions of mobile subscribers across Africa borrowed airtime worth about N4.6 trillion ($3.18 billion) in 2025, underscoring the growing role of telecom-based lending as households grapple with rising living costs and limited access to formal credit facilities.

The latest figures contained in the financial statements of fintech firm Optasia, showed that airtime advances issued through mobile network operators increased by 12.3 per cent to $3.18 billion in 2025 from $2.83 billion recorded in 2024.

Africa accounted for $2.99 billion of the total disbursements, representing more than 94 per cent of all airtime credit granted globally by the company during the period.

The report highlights the increasing dependence of millions of Africans on airtime borrowing services as inflationary pressures, currency depreciation and declining household purchasing power continue to strain consumers across the continent.

Airtime credit previously regarded as a temporary convenience for subscribers, is now evolving into an important financial tool that enables users to make calls, access mobile data and carry out digital transactions when cash is unavailable.

Optasia, which operates in more than 25 countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt and Ethiopia, provides airtime advances and nano-loans through technology platforms that analyse subscriber behaviour and determine credit eligibility.

The company said its platform handles credit scoring, lending decisions and disbursement processes before approving airtime advances for subscribers.

The telco also recorded significant growth in nano-loans. Its Mobile Financial Services segment facilitated nano-loans valued at $2.30 billion in 2025, more than double the $967.9 million recorded in the previous year. Africa contributed $1.41 billion of the total, even as it reinforces its position as the continent’s largest market for digital micro-credit products.

The surge in digital lending contributed significantly to the company’s financial performance. Optasia’s revenue rose by 75.5 per cent to $265.36 million in 2025 from $151.19 million in 2024, while profit after tax climbed to $43.13 million. Africa remained the firm’s largest revenue source, accounting for nearly 89 per cent of total earnings.

Industry analysts say the growth reflects the increasing convergence of telecommunications and financial services across Africa, where mobile penetration far exceeds banking penetration. The development has created opportunities for telecom operators and fintech firms to provide credit products through mobile networks, particularly to underserved populations.

In Nigeria, airtime and data borrowing services have become increasingly popular among subscribers seeking quick access to small-value credit. The federal government has also been considering reforms aimed at opening the airtime lending market to more indigenous fintech companies amid ongoing debates over competition and market structure.

However, the rapid expansion of digital lending is also exposing operators to greater credit risks. Optasia’s provision for expected credit losses on financial guarantee contracts rose to $65.21 million in 2025 from $33.42 million a year earlier, reflecting growing exposure to customers who may struggle to repay borrowed airtime and nano-loans.

The report suggests that telecom-linked lending is becoming one of the fastest-growing segments of Africa’s digital economy. As economic pressures persist and financial inclusion efforts deepen, demand for airtime credit and other small-ticket digital loan products is expected to remain strong, further expanding the role of telecom operators and fintech companies in the continent’s financial ecosystem.