Airtel Africa has posted a strong performance for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2025, reinforcing its position as a major driver of connectivity and financial inclusion across Africa. The pan-African telecommunications group reported a 10 per cent increase in its total customer base to 179.4 million, reflecting sustained demand for mobile and digital services across its markets.
Data customers grew by 14.6 per cent to 81.8 million, while smartphone penetration increased to 48.1 per cent, underlining Africa’s accelerating shift towards mobile-first digital services. Rising adoption of smartphones and improved network quality continued to drive higher data usage, with average monthly consumption per customer increasing to 8.6GB from 6.9GB. Data average revenue per user rose by 16.6 per cent in constant currency, while data revenues surged by 36.5 per cent, making data services the group’s largest revenue contributor.
Airtel Africa said ongoing investments in network capacity and infrastructure were central to this growth. During the period, the company deployed about 2,500 new network sites and extended its fibre footprint by 4,000 kilometres. Total fibre coverage now exceeds 81,500 kilometres, reaching 81.7 per cent of the population, supporting both urban demand and wider regional inclusion.
Mobile financial services remained a standout area of performance. Airtel Money surpassed 52 million subscribers, representing a year-on-year increase of 17.3 per cent. The platform processed an annualised transaction value of more than $210 billion, up 36 per cent, driven by deeper merchant integration and growing adoption of digital payments. Mobile money revenues rose by 29.4 per cent in constant currency, alongside higher average revenue per user as customers increased transaction frequency.
The company confirmed that plans to list Airtel Money remain on track for the first half of 2026, a development being closely monitored by Africa’s fintech and capital markets.
Financial performance also strengthened over the period. EBITDA rose by 35.9 per cent to $2.28 billion, with margins expanding to 48.9 per cent. Profit after tax more than doubled to $586 million, supported by robust operating performance and favourable foreign exchange movements. Despite capital expenditure of $603 million to fund network expansion, leverage improved to 1.9 times, reflecting strong cash generation.
Commenting on the results, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, said the performance demonstrated the group’s continued focus on connectivity, financial inclusion and digital innovation. He pointed to the integration of GSM services with Airtel Money, as well as increased use of digitisation and artificial intelligence to improve customer experience.
“Our push to enhance financial inclusion across the continent continues to gain momentum with our Mobile Money customer base expanding to 52 million, surpassing the 50 million milestone. Annualised total processed value of over $210 billion underscores the depth of our merchants, agents and partner ecosystem. We remain on track for the listing of Airtel Money in the first half of 2026,” he said.
The results reflect broader digital momentum across Africa, marked by rising smartphone adoption, growing demand for reliable broadband and the increasing role of mobile money in everyday economic activity. With continued investment in networks, fibre and digital platforms, Airtel Africa is positioning itself at the forefront of the continent’s next phase of growth in connectivity and financial inclusion.
No comments:
Post a Comment