Airtel Africa has posted another strong set of results, reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s most influential digital infrastructure and financial inclusion players.
For the nine-month period ended 31 December 2025, the pan-African telecoms group reported revenues of USD 4.67 billion, representing 24.6% growth in constant currency, driven by rising data usage, expanding smartphone adoption, and the rapid scaling of Airtel Money across its markets.
The company’s total customer base grew 10% to 179.4 million, reflecting sustained demand for mobile connectivity across Africa. Data customers increased by 14.6% to 81.8 million, while smartphone penetration rose to 48.1%, underscoring the continent’s accelerating shift toward mobile-first digital services.
Sunil Taldar, Chief Executive Officer, said:
These results highlight the strength of our strategy, with strong operating and financial trends across the business. During the quarter, we accelerated investment to enhance coverage and data capacity while also expanding our fiber network. Coupling this investment with innovative partnerships strengthens our customer proposition and positions us to capture the considerable growth opportunity across our markets.
Previous Results: Airtel Africa’s Revenue, Profit, and Customer Base Surge in Q1
Data and Smartphones Fuel Africa’s Connectivity Growth
Airtel Africa said increased network investment and capacity upgrades are translating directly into higher data consumption. Average data usage per customer climbed to 8.6 GB per month, up from 6.9 GB in the prior period, while data ARPU grew 16.6% in constant currency.
Data revenues, now the group’s largest revenue contributor, surged 36.5%, highlighting how affordable smartphones and improved network quality are reshaping internet access across Africa.
The company expanded its infrastructure footprint by rolling out approximately 2,500 new sites and extending its fiber network by 4,000 kilometers, taking total fiber length beyond 81,500 km. Population coverage reached 81.7%, supporting both urban demand and broader regional inclusion.
Airtel Money Crosses Major Milestone
Airtel Money emerged as one of the standout growth engines in the period. The mobile money platform surpassed 52 million subscribers, crossing the symbolic 50-million mark and recording 17.3% growth year-on-year.
Annualized total processed value exceeded USD 210 billion, up 36%, reflecting deeper merchant integration and rising digital payments adoption across Airtel Africa’s footprint. Mobile money revenues grew 29.4% in constant currency, with ARPU also increasing as customers used the service more frequently.
The company confirmed it remains on track to list Airtel Money in the first half of 2026, a move closely watched across Africa’s fintech and capital markets.
Profitability Strengthens as Investment Accelerates
Airtel Africa’s EBITDA rose to USD 2.28 billion, up 35.9% in reported currency, with margins expanding to 48.9%. Profit after tax more than doubled to USD 586 million, supported by strong operating performance and favorable foreign exchange movements.
Leverage improved to 1.9x, reflecting healthier cash generation, even as capital expenditure increased to USD 603 million to support network expansion.
Taldar said Airtel Africa is doubling down on connectivity, financial inclusion, and digital innovation to unlock Africa’s long-term growth potential. He highlighted the company’s growing use of digitization and AI to improve customer experience, alongside deeper integration between GSM services and Airtel Money to meet rising demand for digital and financial services across the continent.
Airtel Africa’s Digital Momentum Remains Strong
The results point to a broader trend playing out across Africa: rising smartphone adoption, growing demand for reliable broadband, and mobile money platforms becoming central to everyday economic activity.
“Disciplined execution on cost efficiency, alongside accelerating revenue growth, has enabled another sequential improvement in our quarterly EBITDA margin to 49.6%, underpinning constant currency EBITDA growth of 31%,” said Taldar. “We remain focused on driving further incremental margin improvements. Our strategic priorities remain clear: to keep investing in best-in-class connectivity, accelerate financial inclusion through our mobile money platform, and deliver a great customer experience. These results reinforce our confidence in the long-term potential of our markets and our ability to create value for all our stakeholders.”
As Airtel Africa continues to invest in networks, fiber, and digital ecosystems, the company is positioning itself at the center of Africa’s next phase of connectivity and financial inclusion growth.
Read More: Airtel Africa Plans USD 4B Airtel Money IPO for 2026
