30 January 2026 — Airtel Africa plc has reported a robust performance for the nine-month period ended 31 December 2025, marked by strong revenue growth, a rapidly expanding customer base and sharply higher profitability, as the group continued to benefit from rising data demand, mobile money adoption and sustained network investment.
Revenues rose to $4.67 billion, increasing by 24.6 percent in constant currency and 28.3 percent in reported currency, supported by solid underlying business fundamentals and currency appreciation. The total customer base grew by 10 percent to 179.4 million, with data customers rising by 14.6 percent to 81.8 million. Smartphone penetration increased to 48.1 percent, while average data usage per customer climbed to 8.6GB per month, up from 6.9GB in the prior period.
Airtel Money recorded significant growth during the period, with subscribers increasing by 17.3 percent to 52.0 million, surpassing the 50-million milestone. Annualised total processed value for the third quarter of the 2026 financial year exceeded $210 billion, representing a 36 percent increase, reflecting stronger digital adoption and a broader ecosystem of merchants, agents and partners.
Mobile services revenue grew by 23.3 percent in constant currency, driven primarily by data revenues, which rose by 36.5 percent, while voice revenues increased by 13.5 percent. Mobile money revenues expanded by 29.4 percent in constant currency, benefiting from strong operating momentum across the platform.
EBITDA increased by 35.9 percent in reported currency to $2.28 billion, with margins expanding to 48.9 percent from 46.2 percent a year earlier. The third quarter saw a further sequential improvement in EBITDA margins to 49.6 percent, supported by strong revenue growth and sustained cost-efficiency initiatives.
Profit after tax rose to $586 million from $248 million in the prior period, driven by higher operating profit and derivative and foreign exchange gains of $99 million, compared with losses of $153 million a year earlier. Basic earnings per share increased to 13.1 cents from 4.4 cents.
Capital expenditure rose by 32.2 percent to $603 million as Airtel Africa accelerated network investments, rolling out approximately 2,500 new sites and expanding its fibre network by about 4,000 kilometres to more than 81,500 kilometres. Population coverage improved to 81.7 percent, while leverage strengthened to 1.9 times from 2.4 times in the prior year.
Commenting on the results, chief executive officer Sunil Taldar said the performance highlights the strength of Airtel Africa’s strategy, underpinned by accelerated investment, innovative partnerships and growing digital adoption. He added that the group remains focused on expanding best-in-class connectivity, advancing financial inclusion through Airtel Money and delivering a strong customer experience, while remaining on track for the planned listing of Airtel Money in the first half of 2026.
