Airtel Africa has reported a strong set of results for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2025, cementing its role as a leading driver of connectivity and financial inclusion across the continent. The pan-African telecom group saw its total customer base grow 10 percent to 179.4 million, reflecting sustained demand for mobile services across Africa. Data customers increased by 14.6 percent to 81.8 million, while smartphone penetration rose to 48.1 percent, highlighting the continent’s accelerating shift toward mobile-first digital services.
Data and smartphone adoption drive growth
Network investments and capacity upgrades are directly translating into higher data usage. Average data consumption per customer rose to 8.6GB per month from 6.9GB previously, while data ARPU grew 16.6 percent in constant currency. Data revenues, now Airtel Africa’s largest revenue contributor, surged 36.5 percent, underscoring how affordable smartphones and improved network quality are reshaping internet access across the continent.
Infrastructure expansion remains a key focus. The company deployed roughly 2,500 new sites and extended its fibre network by 4,000 kilometres, taking total fibre coverage to over 81,500 km and reaching 81.7 percent of the population. These investments support both urban demand and wider regional inclusion.
Airtel Money crosses $210 billion milestone
Airtel Money continues to be a standout performer. The mobile money platform surpassed 52 million subscribers, achieving a 17.3 percent year-on-year growth. The platform processed an annualized total value of over $210 billion, up 36 percent, reflecting deeper merchant integration and rising adoption of digital payments. Mobile money revenues grew 29.4 percent in constant currency, with ARPU also increasing as users engage more frequently.
Airtel Africa confirmed that the listing of Airtel Money is on track for the first half of 2026, a move closely watched by fintech and capital markets across Africa.
Profitability strengthens amid accelerated investment
Airtel Africa’s EBITDA rose to $2.28 billion, up 35.9 percent, with margins expanding to 48.9 percent. Profit after tax more than doubled to $586 million, supported by strong operational performance and favourable foreign exchange movements. The company’s leverage improved to 1.9x, reflecting healthy cash generation despite a capital expenditure of $603 million to support network expansion.
CEO Sunil Taldar said the results demonstrate Airtel Africa’s commitment to connectivity, financial inclusion, and digital innovation. He highlighted the integration of GSM services with Airtel Money and the growing use of digitisation and AI to enhance 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.” – Sunil Taldar, CEO, Airtel Africa
Africa’s digital momentum
The results reflect a broader trend across Africa: rising smartphone adoption, growing demand for reliable broadband, and mobile money platforms becoming central to everyday economic activity. As Airtel Africa continues to invest in networks, fibre, and digital ecosystems, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s next phase of connectivity and financial inclusion growth.
