Airtel Africa PLC has announced strong half-year results for the period ending 30 September 2025, posting a 25.8% increase in reported currency revenue to $2.98 billion, and 24.5% growth in constant currency. The growth, which outpaced expectations, reflects a robust recovery across all regions, supported by tariff adjustments, data expansion, and strong mobile money adoption.
According to the company, reported currency revenue growth outperformed constant currency growth due to currency appreciation in key markets, with standout performance in Nigeria, Francophone Africa, and East Africa.
“Our strategy has been focused on providing a superior customer experience, and the strength of these results is testament to the initiatives we’ve implemented across the business,” said Sunil Taldar, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa. “Digital innovation remains our core focus as we deepen engagement through the MyAirtel app and expand network capacity to drive financial and digital inclusion.”
Data Surpasses Voice as Airtel’s Largest Revenue Stream
Mobile services revenue hit $2.5 billion, growing 23.9% in reported currency, driven by data revenue growth of 37%, which has now surpassed voice revenue as the group’s top earner. Voice revenue rose 13.2%, while mobile money revenue surged 33.9%, powered by continued adoption in East and Francophone Africa.
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Airtel Money now boasts nearly 50 million customers, with annualised total processed value approaching $200 billion, up 35% year-on-year. The company confirmed that preparations for the Airtel Money IPO remain on track for the first half of 2026.
East Africa: Strong Growth and Expanding 5G Coverage
In East Africa, revenue rose 18.5% in reported currency to $1.05 billion, underpinned by robust growth in voice (14.6%) and data (19.6%). The region’s growth was aided by the appreciation of the Ugandan shilling and Zambian kwacha.
Customer numbers in East Africa grew 10.8%, while data subscribers jumped 19%, supported by aggressive network expansion. Airtel Africa now has 1,467 5G-enabled sites across four key markets, with data usage per customer rising to 7.3 GB per month, up 25%.
EBITDA in the region rose 20.8% to $505 million, with margins improving to 48.3%, while operating free cash flow climbed 40% to $381 million.
Driving Digital and Financial Inclusion
Across the group, Airtel Africa’s total customer base reached 173.8 million, up 11%. Data customers grew 18.4% to 78.1 million, and smartphone penetration increased to 46.8%. Airtel Money’s momentum continues, with annualised transaction values surpassing $193 billion, representing a 36% increase year-on-year.
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Taldar noted that Airtel’s investments in network infrastructure—over 2,350 new sites and 4,000km of additional fibre—have pushed population coverage to 81.5%, with 98.5% of sites now 4G-enabled.
Financial Highlights
- Revenue: $2.98 billion (↑25.8%)
- Operating Profit: $959 million (↑35.9%)
- Profit After Tax: $376 million (↑375%)
- EBITDA: $1.45 billion (↑33.2%), margin at 48.5%
- EPS: 8.3 cents, up from 0.8 cents in 2024
- Operating Free Cash Flow: $1.13 billion (↑46.5%)
The strong performance was attributed to solid operating momentum, cost efficiencies, and macroeconomic tailwinds such as the appreciation of the Nigerian naira and Central African franc.
Airtel Africa has raised its full-year capex guidance to between $875 million and $900 million, aiming to accelerate infrastructure investments. The board also declared an interim dividend of 2.84 cents per share, up 9.2%, and reaffirmed its $100 million share buyback programme for completion by March 2026.
Transforming Lives Through Connectivity
Operating in 14 African countries, Airtel Africa continues to position itself as a key driver of digital and financial inclusion across the continent. Its integrated model—spanning mobile voice, data, and money services—has proven resilient amid market volatility.
“This strong performance gives us confidence to continue investing in our people, platforms, and networks,” said Taldar. “We are building the digital infrastructure that will power Africa’s growth story.”
