Airtel Africa Plc has posted a 20.5% increase in profit after tax to US$452 million for the six months ended September 30, 2026, supported by strong growth in data consumption and mobile money services across its markets.
The telecommunications group recorded revenue of US$3.823 billion, representing a 28.2% increase in reported currency and 20.8% growth in constant currency.
Underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 32.8% to US$1.921 billion, while the underlying EBITDA margin improved by 172 basis points to 50.3%, reflecting stronger operating performance.
The group’s customer base expanded by 11.6% to 193.9 million, with data customers increasing by 15% to 89.9 million. Mobile money customers also registered significant growth, rising by 22.4% to 60.9 million.
East Africa emerged as a strong contributor to the group’s performance, generating US$1.777 billion in revenue during the reporting period.
The region, which includes Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia, recorded revenue growth of 18.2% in constant currency and 24.8% in reported currency.
Its customer base grew by 8% to 88.8 million, while data customers increased by 15.2% to 39.5 million.
Data revenue in the region rose by 26% in constant currency, reflecting increased demand for internet connectivity and digital services.
Data remained one of Airtel Africa’s strongest-performing business segments, with revenue increasing by 28% in constant currency.
Smartphone penetration reached 51.6%, while average monthly data consumption per smartphone customer increased to 13.3GB, compared with 10.1GB in the corresponding previous period.
The mobile money business also maintained strong momentum, recording revenue growth of 25.8% in constant currency.
The number of mobile money customers increased to 60.9 million, while the annualised total processed value reached US$275 billion in the second quarter, representing growth of 36.5%.
The performance highlights the growing importance of digital financial services in Airtel Africa’s business, as more customers adopt mobile-based payment and financial solutions.
Airtel Africa’s financial services business reached another milestone on October 14, 2026, when Airtel Money was admitted to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
Following the listing, Airtel Africa retained a 77.85% stake in the business, maintaining its position as the strategic shareholder while Airtel Money pursues further growth opportunities.
Commenting on the results, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the performance reflected sustained demand for connectivity and digital financial services across the group’s markets.
“Over the first half we have delivered another strong operating and financial performance, reflecting the depth of underlying demand across our markets and consistent execution of our strategy, with total customer growth remaining strong and stable at 11.6%,” Taldar said.
He attributed the group’s growth prospects to favourable demographic and economic trends, rising demand for data and financial services, and increasing smartphone adoption.
Taldar added that smartphones on the group’s network had surpassed 100 million, providing significant room for further growth.
Airtel Africa said it would continue investing in network capacity, improving customer experience and expanding access to digital and financial services across its markets.
