Growing demand for mobile internet services across East Africa has continued to drive growth for Airtel Africa, with the company recording a strong performance in its Mobile Services business for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.
Mobile Services revenue increased to US$607 million, up from US$498 million during the same period last year, as more customers embraced mobile data, smartphones and digital services across the region.
The performance represents a 21.9% increase in reported currency and 14.4% growth in constant currency, supported by a 9.3% increase in the customer base to 86.5 million subscribers and a 5.3% rise in average revenue per user (ARPU).
Although voice services remained the largest contributor to Mobile Services revenue, generating US$285 million, data services emerged as the fastest-growing segment, reflecting changing consumer behaviour and increased reliance on digital connectivity.
Data revenue grew to US$269 million, representing 22.5% growth in constant currency, driven by rising smartphone adoption, increased internet consumption and growth in data subscribers.
The number of data customers increased by 16.8% to 37.8 million, while smartphone penetration reached 48.1%. Average monthly data consumption per smartphone customer also rose significantly to 11.9GB, compared with 8.8GB recorded a year earlier.
The growth highlights the region’s accelerating digital transformation, with consumers increasingly using mobile internet for communication, financial services, business activities and access to online platforms.
Beyond mobile connectivity, Airtel Africa’s digital financial services business also recorded strong growth.
Airtel Money revenue increased by 21.1% in constant currency to US$247 million, supported by increased adoption of mobile payments, digital financial solutions and growth in the number of users across the company’s markets.
Across its 14 African markets, Airtel Africa reported Group revenue of US$1.85 billion, representing a 31% increase during the quarter.
The company’s overall customer base grew by 11.6% to 189 million, while data customers increased by 15.5% to 87.3 million. Airtel Money customers also grew by 17.3% to 56.5 million.
Profitability also improved, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rising by 12% to US$895 million, while profit after tax more than doubled to US$156 million.
Commenting on the results, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar attributed the performance to continued investment in customer experience and network infrastructure.
“We have started this year with another pleasing performance. Our continued focus on the customer experience translated into accelerating customer base growth across all business segments. Supported by sustained investment in our network, smartphone penetration reached 51%, driving significant growth in data traffic as customers continue to embrace digital solutions across our markets,” Taldar said.
Taldar also highlighted the company’s proposed listing on the London Stock Exchange as a strategic milestone expected to expand Airtel Africa’s investor base, improve market liquidity and support the company’s long-term growth ambitions.
The latest results underscore the growing role of mobile connectivity and digital financial services in driving Africa’s digital economy, as consumers increasingly shift towards data-driven solutions.
