Airtel Africa has reported delivering a solid operational and financial performance for the nine-month period ending 31 December 2025, driven by strategic investments in network expansion, digitisation, and innovative partnerships across the continent.
The company’s total subscriber base increased 10% year-on-year to 179.4 million, with data users rising 14.6% to 81.8 million. Smartphone penetration climbed to 48.1%, up 3.9%, while monthly data usage per customer rose to 8.6GB from 6.9GB, reflecting the impact of enhanced network capacity. Data services were the largest revenue contributor, growing 36.5% during the period.
Airtel Money, the company’s mobile financial service, reached two major milestones. Its customer base expanded 17.3% to 52 million, while annualised total processed value (TPV) exceeded $210 billion, a 36% increase from the prior year. The growth was supported by stronger merchant engagement and wider adoption of digital services.
On the financial front, Airtel Africa reported revenues of $4.667 billion, up 24.6% in constant currency and 28.3% in reported currency. Mobile services revenue grew 23.3% in constant currency, with voice services up 13.5% and mobile money revenue rising 29.4%.
EBITDA reached $2.283 billion, marking a 35.9% increase in reported currency, while margins expanded to 48.9% from 46.2%. Sequential quarterly performance further improved margins to 49.6%, driven by revenue growth and cost-efficiency measures. Profit after tax surged to $586 million from $248 million, with basic earnings per share rising to 13.1 cents from 4.4 cents in the previous period.
The company continued its capital expenditure program, investing $603 million to roll out roughly 2,500 new sites and expand its fibre network by 4,000 km to over 81,500 km, increasing population coverage to 81.7%, up 0.6% from a year ago. Leverage improved from 2.4x to 1.9x, reflecting stronger earnings and disciplined financial management.
Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the results demonstrate the company’s strong execution of its strategic priorities. “We accelerated investments to boost coverage and data capacity while expanding our fibre network. Digitisation, technology innovation, and AI integration are enhancing the customer experience and promoting financial inclusion across our markets,” he said.
Taldar added that Airtel Money’s customer base surpassing 52 million and TPV exceeding $210 billion underscores its pivotal role in expanding access to financial services in Africa. He reaffirmed that the company remains on track to list Airtel Money in the first half of 2026.
“Focused cost management and revenue growth have driven a sequential improvement in EBITDA margins and constant currency EBITDA growth of 31%. Our strategic priorities remain clear: strengthen connectivity, expand financial inclusion, and deliver an exceptional customer experience,” Taldar said.
