Airtel Africa reports robust growth in Q1 2026 driven by data, mobile money expansion 

Airtel Africa Plc has announced robust operating and financial results for the first quarter, crediting steady execution of its growth strategy and sustained customer demand across its markets.

In its results for the quarter ended 30 June 2025, released on Thursday, the company reported a 9 per cent rise in its total customer base to 169.4 million, driven by efforts to bridge the digital divide in its operating regions. 

Data subscribers grew by 17.4 per cent to 75.6 million, underpinning a surge in data usage of 47.4 per cent and an 18.5 per cent rise in data Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) in constant currency.

Airtel Money, the company’s mobile financial services arm, continued to anchor its financial inclusion agenda, growing its customer base by 16.1 per cent to 45.8 million.

The report detailed continued network investment, with over 2,300 new sites rolled out, taking the total to 37,579. Airtel Africa also extended its fibre network by 2,700 kilometres to more than 79,600 kilometres, improving data capacity across the continent. 

Fourth-generation (4G) coverage now reaches 74.7 per cent of the population, up 3.4 per cent year-on-year.

Revenue grew by 24.9 per cent in constant currency and 22.4 per cent in reported currency, driven by tariff adjustments in Nigeria and strong performances in Francophone Africa. Mobile services revenue rose by 23.8 per cent, with voice revenue up 13.9 per cent and data revenue climbing 38.1 per cent. Mobile Money revenue increased by 30.3 per cent in constant currency.

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 29.8 per cent to $679 million, with EBITDA margins improving to 48 per cent from 45.3 per cent a year earlier. 

Profit after tax rose sharply to $156 million from $31 million, boosted by higher operating profit and gains from the Central African franc’s appreciation. Basic earnings per share climbed to 3.4 cents, up from 0.2 cents.

Capital expenditure declined year-on-year, reflecting timing differences, while the company’s debt localisation programme has reduced its foreign currency exposure, with 95 per cent of operating company debt now denominated in local currency. Leverage rose to 2.2 times, largely due to increased lease liabilities from tower contract renewals.

Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar expressed satisfaction with the results, stating that Airtel Africa remains well positioned to capture further growth opportunities while delivering services that enhance customers’ lives.

“Our strategy continues to prioritise customer experience, leveraging technology to remove barriers to smartphone adoption. Mobile Financial Services remain central to our growth proposition, offering substantial potential to expand financial inclusion,” Taldar said.

He added that strong revenue growth, combined with disciplined cost management, had driven further EBITDA margin expansion, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering differentiated services and strengthening its position across its markets.