Airtel Africa Hits 179 Million Customers, Surpasses $210 Billion in Mobile Money Transactions

Airtel Africa  has posted another strong set of results, reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s most influential digital infrastructure and financial inclusion players.

For the nine-month period ended 31 December 2025, the pan-African telecoms group reported revenues of $4.67 billion, representing 24.6 percent growth in constant currency, driven by rising data usage, expanding smartphone adoption, and the rapid scaling of Airtel Money across its markets.

The company’s total customer base grew 10 percent to 179.4 million, reflecting sustained demand for mobile connectivity across Africa. Data customers increased by 14.6 percent to 81.8 million, while smartphone penetration rose to 48.1 percent, underscoring the continent’s accelerating shift toward mobile-first digital services.

Data and smartphones fuel Africa’s connectivity growth

Airtel Africa said increased network investment and capacity upgrades are translating directly into higher data consumption. Average data usage per customer climbed to 8.6GB per month, up from 6.9GB in the prior period, while data ARPU grew 16.6 percent in constant currency.

Data revenues, now the group’s largest revenue contributor, surged 36.5 percent, highlighting how affordable smartphones and improved network quality are reshaping internet access across Africa.

The company expanded its infrastructure footprint by rolling out approximately 2,500 new sites and extending its fibre network by 4,000 kilometres, taking total fibre length beyond 81,500km. Population coverage reached 81.7 percent, supporting both urban demand and broader regional inclusion.

Airtel Money crosses major milestone

Airtel Money emerged as one of the standout growth engines in the period. The mobile money platform surpassed 52 million subscribers, crossing the symbolic 50 million mark and recording 17.3 percent growth year-on-year.

Annualised total processed value exceeded $210 billion, up 36 percent, reflecting deeper merchant integration and rising digital payments adoption across Airtel Africa’s footprint. Mobile money revenues grew 29.4 percent in constant currency, with ARPU also increasing as customers used the service more frequently.

The company confirmed it remains on track to list Airtel Money in the first half of 2026, a move closely watched across Africa’s fintech and capital markets.

Profitability strengthens as investment accelerates

Airtel Africa’s EBITDA rose to $2.28 billion, up 35.9 percent in reported currency, with margins expanding to 48.9 percent. Profit after tax more than doubled to $586 million, supported by strong operating performance and favourable foreign exchange movements.

Leverage improved to 1.9x, reflecting healthier cash generation even as capital expenditure increased to $603 million to support network expansion.

Commenting on the results, CEO Sunil Taldar said Airtel Africa is doubling down on connectivity, financial inclusion, and digital innovation to unlock Africa’s long-term growth potential.

He highlighted the company’s growing use of digitisation and AI to improve customer experience, alongside deeper integration between GSM services and Airtel Money to meet rising demand for digital and financial services across the continent.

“Our push to enhance financial inclusion across the continent continues to gain momentum with our Mobile Money customer base expanding to 52 million, surpassing the 50 million milestone. Annualised total processed value of over $210bn in Q3’26 underscores the depth of our merchants, agents and partner ecosystem, and remains a key player in driving improved access to financial services across Africa. We remain on track for the listing of Airtel Money in the first half of 2026.”

-Sunil Taldar, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Africa

Africa’s digital momentum remains strong

The results point to a broader trend playing out across Africa: rising smartphone adoption, growing demand for reliable broadband, and mobile money platforms becoming central to everyday economic activity.

As Airtel Africa continues to invest in networks, fibre, and digital ecosystems, the company is positioning itself at the centre of Africa’s next phase of connectivity and financial inclusion growth.