Airtel Africa Expands Fibre Network to 81,500 km Amid Rising Data Demand

Airtel Africa  has expanded its fibre network to over 81,500 kilometers, adding approximately 4,000 kilometers during the nine months ending December 31, 2025. This growth is part of the company’s accelerated capital expenditure, which reached $603 million, a 32.2% increase compared to the previous period. The expansion enhances both coverage and capacity to support Airtel Africa’s growing customer base, now totaling 179.4 million.

The network expansion is in response to a dramatic rise in data demand across the continent. The company reported a 14.6% increase in its data customer base, which now stands at 81.8 million, while average monthly data usage per customer rose from 6.9GB to 8.6GB. Data revenues have become the largest contributor to group earnings, growing 36.5% in constant currency, supported by rising smartphone penetration, which now reaches 48.1%, driving a 16.6% growth in data ARPU.

In Nigeria, the growth is particularly pronounced, with average data usage per customer jumping 26.2% to 10.7GB per month. To further strengthen connectivity, Airtel Africa has partnered with SpaceX to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite services, enabling data and messaging even in areas without terrestrial coverage. By combining fibre network expansion with satellite integration, Airtel Africa is positioning itself to capture substantial growth opportunities across its 14 African markets.