Airtel Africa drives growth, inclusion

DAR ES SALAAM: AIRTEL Africa reported a surge in revenue, customer growth and digital adoption, a reflection of its commitment to connecting communities and enabling financial inclusion in Africa.

For the six months ending 30 September, Airtel Africa recorded revenue growth of 24.5 per cent in constant currency across 14 markets, reaching 2.98 billion US dollars, driven by strong gains in data, mobile money and voice services.

The Company’s statement issued on Monday shows that data revenue, in particular, has grown 37 per cent, overtaking voice as the company’s largest revenue contributor, while Airtel Money grew by 30 per cent, further cementing its role as a key enabler of financial inclusion.

The company’s customer base grew 11 per cent to 174 million, with data users up 20 per cent to 69.5 million and Airtel Money users at 49.8 million. Growth is fueled by rising smartphone penetration (46.8 per cent) and Airtel’s device financing and handset partnerships, expanding digital access across Africa.

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According to Mr Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, these results reflect a broader mission to enable digital and financial inclusion across the continent.

“The growth we are seeing in data, smartphone adoption, and mobile money shows the scale of opportunity across Africa,” he says.

“We remain focused on innovation, network investment and delivering value for our customers and communities.” Airtel Africa’s performance also illustrates a broader trend reshaping the African telecom sector: the shift from traditional voice services to digital platforms that empower communities and unlock new revenue streams. Data now drives Airtel Africa’s growth, transforming business, education, and daily life.

The company added more than 2,350 sites, expanded 4,000 km of fibre, reaching 81.5 per cent population coverage with 98.5 per cent 4G-enabled sites and is exploring 5G in highdemand markets.

Operational efficiency has also improved significantly. EBITDA rose 33.2 per cent to 1.45 billion US dollars, boosting margins to 48.5 per cent, while profit after tax surged to 376 million US dollars, up sharply from 79 million US dollars a year earlier.

“Analysts attribute Airtel Africa’s gains to cost discipline, operational leverage, and early-year debt restructuring. Airtel Money drove growth, processing 193 billion US dollars up 36 per cent and continues to expand secure, affordable financial services across Africa. The company is raising full-year capex guidance to 900 million US dollars while maintaining interim dividends and share buybacks to deliver long-term investor value.