Airtel Africa has started its 2026 financial year with strong business growth, driven by more customers using its mobile, internet, and mobile money services across its 14 markets in sub-Saharan Africa. The company stated its total customer base grew by 11. 6% to reach 189 million users.
The number of data customers increased by 15. 5% to 87. 3 million as more people continued to use smartphones and internet services.
Average monthly data usage per customer also increased significantly, rising from 7. 8 GB to 10. 6 GB over the past year.
This resulted in a 56. 3% increase in data traffic across Airtel Africa’s network. Smartphone penetration also improved, reaching 51%, showing that more customers are embracing digital services.
Airtel Money also recorded strong growth during the quarter. The platform’s annual transaction value rose by 51. 5% to more than $245 billion.
Its customer base grew by 23. 3% to 56. 5 million users, reflecting increased demand for digital financial services.
Airtel stated the growth was supported by new services, greater customer adoption, and continued efforts to improve financial inclusion across Africa. The company’s financial results also displayed strong performance. Revenue increased by 31% to $1.
85 billion, while revenue growth in constant currency was 21. 1%. Mobile services revenue grew by 19.
1%, with data services increasing by 27. 2% and voice services rising by 11. 2%.
Growth remained strong across Airtel Africa’s regions. Revenue in East Africa increased by 17. 8%, Francophone Africa grew by 18%, while Nigeria recorded a 29.
8% increase following earlier tariff adjustments. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 36. 6% to $928 million.
The company’s EBITDA margin improved to 50. 1%, supported by its cost-saving initiatives despite higher energy costs caused by global geopolitical developments. Profit after tax rose to $198 million from $156 million during the same period last year.
Although the company faced foreign exchange losses and a one-time finance cost linked to the settlement of a commercial dispute, higher operating profits assisted improve overall earnings. Basic earnings per share increased from 3. 4 cents to 4.
4 cents, while earnings before exceptional items rose to 5. 4 cents. To support future growth, Airtel Africa significantly increased its investment in network infrastructure.
Capital expenditure reached $389 million during the quarter, compared to $121 million a year earlier. The company added more than 920 new network sites and expanded its fibre network to over 82,100 kilometres to improve coverage, network quality, and customer experience. The company also strengthened its financial position by reducing leverage from 2.
2 times to 1. 7 times. During the quarter, the Board approved a share buyback programme to repurchase up to 1% of the company’s issued shares.
By the end of June 2026, Airtel Africa had acquired back approximately 10. 2 million shares worth $46. 6 million.
Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar stated the company delivered another strong quarter, supported by continued customer growth and increasing digital adoption. He noted that Airtel Africa is using digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve customer service and simplify customer experiences. Taldar also highlighted the continued success of Airtel Money, stating the platform is expanding financial inclusion and creating new growth opportunities across the company’s markets.
He affirmed that Airtel Africa plans to list Airtel Money on the London Stock Exchange in 2026 to attract international investors and unlock the long-term value of its fintech business. Looking ahead, Airtel Africa expects higher energy costs to put pressure on profit margins in the short term. However, the company states it will continue improving efficiency while investing in its network to meet growing demand for digital services.
With rising smartphone adoption, increasing internet usage, expanding mobile money services, and continued infrastructure investment, Airtel Africa believes it is well positioned to support Africa’s ongoing digital transformation while delivering sustainable long-term growth.