Airtel Africa Plc, which operates in 14 African countries, has posted a robust financial performance for the half year ended September 30, 2025 (H1 FY26), driven by strong growth in its fintech and data segments alongside accelerated digital adoption.
The telecoms and fintech giant reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of $376 million, a sharp rise from $79 million in the same period last year. The impressive performance was largely supported by operational efficiency and currency gains, particularly from the appreciation of the Nigerian naira.
Group revenue rose to $2.98 billion, representing a 24.5 percent growth in constant currency terms, while EBITDA increased by 33.2 percent to $1.45 billion, expanding the EBITDA margin to 48.5 percent.
Data services remained the largest contributor to group revenue, recording a 37 percent growth in constant currency terms and a 45 percent surge in data traffic. The company’s total customer base grew by 11 percent to 173.8 million, with data customers up 18.4 percent to 78.1 million.
Airtel Money, the company’s mobile financial service arm, continued its strong upward trajectory. Its customer base is now approaching 50 million, with annualised total processed value (TPV) nearing $200 billion. The segment remains one of Airtel Africa’s fastest-growing revenue streams.
Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, described the performance as a reflection of the company’s consistent execution and growing digital footprint. “These stellar results demonstrate the successful execution of our strategy, which is focused on providing a superior customer experience and driving digital and financial inclusion across our markets,” he said.
Taldar revealed that Airtel Money’s rapid expansion positions it for a potential public listing in the first half of 2026. He added that increasing smartphone penetration, now at 46.8 percent, continues to boost data usage and customer engagement across markets.
To support growing demand, Airtel Africa has raised its capital expenditure guidance for the 2026 financial year to between $875 million and $900 million. “We remain confident in our strategy to drive further incremental margin improvements and deliver sustained value for our shareholders,” Taldar added.
For small businesses and startups across Africa, Airtel’s expanding fintech and data services signal improved access to digital infrastructure, financial inclusion tools, and more reliable connectivity, key drivers for MSME growth in emerging economies.
