Airtel Africa Plc has announced a strong half-year performance for the six months ending September 30, 2025, recording a profit after tax of $376 million. This marks a major improvement compared to the same period last year, driven by strong growth in data usage, increased adoption of mobile money services, and favourable currency movements across key markets.
Despite macroeconomic challenges in Nigeria and parts of Francophone Africa, Airtel Africa continued to show resilience and operational efficiency. Revenue rose to approximately $2.98 billion, representing a 25.8% increase, while EBITDA reached about $1.45 billion, reflecting a 33.2% growth with margins expanding to 48.5% from 45.8% last year. Operating profit rose by 35.9% to $959 million, and profit before tax surged to $656 million — a remarkable 269% increase year-on-year. Earnings per share jumped to 8.3 cents from 0.8 cents, while operating cash flow improved by 46.5% to $1.13 billion. Net debt stood at $5.5 billion, with leverage improving to 2.1 times from 2.3 times, and capital expenditure remained stable at $318 million.
Airtel Africa’s growth continues to be powered by its data and fintech segments. Data revenue grew by 37% to reach $1.16 billion, becoming the company’s largest revenue stream for the first time. The number of data users increased by 18.4% to 78.1 million, with smartphone penetration now at 46.8%. Average monthly data usage per user climbed to 8.2GB, reflecting the increasing reliance on internet connectivity across Africa. Voice revenue also remained solid, growing by 13.2%, with subscribers up 11% to 173.8 million and average revenue per user (ARPU) rising to $2.90.
Airtel Money, the company’s fintech arm, continued its upward trajectory with revenue reaching $623 million, a 30.2% increase in constant currency. The customer base grew by 20% to 49.8 million users, while total transaction value processed through the platform surged by 35.9% to $193 billion. Fintech now contributes about 21% of Airtel Africa’s total revenue, underscoring the company’s diversification beyond traditional telecom services. The company also reaffirmed that plans to list Airtel Money are on track for the first half of the 2026 financial year.
Regionally, Airtel Africa recorded strong performances across all its operating zones. In Nigeria, revenue hit $697 million, up 49% in constant currency, with data revenue growing by 62% and EBITDA margins reaching 56%. East Africa reported revenue of $1.05 billion, a 15.6% rise, with margins at 48%. Francophone Africa brought in $749 million, growing 14.5% in constant currency, with a 39.5% EBITDA margin. The company attributed its improved performance to currency appreciation, especially in Nigeria and Francophone markets, as well as tariff adjustments and efficiency gains.
Airtel Africa also made progress in reducing costs and improving capital efficiency. Finance costs dropped to $304 million from $528 million in the previous year, supported by fewer foreign exchange losses. About 95% of the company’s operating debt is now denominated in local currencies, which helps minimize FX exposure. Airtel expanded its network with 2,350 new sites, bringing the total to 38,300. Its 4G network now covers 98.5% of its footprint, and 5G deployment is underway in five countries. Fibre capacity also expanded by 4,000 kilometers to reach 81,000 kilometers. Capital expenditure for the 2026 fiscal year is expected to rise to between $875 million and $900 million to support network rollout and data center investments.
Airtel Africa’s results demonstrate how shifting consumer behavior and digital adoption continue to reshape telecom operations across the continent. The company’s strategy to move beyond voice into data and fintech has proven successful, positioning it as a key player in Africa’s digital economy. Despite economic headwinds and currency risks, the strong first-half performance sets a positive tone for the rest of the financial year. With expanding digital infrastructure, growing mobile money adoption, and efficient cost management, Airtel Africa is on course for sustained growth and stronger market relevance in the years ahead.