• Net profit jumped to $376 million as revenue rose 25.8% to $2.98 billion.

• Data overtook voice as the top revenue source, up 37% to $1.16 billion.

• Airtel Money revenue climbed 30% to $623 million ahead of its 2026 IPO.

Airtel Africa delivered a strong performance in the first half of the 2025–2026 fiscal year. The telecom group, active in 14 African countries, posted a net profit of $376 million, up 375% year-on-year. Revenue increased by 25.8% to $2.98 billion, driven by surging data usage and the continued expansion of its fintech arm, Airtel Money.

The results stand out despite weak macroeconomic conditions in several key markets, including Nigeria and Francophone Africa. The rebound of the naira and the CFA franc after sharp depreciations in 2024 also supported the group’s performance.

Data becomes the new growth engine

For the first time, data services surpassed voice as Airtel Africa’s main revenue source. Internet service revenue rose 37% to $1.16 billion, boosted by an 18.4% increase in data users to 78.1 million. Smartphone penetration reached 46.8%, while average data consumption rose to 8.2 GB per user per month. Average revenue per user (ARPU) grew 14.8% to $2.9, reflecting stronger monetization.

Voice revenue remained solid, up 13%, supported by a customer base that expanded to 173.8 million subscribers. However, its share of total revenue continued to decline amid the surge in digital usage.

Fintech drives expansion

Fintech remains the main growth driver, with Airtel Money gaining momentum. The platform, now used by nearly 50 million customers, recorded a 30.2% rise in revenue to $623 million, accounting for 21% of total group revenue.

The annual transaction volume processed through Airtel Money reached $193 billion, up 35.9%. The company confirmed that preparations for the planned IPO of its fintech unit in the first half of 2026 are “on track.”

Stronger margins and financial position

EBITDA rose 33% to $1.45 billion, with the margin improving to 48.5% from 45.8% a year earlier. Financial costs fell to $304 million from $528 million, reflecting lower foreign exchange losses and tighter debt management. About 95% of subsidiary debt is now denominated in local currencies.

Balanced growth across regions

Nigeria remained the largest market, generating $697 million in revenue, up 49%, driven by a 62% surge in data and a record EBITDA margin of 56%. East Africa recorded a 15.6% revenue increase, led by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, while Francophone Africa grew 14.5%, supported by Côte d’Ivoire and Chad. Currency appreciation and tariff adjustments strengthened gains across regions.

Focus on investment and digital monetization

Airtel Africa said it will continue investing in infrastructure, with 2,350 new sites added during the period, bringing the total to 38,300. The group now covers 98.5% of its footprint with 4G, while 5G rollout is underway in five countries.

Its fiber-optic network now exceeds 81,000 kilometers, and capital expenditure for fiscal 2026 is expected to range between $875 million and $900 million, notably for new data centers to support growing connectivity and digital services.