Airtel Africa posts strong results on data, mobile money growth
Dar es Salaam. Airtel Africa has reported strong financial results for the first quarter ending June 2025, buoyed by solid growth in mobile data consumption, a rising customer base, and increased uptake of mobile money services across its operating markets.
According to the company’s latest trading update, total revenue rose by 24.9 percent in constant currency (22.4 percent in reported currency) to reach $1.42 billion, underscoring the impact of the firm’s digital-first strategy and growing demand for connectivity and financial services.
The telecoms firm added 9.0 percent more customers year-on-year, bringing its total base to 169.4 million subscribers. Notably, data customers grew by 17.4 percent to 75.6 million, as smartphone penetration across Airtel markets rose to 45.9 percent, an annual increase of 4.3 percentage points.
This shift supported an 18.5 percent increase in average revenue per user (ARPU) from data services, with overall data consumption growing by nearly 50 percent.
Speaking on the results, Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the performance reflected strong execution on the ground and increasing digital adoption.
“The acceleration in customer growth and data usage shows strong on-ground execution and a relentless focus on digital inclusion,” he said. “With smartphone penetration still below 50 percent, we see huge potential to bridge the digital divide and expand access.”
He also highlighted innovations like the launch of Airtel Spam Alert, an AI-powered feature to combat scam calls and boost consumer trust.
Airtel’s mobile money platform, Airtel Money, also posted impressive growth. The service saw its user base increase by 16.1 percent to 45.8 million, while the annualised transaction value climbed by 35 percent to $162 billion.
Mobile money ARPU rose 11.3 percent, reflecting deeper usage and product diversification.
Taldar described mobile money as “a key pillar” of the company’s strategy to drive financial inclusion across Africa.
“Our mobile money platform is not only scaling rapidly but also evolving,” he said. “We will continue leveraging technology to deepen inclusion and economic participation.”
The company’s operating profit rose 33 percent to $446 million, while profit after tax soared to $156 million, compared to $31 million during the same period last year.
EBITDA grew by 29.8 percent in reported currency (32.7 percent in constant currency) to $679 million, with EBITDA margin improving from 45.3 percent to 48.0 percent.
Basic earnings per share (EPS) increased to 3.4 cents, up from 0.2 cents, largely due to improved operating efficiency and favourable currency movements—particularly in the Central African franc zone.
Airtel Africa also reported further progress in its debt localisation strategy, with 95 percent of operating company debt now held in local currencies, up from 86 percent a year ago. This shift is aimed at reducing foreign exchange exposure and enhancing financial resilience.
The company maintained its capital expenditure (capex) guidance for the year at between $725 million and $750 million, having spent $121 million in the first quarter.
Meanwhile, Airtel has returned $16.9 million to shareholders through its ongoing $55 million share buyback programme.
Taldar expressed confidence in the company’s ability to sustain its growth trajectory, pointing to stable macroeconomic conditions, rising digital demand, and strong financial fundamentals.
“Our strategy remains focused on delivering essential services, investing in network expansion, and improving lives and communities across Africa,” he said.
With continued gains across both telecoms and fintech segments, Airtel Africa is positioning itself not just as a service provider, but as a key enabler of digital transformation and financial empowerment across the continent.
