Airtel Africa has reported a 20.5 percent increase in half-year profit after tax to $452 million for the six months to September 2026. The growth was supported by higher revenue from data and mobile money services. The company's revenue increased by 28.2 percent to $3.82 billion, with revenue growth in constant currency standing at 20.8 percent. This strong performance was driven by growth across all regions.
Data revenue was a significant contributor to the company's growth, increasing by 28 percent in constant currency to $1.57 billion. Mobile money revenue also saw a substantial increase of 25.8 percent to $840 million. The company's total customer base grew by 11.6 percent to 193.9 million across its 14 African markets. This growth was driven by an increase in mobile money customers, which rose by 22.4 percent to 60.9 million.
The value of transactions processed through Airtel's mobile money services reached an annualized $275 billion in the second quarter, up 36.5 percent. Data customers also increased by 15 percent to 89.9 million, while smartphone penetration rose to 51.6 percent. Average monthly data use per smartphone customer grew to 13.3 gigabytes from 10.1 gigabytes a year earlier.
Airtel Africa recorded revenue growth across all its regions, with Nigeria leading at 27 percent in constant currency. East Africa grew by 18.2 percent, while Francophone Africa recorded growth of 19.2 percent. The company's underlying EBITDA increased by 23.5 percent in constant currency to $1.92 billion, with the margin reaching 50.4 percent in the second quarter.
Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar attributed the company's growth to increased investment in its network to expand capacity and improve service quality. He noted that rising fuel costs continued to put pressure on operating expenses, but the company was maintaining cost-control measures. Taldar also highlighted the recent listing of Airtel Money as a major milestone for the group.
The listing of Airtel Money is expected to drive growth in the mobile money business, with the company retaining its shareholding and planning to remain a long-term investor. Airtel Africa's growth is driven by increasing demand for data and financial services in Africa. The company's strategy to expand its network and improve service quality is expected to drive further growth.
Looking ahead, Airtel Africa is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory, driven by its strong performance in data and mobile money services. The company's focus on cost-control measures and investment in its network is expected to drive further growth and profitability. With a growing customer base and increasing demand for its services, Airtel Africa is poised for continued success.
Key points
- Airtel Africa's half-year profit after tax rises 20.5% to $452 million.
- The company's revenue increased by 28.2 percent to $3.82 billion.
- Data revenue grew by 28 percent in constant currency to $1.57 billion.
