Airtel Africa has reported a 28.2 per cent increase in revenue to US$3.82 billion for the half-year ended September 30, 2026, supported by strong growth in data services and mobile money across its 14 African markets.
The telecommunications and financial services provider also recorded a 20.5 per cent increase in profit after tax to US$452 million, compared to US$376 million reported during the corresponding period last year.
According to the financial results released on October 30, 2026, the group’s operating profit increased by 34.2 per cent to US$1.29 billion, while underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 23.5 per cent in constant currency to US$1.92 billion.
The performance was supported by growth across all three geographical regions, with Nigeria recording 27 per cent revenue growth in constant currency, followed by Francophone Africa at 19.2 per cent and East Africa at 18.2 per cent.
Data services remained a major contributor to the group’s earnings, with revenue increasing by 28 per cent in constant currency to US$1.57 billion.
The growth was supported by a 15 per cent increase in data customers to 89.9 million, as smartphone penetration across the group’s customer base reached 51.6 per cent.
Average monthly smartphone data consumption per customer also increased to 13.3 gigabytes, compared to 10.1 gigabytes recorded during the previous year, reflecting rising demand for internet connectivity and digital services.
Mobile money operations also delivered strong results, with revenue growing by 25.8 per cent in constant currency to US$840 million.
The mobile money customer base expanded by 22.4 per cent to 60.9 million, supported by wider distribution networks, increased digital adoption and the expansion of payment and financial services.
The total value of transactions processed through Airtel Money reached an annualised US$275 billion in the second quarter, representing a 36.5 per cent increase.
Overall, Airtel Africa’s customer base grew by 11.6 per cent to 193.9 million, highlighting continued demand for telecommunications and digital financial services across the continent.
Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the group’s performance reflected strong underlying demand across its markets and consistent execution of its growth strategy.
He noted that the recent initial public offering (IPO) of Airtel Money marked a significant milestone, with the group retaining its shareholding and remaining a long-term strategic investor in the business.
Taldar also highlighted the increasing use of artificial intelligence across the company’s operations to improve customer understanding, accelerate innovation, simplify customer experiences and strengthen fraud detection.
Despite rising fuel costs putting pressure on operating expenses, Airtel Africa achieved an underlying EBITDA margin of 50.4 per cent in the second quarter, supported by cost efficiency programmes, operational discipline and business expansion.
The company also increased investment in network infrastructure during the period to expand capacity, improve service quality and prepare for growing demand for connectivity.
Meanwhile, net cash generated from operating activities increased by 26.7 per cent to US$1.76 billion, while earnings per share before exceptional items rose by 41.2 per cent to 11.7 US cents.
Taldar said the group’s strong balance sheet, growing customer base and increasing demand for digital financial services position it to pursue further investments and deliver sustainable growth.
The results underscore the growing contribution of mobile internet and digital financial services to Africa’s telecommunications industry, as operators expand connectivity and financial inclusion opportunities across the continent.