Airtel Africa Reports $3.82 Billion Revenue as Half-Year Profit Rises 20.5%
Strong demand for mobile data and financial services helped the telecoms group grow revenue by 28.2%, while its customer base expanded to 193.9 million across its African markets.
Airtel Africa Plc has reported revenue of $3.82 billion for the six months ended September 30, 2026, representing a 28.2% increase from the $2.98 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
The telecommunications group also recorded a 20.5% increase in profit after tax, reaching $452 million, compared with $376 million a year earlier.
The results, released on October 30, 2026, reflect stronger demand for mobile data, continued expansion of mobile money services and customer growth across the company's 14 African markets.
However, revenue growth was lower when adjusted for currency movements. In constant currency terms, revenue increased by 20.8%, compared with the reported 28.2%.
Data and Mobile Money Drive Revenue Growth
Airtel Africa's mobile services business remained a major contributor to its financial performance.
Data revenue increased by 35.3% in reported currency to $1.57 billion, while growth in constant currency stood at 28%.
The increase was supported by expanding data subscriptions, greater smartphone adoption and higher internet consumption.
Mobile money also recorded significant growth. Revenue from the business increased by 34.8% in reported currency to $840 million, representing 25.8% growth in constant currency.
The company attributed the performance to growing adoption of digital financial services and increased customer engagement across its markets.
Customer Base Expands to 193.9 Million
Airtel Africa's total customer base increased by 11.6% to 193.9 million as of September 30, 2026.
Its data customer base grew by 15% to 89.9 million, while mobile money customers increased by 22.4% to 60.9 million.
Smartphone penetration also reached 51.6%, supporting increased demand for internet services.
Average smartphone data consumption rose to 13.3GB per customer, compared with 10.1GB in the previous corresponding period.
The growth indicates increasing demand for digital connectivity and financial services across the group's operating markets.
Operating Profit Increases as Margins Improve
Beyond revenue, Airtel Africa recorded stronger operating performance during the six-month period.
Operating profit increased by 34.2% to $1.29 billion, while underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 32.8% to $1.92 billion.
Its underlying EBITDA margin improved to 50.3%, compared with 48.5% a year earlier.
The company attributed the improvement to customer growth, operational scale and cost-efficiency measures, despite inflationary pressure from higher fuel costs.
However, higher finance costs and lower foreign exchange and derivative gains affected the overall profit performance.
The company also recorded $55 million in exceptional items, comprising costs associated with an in-principle settlement of a commercial dispute and expenses related to the Airtel Money initial public offering.
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Nigeria Records Strong Revenue Growth
Nigeria remained an important contributor to the group's performance.
Airtel Africa's Nigerian revenue increased by 45% in reported currency to $1.008 billion, while growth in constant currency was 27%.
Data revenue in the country rose by 52.7% in reported currency, reaching $544 million.
The company's Nigerian customer base also increased by 15.1% to 61.7 million, while its data customer base grew by 11.8% to 32.9 million.
The difference between reported and constant currency growth reflects the appreciation of the naira against the US dollar during the reporting period.
Airtel Africa Increases Investment in Network Infrastructure
The company continued investing in network expansion and digital infrastructure to support rising demand.
Capital expenditure reached $657 million during the half year, more than double the $318 million recorded in the same period of 2025.
The investment supports network capacity, connectivity improvements and the expansion of digital services across its markets.
Airtel Africa also reported net cash generated from operating activities of $1.76 billion, an increase of 26.7% year-on-year.
The company declared an interim dividend of 3.1 US cents per share, representing a 9.2% increase compared with the previous year.
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What the Results Mean for Africa's Telecoms Market
Airtel Africa's latest results highlight the growing importance of mobile data and digital financial services to telecommunications businesses across the continent.
With nearly 194 million customers and more than 60 million mobile money users, the group is expanding beyond traditional voice and messaging services into a broader digital ecosystem.
However, sustaining this growth will require continued investment in network infrastructure, improved customer experience and effective management of operating costs.
The company's performance also reflects the growing role of mobile connectivity in supporting digital payments, online services and financial inclusion across African markets.
As data consumption and mobile money adoption increase, these services are becoming increasingly important to the future of Africa's telecommunications industry.
Are mobile data and mobile money becoming more important than traditional voice services in Africa's telecoms market? Share your thoughts in the comments.