Airtel Sees Big Gains

More subscribers and better ARPU drive performance as momentum is sustained through digital and financial inclusion

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia – 29 July 2025 – Airtel Africa plc, a leading telecommunications and mobile money services provider operating in 14 African countries, has announced impressive financial results for the quarter ending 30 June 2025. 

The company demonstrated strategic resilience and operational strength despite ongoing economic headwinds across its markets.

Group revenue in reported currency rose sharply by 24.9% to $1.415 billion, underpinned by broad-based growth across all operating regions. 

On a constant currency basis, revenue climbed 19.7%, with standout performances in Nigeria and Francophone Africa, both recording double-digit increases.

A key driver of this growth was the significant uptick in mobile data and financial services.

Data revenue jumped by 38.1%, while mobile money revenue advanced by 30.3%, reflecting a sustained shift towards digital connectivity and cashless transactions in underserved communities.

The total customer base expanded by 9% to reach 169.4 million subscribers, a milestone attributed to continued network expansion and intensified customer engagement efforts. 

The number of data subscribers rose by 17.4% to 75.6 million, contributing to a 47.4% increase in total data traffic. 

Meanwhile, data ARPU grew by 18.5%, supported by a rise in smartphone adoption to 45.9%, up from 40.8% a year earlier. 

On average, data usage per customer also increased by 26.1%.

Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar credited the positive momentum to consistent execution of the Group’s strategic plan, strong demand for affordable digital access, and adaptability in challenging macroeconomic conditions. 

“These results are a reflection of our relentless focus on customer needs, network expansion, and affordability,” Taldar said.

 “Despite the economic volatility in some of our markets, we remain committed to driving inclusive digital transformation.” 

He added that the current smartphone penetration—still below 50%—offers considerable room for further growth in mobile broadband services. 

“This represents a tremendous opportunity for us to expand data usage and serve more communities with meaningful connectivity,” he said.

In mobile financial services, Airtel Money continued its upward trajectory. 

The user base expanded by 16.1% to 45.8 million, while the total value of transactions on an annualized basis surged to $162 billion, a 35% year-on-year rise. 

Mobile Money ARPU improved by 11.3%, buoyed by an increase in both customer numbers and transaction frequency.

Taldar reaffirmed Airtel Africa’s focus on strengthening its financial services ecosystem by broadening access to digital payments and rolling out enterprise solutions. 

“We are building an ecosystem that doesn’t just move money but empowers communities with secure and accessible financial tools,” he noted.

The Group posted EBITDA of $679 million for the quarter—an increase of 29.8% in constant currency terms. 

The EBITDA margin improved to 48%, compared to 46.2% during the same period last year. 

Operating profit climbed 28.5% to $440 million. 

Net profit rose significantly to $156 million from $31 million in Q1 2024, supported by operational gains and favourable exchange rate movements. 

Notably, net foreign exchange differences improved from a $471 million loss in the prior period to a $27 million gain.

Capital investment during the period amounted to $121 million, enabling the rollout of 2,300 new mobile sites. 

This brought the total to 37,579, with more than 91% offering 4G service. 

The fibre optic network was also extended by 2,700 kilometres, reaching a cumulative length of 79,600 km.

Airtel Africa now provides 4G coverage to 74.7% of the population across its footprint. 

It has also deployed over 1,244 active 5G sites in five countries, reinforcing its readiness for next-generation connectivity.

To strengthen user protection, Airtel introduced the ‘Airtel Spam Alert’, a machine learning-powered anti-fraud tool that proactively detects and blocks malicious or spam SMS messages before they reach subscribers. 

The service, which is currently operational in 10 markets, has processed more than 2 billion messages—enhancing trust and digital safety. 

“We want to ensure our customers enjoy a secure digital environment,” said Taldar.

 “Trust and safety are as critical to digital inclusion as access itself.”

In Nigeria, the Group’s largest market, revenue surged by 48.6% in constant currency. 

Data income alone jumped 60.3%, while mobile money posted a 27.2% increase. EBITDA for the Nigerian segment rose by 71.7%. 

Operations in the country resumed full SIM registration after aligning onboarding procedures with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) new guidelines requiring National Identity Number (NIN) verification.

In East Africa, revenue increased by 17.6% in reported currency and 12.7% in constant terms. 

Growth was led by consistent performance in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Data usage per customer in the region rose 28.8%, and over 440 new sites were activated to support demand. 

Francophone Africa also delivered solid results, with revenues up 16.1% in reported currency and 13.4% at constant currency.

 Data revenues increased by 41.9%, thanks in part to a 29.9% expansion in the data customer base.

On the financing front, Airtel Africa continued to execute its strategy of localising debt exposure. 

By the end of the quarter, $550 million in HoldCo debt remained, while 95% of operational company (OpCo) debt was either in local currency or hedged against exchange rate risk. 

Operating free cash flow grew by 48.4% year-on-year to $558 million, underlining improved efficiency and financial discipline.

 Despite currency-related uncertainties, the Group maintained its FY2025 capital expenditure forecast of $800 million to $825 million.

Under its ongoing $100 million share buy-back initiative, the company has so far returned $16.9 million to shareholders. 

In terms of corporate governance, Airtel announced the appointment of Kamal Dua as Group Chief Financial Officer. 

He succeeds Jaideep Paul, who retires after an accomplished 23-year tenure with the organization. 

“We are grateful for Jaideep’s leadership and legacy,” said Taldar. 

“Kamal’s experience and insight will be vital as we enter the next chapter of our growth.”

Looking to the future, Airtel Africa has entered into a strategic partnership with Starlink to deliver satellite-based broadband connectivity to remote and underserved communities. 

Licenses for the initiative have already been secured in nine out of the company’s 14 operating markets, positioning the Group as a key player in bridging Africa’s digital divide.

 “This collaboration with Starlink is a game-changer,” Taldar said. “We’re expanding our reach to places that have never been connected before.”

Taldar concluded by reaffirming the company’s long-term vision for sustainable and profitable growth. 

“We remain confident that ongoing investments in infrastructure, innovation, and customer-centric services will create enduring value for all stakeholders,” he said. 

“Even in the face of macroeconomic and regulatory challenges, our commitment to inclusive growth remains unwavering.”