Airtel Africa reports 24.9% revenue growth in first quarter

Airtel Africa has posted a 24.9 percent year-on-year increase in constant currency revenue for the first quarter ending June 30, 2025, driven by growth in data services and mobile money operations across its markets.

The company reported that its customer base grew by nine percent to 169.4 million, while data users increased by 17.4 percent to 75.6 million.

It further stated that the smartphone penetration rose to 45.9 percent, contributing to a 47.4 percent increase in data usage and an 18.5 percent rise in average revenue per user (ARPU) from data.

According to the financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 released on Monday, Airtel Africa’s mobile money customers rose by 16.1 percent to 45.8 million, with annualised transaction value increasing by 35 percent to US$162 billion.

It indicated that the total revenue rose to US$1.415 billion, representing a 22.4 percent increase in reported currency.

The company cited tariff adjustments in Nigeria and improved performance in Francophone Africa as key contributors to the growth.

It stated that mobile service revenue increased by 23.8 percent in constant currency, supported by 13.9 percent growth in voice revenue and 38.1 percent growth in data revenue.

Mobile money revenue rose by 30.3 percent.

The company stated that Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) stood at US$679 million, marking a 29.8 percent increase.

The company further stated that profit after tax reached US$156 million, up from US$31 million recorded in the same period last year.

The growth was reportedly aided by a US$22 million foreign exchange gain, mainly attributed to the appreciation of the Central African franc.

Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, attributed the performance to increased demand for data and financial services, ongoing network expansion, and supply chain improvements.

He noted that with smartphone penetration still below 50 percent, further adoption remains possible.

Taldar also pointed to mobile money as a continuing focus, with plans to broaden the digital financial services portfolio.

He said growth prospects depended on continued investment and overall macroeconomic stability.

In terms of debt management, Airtel reported that 95 percent of its operating company debt was now denominated in local currency.

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