Data usage and mobile money services powered a strong earnings surge for Airtel Africa, as the telecoms group posted record revenue and profit for the year ended on 31 March 2026, reflecting accelerating digital adoption across its 14 markets in Africa.
The company reported that net profit more than doubled to $813 million from $328 million a year earlier, supported by higher operating income and foreign exchange gains.
Revenue rose by 29.5% in reported currency to $6.42 billion, while constant currency growth stood at 24%, underscoring broad-based demand across its core markets.
Airtel Africa said the performance was driven primarily by rapid growth in data consumption and mobile financial services, which continue to reshape its revenue mix and deepen customer engagement across the continent.
Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the results reflected “strong fundamentals and disciplined execution,” adding that digital adoption and network investment were central to the company’s growth strategy.
“Our strategy delivered record customer additions, revenue and EBITDA growth,” Taldar said. “Data and mobile money remain key engines of expansion as we scale digital access across our footprint.”
The company’s customer base increased by 10.5% to 183.5 million, marking its highest-ever net additions.
Data subscribers rose 14.8% to 84.2 million, while smartphone penetration climbed to 49.5%, supporting stronger data usage and monetisation.
Data consumption per user increased to 8.9 GB per month, up from 7.0 GB in the prior year.
Data revenue rose by 35.2% in constant currency, making it the largest contributor to group revenue growth.
Mobile money also delivered strong momentum, with Airtel Money customers increasing by 21.3% to 54.1 million.
Transaction volumes and usage expanded significantly, with annualised total payment value rising 49% to more than $215 billion in the fourth quarter.
The company said mobile money revenue grew 28.4% in constant currency, driven by increased adoption of digital payments, merchant services and cross-border transactions. The segment continues to strengthen Airtel’s position beyond traditional telecom services.
Underlying EBITDA rose by 30.4% in constant currency to $3.16 billion, with margins expanding to 49.3%, supported by revenue growth and ongoing cost optimisation initiatives. Quarterly margins exceeded 50%, reflecting improved operational efficiency.
Airtel said improved scale in data and mobile money helped offset inflationary pressures and currency volatility in several markets, particularly Nigeria.
Operating profit increased by 45.1% to $2.12 billion, while earnings per share rose to 18.6 cents from 6.0 cents a year earlier.
Capital expenditure increased by 31.9% to $884 million as the company expanded its network infrastructure, including more than 3,250 new sites and 3,200 kilometres of additional fibre.
Airtel Africa plans to increase capex to about $1.1 billion in FY2027 to support further digital expansion.
The company continued to invest heavily in 4G and 5G coverage, with 98.5% of its sites now 4G-enabled and more than 3,100 5G sites operational across six markets.
Taldar said artificial intelligence and digitisation are improving efficiency and customer experience across the business, including faster onboarding and enhanced service delivery through the MyAirtel app.
The app has become a central digital platform, with transacting users rising 74% year-on-year and digital transaction value increasing 79% to $8.3 billion.
Airtel Africa also benefited from stronger cash generation, with operating cash flow rising 41% to $3.20 billion and free cash flow up nearly by 40% to $2.28 billion.
Leverage improved significantly to 1.8 times from 2.3 times a year earlier, supported by higher earnings and cash flow.
The board declared a final dividend of 4.26 cents per share, bringing total dividends for the year to 7.1 cents, an increase of 9.2%.
Airtel said it remains focused on scaling its digital ecosystem, particularly in mobile money, enterprise services and home broadband, as it positions itself for long-term growth in Africa’s underpenetrated telecom and financial markets.
The company is also expanding strategic partnerships, including satellite connectivity with SpaceX’s Starlink Direct-to-Cell initiative, aimed at extending coverage to remote and rural areas.
Taldar said Airtel remains confident in its growth outlook despite short-term cost pressures from rising energy prices, citing strong demand trends and continued investment in efficiency.
“Our markets continue to offer significant opportunities for digital and financial inclusion,” he said. “We are focused on scaling responsibly while delivering long-term value.”
