Airtel Africa profits jump as data, mobile money demand drives growth

30th Oct 2026 10:20

(Sharecast News) - Airtel Africa reported a big increase in first-half profits on Friday as strong demand for data and mobile money services drove double-digit revenue growth across its markets helped offset rising costs, though shares were firmly lower in London.

The telecoms group, which operates in 14 African countries, posted a pre-tax profit of $814m for the six months to 30 September, up 24.2% over the year before.

Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased 32.8% to $1.92bn from $1.45bn, with the margin improving to 50.3% from 48.5%, despite inflationary pressures from higher fuel costs.

Growth was also weighed down by a more than doubling of capital expenditure to $657m from $318m as Airtel accelerated investment in its network, adding approximately 4,200 sites to improve coverage and capacity.

Revenue jumped 28.2% to $3.82bn, representing growth of 20.8% at constant currency, supported by strong performances across all regions.

Mobile data revenue increased 35.3% to $1.57bn, while mobile money revenue climbed 34.8% to $840m, representing 28% and 25.8% growth, respectively, at constant currency.

The group's total customer base grew 11.6% year-on-year to 193.9m, including an increase of 15% in data customers to 89.9m and a 22.4% rise in mobile money customers to 60.9m.

Chief executive Sunil Taldar said: "Over the first half we have delivered another strong operating and financial performance, reflecting the depth of underlying demand across our markets and consistent execution of our strategy, with total customer growth remaining strong and stable at 11.6%."

He added: "Looking ahead, margin performance will continue to be influenced by the macroeconomic environment, including its impact on fuel costs."

The results follow the London listing of Airtel Money on 14 October, in which Airtel Africa retained its 77.85% shareholding.

The board declared an interim dividend of 3.1 cents per share, up 9.2% year-on-year, while the company returned $108.7m to shareholders through share buybacks during the period.

The stock was down 4.2% at 262.8p by 0952 GMT.

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