Airtel Africa Plc has posted a strong financial performance for the quarter ended June 30, reporting a 27 percent increase in profit after tax as continued demand for mobile data and digital financial services strengthened the company’s earnings. The telecom giant also reaffirmed plans to float its fast growing Airtel Money business on the London Stock Exchange in 2026.
Profit after tax rose to $198 million, up from $156 million recorded during the same period last year. The latest result came despite the company absorbing a $37 million exceptional finance charge linked to the settlement of a commercial dispute, along with foreign exchange losses incurred during the quarter.
The improved performance was also reflected in earnings per share, which increased from 3.4 cents to 4.4 cents. Earnings before exceptional items climbed to 5.4 cents, highlighting the company’s solid operational growth.
Revenue for the quarter grew by 31 percent to $1.85 billion, supported by constant currency growth of 21.1 percent. EBITDA also recorded impressive growth, rising 36.6 percent to $928 million, while the EBITDA margin improved to 50.1 percent.
Airtel Africa maintained that London remains its preferred destination for the planned Airtel Money initial public offering, saying the listing is expected to attract a wider pool of international investors while unlocking the long term value of one of Africa’s leading financial technology businesses.
The company’s digital finance arm continued its upward trajectory during the reporting period. Airtel Money expanded its customer base by 23.3 percent to reach 56.5 million users, while its annualised transaction value climbed above $245 billion, representing a 51.5 percent increase compared with the same period last year. The growth reflects the rising acceptance of digital payment services across Airtel Africa’s operating markets.
Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the company remains focused on investing in digital platforms, artificial intelligence and network infrastructure to deliver a better customer experience and support sustainable growth. He added that Airtel Money continues to play a central role in the company’s long term strategy.
By the end of the quarter, Airtel Africa’s total customer base had grown to 189 million across its 14 African markets. Smartphone penetration also reached 51 percent, contributing to a 56.3 percent increase in data traffic as more customers embraced digital services.
The company further stepped up investment in its network infrastructure during the quarter, spending $389 million on capital projects. Airtel deployed more than 920 additional network sites and expanded its fibre network to 82,100 kilometres, strengthening its capacity to meet rising demand for connectivity and digital services across the continent.
