Airtel Africa has reported a strong financial and operational performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, driven by robust customer growth, rising data consumption, expanding mobile money adoption and disciplined execution across its African markets.
The telecoms giant said its customer base grew by 10.5% to 183.5 million subscribers, representing its highest-ever net additions. Data customers rose by 14.8% to 84.2 million, supported by increased smartphone penetration, which climbed to 49.5%.
Data usage per customer increased significantly to 8.9GB monthly from 7.0GB recorded in the previous year, helping drive a 16.2% rise in constant currency data ARPU.
Mobile money operations also recorded impressive growth during the period. Airtel Money customers increased by 21.3% to 54.1 million, while annualised total processed value surged by 49% to more than $215 billion in reported currency during the fourth quarter of 2026.
Revenue rises 29.5%
The company posted revenue of $6.415 billion for FY2026, representing a 29.5% increase in reported currency and 24% growth in constant currency terms.
Nigeria remained one of the strongest-performing markets, delivering 47.5% constant currency revenue growth, while Francophone Africa recorded 17.1% growth.
Data revenue, now the largest contributor to group earnings, grew by 35.2%, while mobile money revenue rose by 28.4%.
Underlying EBITDA increased by 37.2% to $3.162 billion, with EBITDA margin improving to 49.3% from 46.5% a year earlier. The company also achieved a record quarterly EBITDA margin of 50.3% in Q4 2026.
Profit after tax climbed sharply to $813 million from $328 million recorded in the previous financial year, aided by stronger operating performance and foreign exchange gains.
Basic earnings per share rose to 18.6 cents compared with 6.0 cents in FY2025.
Expansion and investment plans
Capital expenditure increased by 31.9% to $884 million during the year as the company expanded network coverage and infrastructure.
More than 3,250 new sites were deployed, while fibre infrastructure expanded by approximately 3,200 kilometres to 81,900 kilometres.
For FY2027, Airtel Africa said it expects capital expenditure to rise to about $1.1 billion as it accelerates investments in broadband, data centres and digital infrastructure.
Leverage also improved significantly, declining from 2.3x to 1.8x, while lease-adjusted leverage reduced to 0.5x from 1.0x.
The board recommended a final dividend of 4.26 cents per share, bringing the total dividend for the year to 7.1 cents per share, representing 9.2% growth year-on-year.
CEO speaks on performance:
Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar described the year as one of exceptional progress across both operational and financial metrics.
According to him, the company’s strategy, supported by digital transformation and artificial intelligence deployment, contributed to strong customer acquisition, improved operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience.
He noted that smartphone users increased by 22% to 91 million, driving nearly 50% growth in data traffic.
Taldar also disclosed that while market conditions and geopolitical developments affected the timing of Airtel Money’s planned IPO, the company remains committed to pursuing the listing in the second half of 2026 when conditions improve.
He added that rising global energy costs may pressure margins in the near term, but the company intends to offset the impact through continued efficiency measures and sustained revenue growth.
Key FY2026 highlights
Revenue: $6.415bn, up 29.5%
Underlying EBITDA: $3.162bn, up 37.2%
Profit after tax: $813m, up 147.4%
Customer base: 183.5 million
Airtel Money customers: 54.1 million
Basic EPS: 18.6 cents
Capex: $884m
Proposed total dividend: 7.1 cents per share
About Airtel Africa
Airtel Africa operates telecommunications and mobile money services across 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, offering mobile voice, data and digital financial services aimed at improving connectivity and financial inclusion across the continent.
