Airtel Africa plc Results for quarter ended 30 June 2026 show that the telecommunications company recorded strong growth in customers, revenue, profits, and digital services as it continued investing in better network coverage and financial technology across Africa.
During the three months ending 30 June 2026, Airtel Africa’s total customer base grew by 11.6% to reach 189 million users. The number of customers using mobile internet also increased by 15.5% to 87.3 million. On average, customers used more mobile data than before, with monthly usage rising from 7.8 GB to 10.6 GB. This increase was mainly driven by more people using smartphones, with smartphone penetration rising to 51%.
Airtel Money also continued to grow strongly. The platform processed more than $245 billion in transactions over the past year, a 51.5% increase compared to the previous year. The number of Airtel Money customers grew by 23.3% to 56.5 million, showing that more people are using digital financial services for payments, transfers, and other transactions.
The company’s financial performance was equally impressive. Revenue increased by 31% to $1.85 billion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 36.6% to $928 million. Profit after tax increased from $156 million to $198 million, despite higher energy costs and some foreign exchange losses.
Basic earnings per share also improved from 3.4 cents to 4.4 cents, reflecting the company’s stronger profitability during the quarter.
To support future growth, Airtel Africa invested heavily in expanding its network. Capital expenditure reached $389 million, compared to $121 million during the same period last year. The company added more than 920 new network sites and expanded its fibre network to over 82,000 kilometres, improving network quality, capacity, and coverage across its markets.
The company also strengthened its financial position by reducing its debt levels. In addition, Airtel Africa’s Board approved a share buyback programme to repurchase up to 1% of its issued shares. By the end of June 2026, the company had already bought back approximately 10.2 million shares worth $46.6 million.
Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the company made a strong start to the new financial year, driven by continued investment in customer experience, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and network expansion. He noted that growing smartphone adoption and increased digital usage are helping Airtel Africa deliver better services while supporting long-term business growth.
Taldar also highlighted the continued success of Airtel Money in expanding financial inclusion across Africa. He confirmed that the company plans to list Airtel Money on the London Stock Exchange in 2026, which is expected to attract international investors and unlock additional value for one of Africa’s leading fintech businesses.
Although rising global energy costs may increase operating expenses in the coming months, Airtel Africa says it will continue focusing on cost efficiency while investing ahead of customer demand to support Africa’s growing digital economy.
With strong customer growth, rising profits, expanding mobile money services, and continued investment in network infrastructure, Airtel Africa remains well positioned to drive digital transformation and financial inclusion across the 14 African countries where it operates.