Airtel Africa PLC reported a 22.4% increase in revenue to $1.415 billion for the quarter ending June 30, 2025, with constant currency growth reaching 24.9%. The strong performance reflects consistent demand across its markets and effective execution of its growth strategy.
East Africa contributed significantly, with revenue rising 17.6% to $498 million. Voice services grew by 15.1%, supported by a 9.8% increase in customer base and a 4% rise in average revenue per user (ARPU). Data revenue surged 21.4%, driven by expanded network coverage and improved distribution, which continue to attract new subscribers.
Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar highlighted that customer numbers grew by 9% to 169.4 million, including a 17.4% jump in data customers to 75.6 million. Smartphone penetration reached 45.9%, driving a 47.4% growth in data usage and a 18.5% increase in data ARPU. He emphasised Airtel Africa’s focus on digital adoption, including the launch of Airtel Spam Alert, an AI-powered tool designed to enhance network security and foster trust.
Mobile money remains central to Airtel Africa’s expansion. The service’s customer base climbed 16% to 45.8 million, with annualised transaction value increasing 35% to $162 billion. ARPU for mobile money increased by 11.3%, reflecting broader adoption of financial services and growing digital payments activity.
Operationally, Airtel Africa invested in expanding its network, adding over 2,300 new sites to reach 37,579 and extending its fiber footprint by 2,700 kilometres to 79,600. This expansion increased 4G population coverage to 74.7%, a 3.4% rise from the previous year.
The company’s EBITDA rose 29.8% to $679 million, with margins improving to 48%. Profit after tax reached $156 million, a sharp rebound from $31 million in the prior period, partly due to currency gains in Central Africa and lower foreign exchange losses. Basic earnings per share rose to 3.4 cents, compared to 0.2 cents a year earlier.
Capital expenditure totaled $121 million, lower than the prior year due to timing differences, though full-year guidance remains between $725 million and $750 million. Airtel Africa also continued to reduce foreign currency debt, with 95% of operational debt now in local currencies, and progressed with its $55 million share buyback program, repurchasing $16.9 million worth of shares by June 30, 2025.
Taldar said the company remains confident in capturing further growth opportunities across its markets while maintaining its focus on technology investment, financial inclusion, and customer experience.
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