Airtel Africa has announced its financial results for the quarter ended (QE) December 31, 2025. As per the company, its revenue increased to $ 4,667 million in third quarter (Q3) financial year 2025-2026 (FY26) from $ 3,638 in Q3 FY25, showing a 24.6 per cent constant currency change.
The company’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased to $ 2,283 million from $ 1,681 million for the reported period, growing by 31.4 per cent in constant currency, with EBITDA margins expanding further to 48.9 per cent from 46.2 per cent in the prior period. The margin performance has been driven by the strong revenue growth and sustained benefits from our cost efficiency programme.
Meanwhile, profit after tax improved to $ 586 million from $ 248 million in the prior period. Higher profit after tax in the current period was driven by higher operating profit and derivative and foreign exchange gains of $ 99 million, as compared to $ 153 million derivative and foreign exchange losses in the prior period.
Further, mobile services revenue grew by 23.3 per cent in constant currency. Data revenues, the largest contributor to group revenues, increased 36.5 per cent with voice revenues growing by 13.5 per cent. Mobile money revenues continued to benefit from the strong operating momentum to deliver 29.4 per cent growth in constant currency.
Basic earnings per share (EPS) of 13.1 cents compares to 4.4 cents in the prior period, predominantly reflecting the growth in operating profit and derivative and foreign exchange gains in the current period compared to losses in the prior period. EPS before exceptional items increased from 6.2 cents in the prior period to 13.1 cents, largely reflecting the increased operating profits and derivative and foreign exchange gains in the current period.
Commenting on the results, chief executive officer, Airtel Africa, said, “These results highlight the strength of our strategy, with strong operating and financial trends across the business. During the quarter, we accelerated investment to enhance coverage and data capacity while also expanding our fibre network. Coupling this investment with innovative partnerships, strengthens our customer proposition and positions us to capture the considerable growth opportunity across our markets. Digitisation, technology innovation and embedding artificial intelligence (AI) in our processes will also optimise the customer experience with increased digital offerings and closer integration of GSM and Airtel Money services allowing us to unlock the strong demand across our markets. Smartphone adoption continues to increase with penetration of 48.1 per cent, and we are seeing solid progress in the development of our home broadband business, reflecting the need for reliable, high-speed connectivity across our markets.”
He added, “Our push to enhance financial inclusion across the continent continues to gain momentum with our Mobile Money customer base expanding to 52 million, surpassing the 50 million milestones. Annualised total processed value of over $ 210 billion in Q3 FY26 underscores the depth of our merchants, agents and partner ecosystem, and remains a key player in driving improved access to financial services across Africa. We remain on track for the listing of Airtel Money in the first half of 2026.”
He further noted, “Disciplined execution on cost efficiency, alongside accelerating revenue growth has enabled another sequential improvement in our quarterly EBITDA margin to 49.6 per cent, – underpinning constant currency EBITDA growth of 31 per cent – and we remain focussed on driving further incremental margin improvements. Our strategic priorities remain clear: to keep investing in best-in-class connectivity, accelerate financial inclusion through our mobile money platform and deliver a great customer experience. These results reinforce our confidence in the long-term potential of our markets and our ability to create value for all our stakeholders.”
