Dar es Salaam. Airtel Africa has reported robust growth in its operating and financial performance for the first quarter ended June 30, 2025, underpinned by effective execution of its strategic roadmap, increasing demand for digital and financial services, and sustained investment in network infrastructure across its markets.
According to the telecom’s Q1 performance report, the company’s customer base grew by 9.0 percent year-on-year to reach 169.4 million, with data customers increasing by 17.4 percent to 75.6 million.
The surge in data users was accompanied by a 47.4 percent increase in data usage, driven by rising smartphone penetration, which stood at 45.9 percent, and growing digital adoption across its African footprint.
During the period under review, Airtel Africa recorded a 16.1 percent rise in Airtel Money customers, reaching 45.8 million.
The value of transactions processed through Airtel Money increased by 35 percent to $162 billion, while average revenue per user (ARPU) grew by 11.3 percent. Data ARPU also saw a strong growth of 18.5 percent in constant currency.
To support its expanding customer base, the company rolled out 2,300 new network sites, bringing the total to 37,579. It also extended its fibre network by an additional 2,700 kilometres, reaching a total of over 79,600 kilometres.
4G coverage now extends to 74.7 percent of the population within its operational regions.
In terms of financial performance, Airtel Africa’s total revenue grew by 24.9 percent in constant currency to $1.415 billion, and by 22.4 percent in reported terms, bolstered by tariff adjustments and particularly strong growth in Francophone Africa.
Mobile service revenue rose by 23.8 percent, with voice services increasing by 13.9 percent, data by 38.1 percent, and mobile money by 30.3 percent.
The company’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose sharply by 29.8 percent to $679 million, with EBITDA margin improving to 48.0 percent, up from 45.3 percent a year earlier.
Profit after tax rose to $156 million, a significant increase from $31 million in the prior-year period, buoyed by foreign exchange gains and lower derivative losses.
Basic earnings per share (EPS) increased to 3.4 cents from 0.2 cents, with EPS before exceptional items also showing improvement. Capital expenditure stood at $121 million for the quarter, with full-year guidance maintained between $725 million and $750 million.
The company continued its debt localisation strategy, with 95 percent of its operating company (OpCo) debt now denominated in local currencies, up from 86 percent last year.
Leverage rose to 2.2 times, mainly due to a $1.3 billion lease liability associated with tower contract renewals.
Airtel also repurchased 7.1 million shares under its second $55 million share buyback programme, returning $16.9 million to shareholders during the quarter.
Commenting on the results, Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sunil Taldar, expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory.
“The scale of growth we’ve achieved reflects sustained demand for our services and the strength of our model. Our strategy remains customer-centric, as shown by initiatives like Airtel Spam Alert, an AI-powered tool to enhance network trust,” he said.
Mr Taldar further noted that mobile money continues to be a key pillar of the company’s growth outlook.
“With smartphone penetration still at 45.9 percent, we see significant room to bridge the digital divide while delivering financial inclusion.”
Airtel Africa acknowledged the contribution of its employees and partners in achieving the milestone, and reiterated its commitment to delivering high-quality digital and financial services to its customers across Tanzania and the wider African continent.
