Airtel Africa Gears Up for Airtel Money IPO, Projects H1 2026 Listing and Robust Financial Performance
Airtel Africa is making significant strides in its preparation for the IPO of Airtel Money, its mobile money service, with the company projecting a listing in the first half of 2026. CEO Sunil Taldar confirmed this progress following the company’s financial results for the year ending March 31, 2025. Airtel Money, which allows users across multiple African countries to perform digital payments and manage their finances, continues to see substantial growth in its customer base and offerings.
The company reported a 17.3% increase in mobile money subscribers, reaching 44.6 million, driven by investments in the agent network and digital services. In addition, Airtel Africa’s total customer base grew by 8.7%, with strong performances in mobile data and voice services. The company focused on digital inclusion, increasing smartphone penetration by 4.3% and boosting data usage across its subscriber base. Its focus on network expansion was underscored by the rollout of new sites and fiber connections.
Airtel Africa’s financial performance reflected this strong momentum, with revenues reaching $4.955 billion, a 21.1% increase in constant currency. However, currency devaluation slightly impacted reported revenue figures. Mobile services revenue saw a 19.6% growth, with significant contributions from both voice and data services. Additionally, mobile money revenue surged by 29.9%, highlighting the growing impact of Airtel Money on the business.
Despite challenges such as rising fuel prices and Nigeria’s reduced contribution, Airtel Africa’s operating performance improved, with underlying EBITDA margins expanding from 45.3% to 47.3% in Q4 2025. The company also reported a profit after tax of $328 million, a substantial improvement from a previous loss of $89 million, driven by lower foreign exchange losses and improved operational efficiencies. Airtel’s capital allocation strategy has focused on reducing foreign currency debt, with plans for further investments in growth opportunities.
In line with its strong performance, Airtel Africa has announced a final dividend of 3.9 cents per share and returned $120 million to shareholders through buyback programs. CEO Taldar emphasized the company’s focus on enhancing customer experience, expanding digital inclusion, and improving its financial position to support future growth. As the company eyes its IPO in 2026, it remains cautious about global economic conditions but is optimistic about sustaining growth through strategic investments and innovations.
Source: Business Day