Overview:
The number of data customers increased by 16.8 percent to 37.8 million, while smartphone penetration reached 48.1 percent. Average monthly data consumption per smartphone user also rose sharply to 11.9GB from 8.8GB a year earlier, underlining the region's accelerating digital transformation.
The growing use of mobile internet across East Africa has propelled Airtel Africa’s revenue growth, with data services emerging as the telecom firm’s fastest-growing business segment during the quarter ended June 30, 2026.
Financial results released on Thursday show that revenue from Airtel Africa’s Mobile Services business rose to $607 million, up from $498 million in the corresponding quarter last year, as more customers embraced smartphones and consumed higher volumes of internet data.
Overall Mobile Services revenue increased by 21.9 percent in reported currency, or 14.4 percent in constant currency, supported by a 9.3 percent increase in the customer base to 86.5 million and a 5.3 percent rise in average revenue per user (ARPU). The stronger reported performance was also aided by the appreciation of the Zambian kwacha during the period.
Voice services remained the company’s largest revenue source, generating $285 million during the quarter. However, revenue from voice grew by 8 percent in constant currency, far below the pace recorded by data services.
Data revenue climbed to $269 million, registering 22.5 percent growth in constant currency, driven by rising smartphone ownership and increasing demand for internet services.
The number of data customers increased by 16.8 percent to 37.8 million, while smartphone penetration reached 48.1 percent. Average monthly data consumption per smartphone user also rose sharply to 11.9GB from 8.8GB a year earlier, underlining the region’s accelerating digital transformation.
Airtel Money also sustained strong growth during the period, with revenue increasing by 21.1 percent in constant currency to $247 million as more customers adopted digital payments and mobile financial services.
Across its 14 African markets, Airtel Africa recorded group revenue of $1.85 billion, representing growth of 31 percent compared with the same period last year.
The company’s total customer base expanded by 11.6 percent to 189 million, while data customers increased by 15.5 percent to 87.3 million. Airtel Money customers grew by 17.3 percent to 56.5 million.
Operating profitability also improved, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rising by 12 percent to $895 million. Profit after tax more than doubled to $156 million, reflecting stronger operational performance across the group’s markets.
Commenting on the results, Airtel Africa chief executive officer Sunil Taldar attributed the performance to continued investment in network infrastructure and customer experience.
“We have started this year with another pleasing performance. Our continued focus on the customer experience translated into accelerating customer base growth across all business segments. Supported by sustained investment in our network, smartphone penetration reached 51 percent, driving significant growth in data traffic as customers continue to embrace digital solutions across our markets,” Mr Taldar said.
He added that the company’s planned listing on the London Stock Exchange would broaden its investor base, improve liquidity and strengthen its ability to finance long-term growth.