Airtel Africa Plc has recorded a 20.5 per cent increase in profit after tax to $452 million for the six months ended September 30, 2026, reflecting stronger revenue from mobile data and financial services across its African markets.
The telecommunications company’s profit rose from $376 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, according to its half-year financial results released on October 30.
Revenue increased by 28.2 per cent to $3.82 billion, compared with $2.98 billion a year earlier. On a constant currency basis, revenue grew by 20.8 per cent, reflecting increased demand for mobile connectivity and digital services.
Operating profit also improved by 34.2 per cent to $1.29 billion, while underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 32.8 per cent to $1.92 billion.
Data services support growth
Data services remained a major contributor to the company’s performance during the period. Airtel Africa’s data revenue increased by 28 per cent in constant currency, supported by a 15 per cent increase in data customers to 89.9 million.
The company’s total customer base expanded by 11.6 per cent to 193.9 million, while smartphone penetration increased to 51.6 per cent.
Nigeria also recorded strong growth, with revenue increasing by 27 per cent in constant currency, according to the company’s financial report.
Mobile money operations continued to expand, with revenue growing by 25.8 per cent in constant currency. Its customer base increased by 22.4 per cent to 60.9 million, reflecting growing adoption of digital financial services across its markets.
Higher costs weigh on earnings
Despite the improved operating performance, the company faced higher finance costs during the period.
Net finance costs increased to $477 million from $304 million in the corresponding period of the previous year, partly reflecting higher interest expenses and exceptional costs linked to a commercial dispute involving one of its subsidiaries.
The company’s tax charges also increased to $362 million from $280 million, limiting the impact of its stronger operating performance on final earnings.
Airtel Africa’s board approved an interim dividend of 3.1 US cents per share, representing a 9.2 per cent increase from the previous year.
The results highlight the growing contribution of data consumption and mobile financial services to the company’s earnings as demand for digital connectivity continues to expand across Africa.
Sources: Airtel Africa half-year financial report; Nairametrics.
