Airtel Africa Plc has reported impressive financial results for the first quarter of its 2026 fiscal year, posting significant growth in revenue, profit, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). The results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, highlight the company’s resilience and strong operational performance despite currency volatility across several of its markets.
Financial Performance Overview
Airtel Africa’s revenue rose by 22.4 percent year-on-year to 1.415 billion dollars, reflecting continued growth across Nigeria, Francophone Africa, and East Africa. The company also recorded a 29.8 percent increase in EBITDA, reaching 679 million dollars, supported by a robust cost efficiency program and sustained data and mobile money expansion.
Pre-tax profit surged by 267.8 percent to 273 million dollars, while profit after tax jumped sharply by 408.1 percent to 156 million dollars. The company attributed this strong bottom-line growth to operational efficiencies, higher tariffs in Nigeria, and gains from currency appreciation in certain markets.
Capital expenditure declined by 17.7 percent to 121 million dollars, signaling tighter investment discipline and more targeted infrastructure spending. Average revenue per user (ARPU) rose by 12.2 percent to 2.8 dollars, driven by increased data consumption and expanded digital services.
Airtel Africa Q1 2026 Financial Results (USD and Naira)
| Metric | USD (Million) | Naira (Billion) | YoY % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1,415 | 2,242.78 | +22.4 |
| EBITDA | 679 | 1,076.22 | +29.8 |
| Pre-tax Profit | 273 | 432.71 | +267.8 |
| Profit After Tax (PAT) | 156 | 247.26 | +408.1 |
| Capital Expenditure | 121 | 191.79 | -17.7 |
| ARPU (USD/Naira) | 2.8 | 4,438 | +12.2 |
Note: Naira values were derived using the exchange rate of ₦1,585 per dollar as disclosed in Airtel Africa’s Q1 FY2026 results.
Drivers of Growth
The company’s growth was propelled by several factors, including tariff revisions in Nigeria, which accounted for a major portion of the revenue increase. Francophone Africa delivered solid results as currency appreciation in the region helped boost margins. East Africa also contributed significantly, supported by expanding subscriber numbers and steady growth in data usage.
EBITDA margin improved to 48.0 percent from 45.3 percent in the previous year, indicating greater cost efficiency and effective expense management. Airtel’s focus on high-growth segments such as mobile money and data services further strengthened its earnings profile.
Regional Performance
In Nigeria, Airtel Africa’s largest market, revenue rose significantly due to higher tariffs and continued expansion in data and voice services. Francophone Africa saw strong performance fueled by currency gains and increased data consumption. East Africa also recorded robust growth on the back of rising smartphone penetration and digital service uptake.
Strategic Outlook
Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar stated that the results demonstrate Airtel Africa’s ability to grow sustainably despite macroeconomic challenges. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to investing in network expansion, enhancing mobile money offerings, and improving customer experience across all operating regions.
Looking ahead, Airtel Africa plans to deepen its focus on digital services and financial technology, expand its infrastructure to underserved areas, and explore new revenue streams to consolidate its market position.
