Airtel Africa’s mobile services business recorded significant growth in the quarter ended June 30, 2026, supported by rising demand for mobile internet, increased smartphone adoption and continued expansion of digital financial services across its African markets.
The telecommunications group reported mobile services revenue of US$607 million for the quarter, compared with US$498 million during the same period a year earlier. The increase reflects broader shifts in consumer behaviour across Africa, where mobile connectivity has increasingly become central to communication, commerce, education and access to financial services.
According to Airtel Africa’s latest financial results, mobile services revenue increased by 21.9% in reported currency terms and by 14.4% on a constant currency basis. The performance was supported by a growing customer base, which expanded by 9.3% to 86.5 million subscribers, alongside a 5.3% increase in average revenue per user.
The company operates across 14 African countries, with its largest markets spanning East, West and Central Africa. The growth in mobile data consumption reflects a wider transformation in how communities across the continent engage with digital services, as improved network coverage, more affordable smartphones and expanding digital ecosystems reshape everyday economic activity.
Data services were the strongest growth area within Airtel Africa’s mobile services portfolio. Data revenue reached US$269 million, representing constant currency growth of 22.5% compared with the previous year. The increase was driven by a 16.8% rise in data customers to 37.8 million, as well as higher levels of internet usage among smartphone users.
Average monthly data consumption per smartphone customer increased to 11.9 gigabytes, up from 8.8 gigabytes a year earlier, while smartphone penetration reached 48.1%. The figures highlight the accelerating role of mobile networks in supporting Africa’s digital economy, particularly in markets where mobile technology often provides the primary route to internet access.
Voice services, while growing at a slower pace, remained the largest contributor to mobile services revenue, generating US$285 million during the quarter. Voice revenue increased by 8% in constant currency terms, reflecting the continued importance of traditional communication services across many African markets.
Beyond telecommunications, Airtel Africa’s mobile money platform continued to expand as digital financial services gained traction. Airtel Money revenue increased by 21.1% in constant currency terms to US$247 million, supported by greater adoption of mobile payments and a growing customer base.
Across the wider group, Airtel Africa reported revenue of US$1.85 billion for the quarter, representing growth of 31% compared with the same period last year. The company’s total customer base increased by 11.6% to 189 million, while data customers grew by 15.5% to 87.3 million. Airtel Money customers increased by 17.3% to 56.5 million.
The company also reported earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$895 million, an increase of 12%, while profit after tax more than doubled to US$156 million.
Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar attributed the performance to continued investment in network infrastructure, customer experience and digital services.
“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,” Taldar said.
He added that investment in network expansion had contributed to increased smartphone adoption and higher data usage across the company’s markets.
The company is also pursuing plans to list on the London Stock Exchange, a move Airtel Africa says is intended to broaden its investor base, improve market liquidity and support its long term growth strategy.
The results come as African economies continue to experience rapid digital adoption, driven by demographic growth, urbanisation and increasing demand for connected services. Telecommunications companies across the continent have become important contributors to financial inclusion and economic participation, particularly through mobile money platforms that enable individuals and businesses to access payments and financial services without relying solely on traditional banking infrastructure.
However, the expansion of digital services also continues to depend on broader factors, including affordability, infrastructure investment, regulatory environments and access to reliable electricity. As African markets deepen their digital economies, telecommunications growth remains closely linked to efforts to ensure that connectivity translates into wider social and economic opportunities.
