For the first time in its reporting history, Airtel Africa has generated higher revenue from mobile data services than from voice calls, according to the company’s financial results for the year ended March 31, 2026.

The telecoms group reported $2.53 billion in data revenue, compared to $2.32 billion from voice services, in its financial results released on May 8, 2026.

Group revenue rose by 29.5% to $6.4 billion during the financial year, while profit after tax increased from $328 million to $813 million. Earnings per share also rose from 6.0 cents to 18.6 cents.

Average monthly data usage per customer increased from 7 gigabytes to 8.9 gigabytes during the year. Data services accounted for nearly half of Airtel Africa’s mobile service revenue during the reporting period, up from 43% in the previous financial year.

Airtel Africa’s customer base now 183.5m users, data customers now 84.2m 

The company also recorded growth in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), alongside increases in customer numbers, service revenue and cash generation across its operations.

Mobile internet services recorded stronger growth than voice revenue during the period, reflecting increased smartphone adoption and higher data consumption across Airtel Africa’s 14 markets.

The company’s total customer base increased to 183.5 million users, while data customers rose to 84.2 million. Smartphone penetration across the network also expanded, with smartphone users accounting for nearly half of the customer base.

Average monthly data usage per customer increased from 7 gigabytes to 8.9 gigabytes during the year.

Data services accounted for nearly half of Airtel Africa’s mobile service revenue during the reporting period, up from 43% in the previous financial year.

Nigeria remained Airtel Africa’s largest growth market during the year.

Revenue from Nigeria rose to $1.6 billion, driven by increased data consumption and higher customer spending on internet services.

Average monthly data usage per customer in Nigeria increased to 11 gigabytes during the reporting period.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) tariff adjustments approved in early 2025 also contributed to revenue growth across the telecoms sector by allowing operators to revise pricing structures and expand network investment.

Airtel Nigeria recorded stronger profitability during the year, while the company also reported revenue growth across East Africa and Francophone Africa.

Airtel Money, the group’s mobile financial services platform, continued to expand during the year.

The platform’s customer base rose to 54.1 million users, while annualised transaction value exceeded $215 billion by the final quarter of the financial year.

Revenue from Airtel Money increased to $1.36 billion, contributing more than 20% of total group revenue.

During the year, Airtel Africa expanded its network infrastructure by adding more than 3,250 new network sites and extending its fibre network to nearly 82,000 kilometres.

The company’s 5G network is now operational in six African countries.

Airtel Africa says it plans to increase capital expenditure to about $1.1 billion in the coming financial year to support network expansion, broadband growth, data centre investments and service quality improvements.

The telecoms group also announced a partnership with SpaceX to deploy Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across its African markets to extend coverage to underserved and remote locations.

Despite the strong financial performance, Airtel Africa says rising fuel and energy costs remain a key operational challenge.

Sunil Taldar, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, says ongoing geopolitical developments could increase cost inflation and place pressure on EBITDA margins in the near term.

According to Taldar, Airtel Africa recorded EBITDA margins of 49.3% during the financial year, reaching 50.3% in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The telecoms group says it will continue implementing cost-efficiency measures to manage the impact of higher energy expenses.

Airtel Africa also says plans to list Airtel Money remain under consideration, subject to market conditions.

According to Taldar, the company remains committed to pursuing the initial public offering in the second half of 2026 if market conditions remain favourable.

The telecoms group also announced a leadership transition during the reporting period.

Founder and Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal plans to retire after the company’s annual general meeting in July 2026.

The company says Gopal Vittal will succeed him as non-executive chairman.

The financial results reflect continued growth in mobile internet services, digital financial platforms and broadband infrastructure across Airtel Africa’s operations.