Airtel Africa has achieved outstanding results for the nine-month period ending December 31, 2024. The telecommunications giant posted a substantial 20.4% revenue increase, reaching $3.64 billion, despite facing significant economic challenges across its African markets.
The company’s success comes from its expanding customer base, which has grown to an impressive 163.1 million subscribers – a 7.9% increase from the previous year. What’s particularly interesting is how Airtel Africa has capitalized on the growing digital transformation across the continent. Their data customer base has surged by 13.8%, now serving 71.4 million users who are increasingly embracing digital connectivity.
With smartphone penetration now reaching 44.2%, individual users are consuming 32.3% more data than before, this surge in usage has led to an astounding 49% increase in overall data traffic across Airtel’s markets.
The real game-changer in Airtel Africa’s portfolio though has been its mobile money services. The platform now serves 44.3 million users, marking an 18.3% increase in its subscriber base. Users are now processing an incredible $146 billion annually, showing a 33.3% growth in transaction volume.
While the company’s revenue growth tells a positive story, it’s important to note the challenges Airtel Africa has faced. Currency devaluation across its markets led to a 5.8% decline in reported currency revenue. The company has also experienced some pressure on its EBITDA, which decreased by 11.9% to $1.68 billion in reported currency.
However, under the leadership of CEO Sunil Taldar, the company has demonstrated remarkable adaptability. Through strategic cost management and operational improvements, Airtel Africa managed to enhance its EBITDA margins from 45.3% in Q1’25 to 46.9% in Q3’25.
“Our focus on speed and quality execution is enabling us to unlock substantial opportunities for growth across our markets,” says Taldar, highlighting the company’s commitment to excellence. His optimism isn’t unfounded – there are encouraging signs of currency stabilization in key markets, and regulatory support from Nigeria’s Communications Commission regarding tariff adjustments promises a more stable operating environment.
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