Airtel Africa Half-Year Profit Rises 20.5% to $452m on Strong Data and Mobile Money Growth

What the report says

Airtel Africa reported stronger first-half results for the six months ended September 30, 2026, with profit after tax rising 20.5% to US$452 million, according to Watchdog Uganda’s report from Kampala. The telecoms group said the improvement was supported by higher data use and continued growth in mobile money across its operating markets.

The company’s revenue increased 28.2% in reported currency to US$3.823 billion, while underlying EBITDA grew 32.8% to US$1.921 billion. Airtel Africa also said its EBITDA margin improved to 50.3%. Customer numbers rose 11.6% to 193.9 million, including a 15% increase in data customers to 89.9 million and a 22.4% rise in mobile money users to 60.9 million.

In East Africa, which includes Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia, revenue reached US$1.777 billion. The region posted revenue growth in both reported and constant currency terms, with data revenue standing out as a major driver. Airtel said smartphone adoption and heavier data consumption helped lift performance across the group.

The report also noted that Airtel Money began trading on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market on October 14, 2026, while Airtel Africa kept a 77.85% stake. Airtel chief executive Sunil Taldar said the company sees further room for expansion as demand for digital connectivity and financial services grows.