Airtel Africa has reported robust growth in its East African markets for the year ending March 2025, fueled by strong operational momentum and the strengthening of the Kenyan shilling, which proved to be a major advantage in a region otherwise affected by currency volatility. The appreciation of the Kenyan shilling played a pivotal role in cushioning Airtel’s East African operations from the adverse impacts of weaker regional currencies such as the Zambian and Malawian kwacha. This currency stability positioned Kenya and its telecom market as key winners in Airtel’s regional performance.
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In East Africa, Airtel’s revenue surged 13.6% in reported currency and 18.8% in constant currency, reaching US$1.84 billion. The region saw a sharp increase in customer acquisition, with the customer base expanding by 11.7% to 77.6 million users, and a significant 18.4% growth in data customers to 31.5 million. Kenya particularly benefited from the stronger currency, enabling Airtel to invest in over 1,200 5G sites and deepen 4G penetration. Data consumption in East Africa soared, with usage per customer increasing 30.2% to 6.2 GB per month, reflecting growing mobile internet demand and expanding digital infrastructure.
Voice revenue growth was supported by an expanding customer base and a 1.3% rise in average revenue per user (ARPU), driven by broader network coverage and a more extensive distribution network. EBITDA in the region rose 11.4% to US$877 million, while operating free cash flow jumped 26% in constant currency to US$585 million—clear indicators of improved profitability and operational efficiency in markets like Kenya, where currency strength gave Airtel a competitive edge.
Contrastingly, other markets like Nigeria saw a decline in reported revenue, dropping 30.4% to US$1.05 billion due to the Naira’s devaluation. However, in constant currency terms, revenue surged 36.4%, highlighting underlying demand. Francophone Africa saw moderate growth with revenues rising 7.9% in constant currency to US$1.3 billion, though EBITDA margins slipped due to regulatory and cost pressures. Data revenue increased by 24.1%, supported by a 23.5% growth in the data customer base and a 44.2% rise in usage.
Across the Airtel Africa group, total reported revenue declined marginally by 0.5% to US$4.96 billion, while in constant currency terms it grew 21.1%, underscoring resilience in core markets. Airtel Money emerged as a major growth driver, with revenue rising 29.9% in constant currency to US$994 million. The platform now serves 44.6 million users and processes US$145 billion in annual transaction value, contributing over 20% to group revenue. Airtel plans to list Airtel Money in early 2026, aiming to capitalize on Africa’s digital finance boom.
Looking ahead, Airtel Africa is expanding digital inclusion by growing its data customer base through strategic partnerships, including a deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity in remote and underserved areas, solidifying Airtel’s position as a leading telecom and fintech player in Africa.
