Airtel Africa PLC

AAF

Equity

ISIN GB00BKDRYJ47 / Valor 48524116

LSE London Stock Exchange, SETS (2026-07-28)

GBP 3.56+2.12%

Airtel Africa PLC
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About company

Airtel Africa PLC is a leading telecommunications and mobile money service provider, holding the position of the second-largest telecom operator across the continent. The company has established a significant presence in 14 markets, primarily within East Africa, Central, and West Africa. As of the first half of the fiscal year 2024, Airtel Africa boasts a customer base of 147.7 million, which includes 59.8 million data customers and 36.5 million Airtel Money customers. The company has demonstrated robust financial performance, showcasing 23 consecutive quarters of double-digit revenue and EBITDA growth. Airtel Africa offers a range of services including voice, data, mobile money, and digital services, and has successfully deployed 4G services across all its markets. The company's operations are strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for telecommunications and financial services in sub-Saharan Africa, a region characterized by a young and expanding population, increasing urbanization, and a relatively low telecom penetration rate.

Summarized from source with an LLMView SourceSector: Finance

Top-line and margins

Group reported revenue grew 29.5% to $6,415m (24.0% constant currency). Underlying EBITDA rose to $3,162m (+30.4% constant currency) and margins expanded to 49.3% for the year, peaking at 50.3% in Q4’26.

Profitability and EPS

Profit after tax was $813m (prior $328m). Basic EPS increased to 18.6 US cents from 6.0 cents, reflecting higher operating profit and favourable derivative/FX gains in FY’26.

Customer and data momentum

Total customers reached 183.5 million (+10.5% YoY); data customers 84.2 million (+14.8%). Data usage per customer rose to 8.9 GB/month and data ARPU grew strongly (constant-currency data ARPU +16.2% for the year).

Airtel Money scale

Airtel Money customers rose to 54.1 million (+21.3% YoY). Annualised TPV in Q4’26 exceeded $215bn in reported currency and mobile‑money revenue (post inter‑segment) grew 28.4% on a constant‑currency basis.

Regional drivers — Nigeria & others

Nigeria was a major driver: revenue up 47.5% in constant currency (data revenue +63.6% constant currency). East Africa and Francophone Africa also delivered solid constant‑currency growth (17.8% and 17.1% respectively).

Investment, cash flow and guidance

Capex for FY’26 was $884m (+31.9% YoY) as the Group added 3,250+ sites and ~3,200 km of fibre (total 81,900 km). FY’27 capex guidance is ~ $1.1bn. Operating cash conversion remained strong: net cash from operations $3,195m and operating free cash flow $2,278m.

Balance sheet and returns to shareholders

Leverage improved to 1.8x net debt/EBITDA (lease‑adjusted 0.5x). The board proposed a final dividend of 4.26 US cents (total FY’26 dividend 7.1 cents, +9.2% YoY). The company completed its $100m share buyback programme during the year.

Strategic developments

Key initiatives include a partnership with SpaceX for Starlink Direct‑to‑Cell connectivity, expansion of 5G and fibre, accelerated digital adoption (myAirtel app) and plans to pursue an Airtel Money IPO when market conditions permit (targeting H2 2026).

Key near‑term risk

Management flagged near‑term margin pressure from rising energy costs linked to geopolitical events and general macro/FX volatility, but remains focused on cost efficiencies and disciplined capital allocation to limit impact.

Summarized from source with an LLMView Source

Key figures

79.5%1Y

204%3Y

331%5Y

Performance

41.9%1Y

33.8%3Y

35.4%5Y

Volatility