Rising demand for mobile internet services across East Africa has continued to drive growth for Airtel Africa’s Mobile Services business, with revenue increasing significantly during the quarter ended June 30, 2026.
Mobile Services revenue rose to US$607 million, up from US$498 million recorded during the same period last year, reflecting increased digital adoption, higher smartphone usage and growing demand for data services across the region.
The performance represents a 21.9% increase in reported currency and a 14.4% growth in constant currency, supported by a 9.3% increase in the customer base to 86.5 million subscribers and a 5.3% rise in Mobile Services average revenue per user (ARPU).
While voice services remained the largest contributor to Mobile Services revenue, generating US$285 million, data services emerged as the fastest-growing segment.
Data revenue increased to US$269 million, representing 22.5% growth in constant currency, driven by rising smartphone adoption, increased mobile internet usage and growth in data customers.
The number of data customers increased by 16.8% to 37.8 million, while smartphone penetration reached 48.1%. Average monthly data consumption per smartphone user also increased significantly, rising to 11.9GB from 8.8GB a year earlier.
The growth highlights the accelerating digital transformation across East Africa, as more consumers rely on mobile connectivity for communication, entertainment, business and access to digital services.
Beyond mobile connectivity, Airtel Money continued to record strong growth, with revenue increasing by 21.1% in constant currency to US$247 million, driven by increased adoption of mobile payments and other digital financial services.
Across its 14 African markets, Airtel Africa reported Group revenue of US$1.85 billion, representing 31% growth during the quarter.
The company’s customer base grew by 11.6% to 189 million, while data customers increased by 15.5% to 87.3 million. Airtel Money customers also rose by 17.3% to 56.5 million.
Operating performance remained strong, with EBITDA — a key measure of profitability — increasing by 12% to US$895 million, while profit after tax more than doubled to US$156 million.
Commenting on the results, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the company’s strong performance was driven by continued investment in customer experience and network infrastructure.
“We have started this year with another pleasing performance. Our continued focus on the customer experience translated into accelerating customer base growth across all business segments. Supported by sustained investment in our network, smartphone penetration reached 51%, driving significant growth in data traffic as customers continue to embrace digital solutions across our markets,” Taldar said.
Taldar also highlighted Airtel Africa’s proposed listing on the London Stock Exchange as a strategic milestone expected to expand the company’s investor base, improve liquidity and support long-term growth ambitions.