By Ayomide Otitoju
Airtel Africa has reported a strong financial recovery for the full year ending March 31, 2025, posting a pre-tax profit of $661 million, a sharp rebound from the $63 million loss recorded in the 2024 fiscal year.
The telecoms and mobile money operator also reported a profit after tax of $328 million, reversing the $89 million loss it posted a year earlier. The previous year’s results were heavily impacted by foreign exchange and derivative losses, particularly in Nigeria.
Total revenue reached $4.96 billion, representing a 21.1 per cent year-on-year growth in constant currency. However, revenue dipped marginally by 0.5 per cent in reported currency terms due to currency devaluations across several markets.
Nigeria remained a strong growth driver for the group, with fourth-quarter revenue rising by 23.2 per cent in constant currency and 17.8 per cent in reported currency as FX pressures began to ease. Tariff adjustments implemented during the period also contributed to improved margins.
Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Sunil Taldar, attributed the improved performance to a refreshed strategic focus and sustained investment in network and digital infrastructure.
“We have reported another strong operating performance as our strategy continues to deliver against the significant opportunity that exists across our markets,” he said.
According to Taldar, the group recorded a 20 per cent growth in smartphone users to 74.4 million, boosting data traffic by 47.5 per cent. Additionally, its mobile money platform, Airtel Money, saw user growth of 17.3 per cent to 44.6 million, with transaction values rising 32 per cent in constant currency to $136 billion.
Taldar further noted that the company’s cost optimisation efforts and accelerating revenue growth, especially in Q4 2025, led to a notable expansion in quarterly EBITDA margins.
“An improving operating environment and focused execution contributed to strong momentum in our financial results,” he said.
