Overview of Airtel Africa
Airtel Africa is one of the leading telecommunications operators in Africa, affiliated with India's Bharti Airtel Group, operating in 14 African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. As of December 2024, it had 163.1 million users, an increase of about 6.7% year-on-year; 71.4 million data users, up 13.8% year-on-year. FY2024 (ending March 2024) revenue was $4.979 billion (down 5.3% year-on-year in reported currency, mainly due to currency depreciation; up 20.9% in constant currency). Mobile services revenue increased 19.4% in constant currency, mobile money (Airtel Money) revenue increased 32.8% in constant currency, making fintech the core growth engine.
Airtel Africa provides enterprises with pan-African IoT connectivity, dedicated APNs, and Airtel Money payment integration, supporting scenarios such as smart agriculture, smart metering, and connected vehicles.
Basic Information of Airtel Africa
- Established: 2010 (Bharti acquired Zain's African assets)
- Headquarters: London, UK (listed), operations center in Africa
- Shareholder: Bharti Airtel Group
- Users as of December 2024: 163.1 million
- Data users: 71.4 million (up 13.8% year-on-year)
- Operating Markets: 14 countries (Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, etc.)
- FY2024 Revenue: $4.979 billion (20.9% growth in constant currency)
- Airtel Money: Revenue grew 32.8% in constant currency
Development History and Milestones
In 2010, Bharti Airtel acquired the African assets of Kuwait's Zain, establishing Airtel Africa and entering 15 African countries. Throughout the 2010s, it continuously integrated networks and expanded data and mobile payments. In 2019, Airtel Africa was listed on the London Stock Exchange. In the 2020s, the focus has been on data and Airtel Money growth, with users exceeding 160 million and data users exceeding 71 million by 2024. Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania are the top three markets. Currency depreciation affected reported revenue, but growth in constant currency remains strong.
Core Technical Capabilities
14-country footprint
Second-largest pan-African operator, with 163 million users
Data growth
71.4 million data users, up 13.8% year-on-year
Airtel Money
Airtel Money revenue up 32.8% in constant currency
Bharti ecosystem
Draws on Bharti Airtel's technology and capital from India
IoT Applications
Airtel Africa provides pan-African IoT connectivity, dedicated APN, and Airtel Money integration. 4G covers major cities, and NB-IoT is deployed in some markets. Smart agriculture, smart metering, and asset tracking are implemented in countries like Nigeria and Kenya. Collaborates with global IoT platforms to support cross-border enterprise deployment.
Competitive Advantages
- Second-largest pan-African operator: Covers 14 countries, 163 million users, second only to MTN
- Airtel Money: High growth in fintech revenue, supporting consumer IoT
- Data-driven: Strong growth in data users, supporting IoT and digitization
- Nigeria as a core market: Africa's most populous country, and one of Airtel Africa's largest markets