Airtel Africa plc
Results for half year ended 30 September 2026
30 October 2026
Delivering sustainable and profitable growth while investing for the future
Operating highlights
Financial performance
Capital allocation
Sunil Taldar, chief executive officer, on the trading update:
“The recent IPO of Airtel Money represents a significant milestone for the Group. We retained our shareholding through the IPO and remain a long-term strategic shareholder, with significant exposure to Airtel Money’s future growth and value creation. Over the first half we have delivered another strong operating and financial performance, reflecting the depth of underlying demand across our markets and consistent execution of our strategy, with total customer growth remaining strong and stable at 11.6%. The investment case remains as compelling as ever, supported by favourable demographic and economic trends, strong demand for data and financial services, and smartphones on our network increasing to over 100 million, with substantial headroom for further adoption. We are increasingly leveraging AI across the business to deepen customer understanding, accelerate innovation, simplify customer journeys and strengthen the detection of fraud and emerging threats. Combined with our ability to utilise our network, distribution and customer relationships to develop new businesses, these structural drivers underpin our confidence in the Group’s long-term growth prospects.
Despite rising fuel costs continuing to exert inflationary pressure on our cost base, we delivered a record underlying EBITDA margin of 50.4% in Q2’27 through a combination of operational discipline, ongoing cost efficiency programmes and continued scale benefits. Looking ahead, margin performance will continue to be influenced by the macroeconomic environment, including its impact on fuel costs. Our confidence in the growth trajectory of the business and the significant long-term opportunity across our markets underpins our decision to accelerate investment. During the period, we increased the pace of network investment to expand capacity and enhance service quality, positioning the business to capture an increasing share of future growth.
Our mobile money business continues to deliver strong growth and remains a key driver of financial inclusion across our markets, supported by sustained customer acquisition, increasing transaction volumes and ongoing expansion of its product ecosystem. Our mobile money and mobile services businesses will continue to work closely together to capture shared growth opportunities, realise operational synergies and deliver enhanced value for customers across our markets.
Supported by a strong balance sheet and robust cash generation, we remain confident in the opportunities ahead. As more customers embrace digital services and financial inclusion, our continued focus on execution and customer experience positions us to deliver sustainable growth at scale and long-term value for shareholders.”
|
GAAP measures | |||
|
Description |
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported |
|
$m |
$m |
change | |
|
Revenue |
3,823 |
2,982 |
28.2% |
|
Operating profit |
1,286 |
959 |
34.2% |
|
Profit after tax |
452 |
376 |
20.5% |
|
Basic EPS ($ cents) |
10.2 |
8.3 |
23.3% |
|
Net cash generated from operating activities |
1,759 |
1,388 |
26.7% |
|
Alternative performance measures (APM)[2] | ||||
|
Description |
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported |
Constant |
|
$m |
$m |
change |
change | |
|
Revenue |
3,823 |
2,982 |
28.2% |
20.8% |
|
Underlying EBITDA |
1,921 |
1,447 |
32.8% |
23.5% |
|
Underlying EBITDA margin |
50.3% |
48.5% |
172 bps |
109 bps |
|
EPS before exceptional items ($ cents) |
11.7 |
8.3 |
41.2% |
|
|
Operating free cash flow |
1,264 |
1,129 |
12.0% |
|
About Airtel Africa
Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with operations in 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Airtel Africa provides an integrated offer to its subscribers, including mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services both nationally and internationally.
The company's strategy is focused on providing a great customer experience across the entire footprint, enabling our corporate purpose of transforming lives across Africa.
Enquiries
|
Airtel Africa – investor relations Alastair Jones |
+44 7464 830 011 +44 207 493 9315 |
|
|
|
|
Hudson Sandler Nick Lyon Nelly Apaka |
+44 207 796 4133 |
Conference call
Management will host an analyst and investor presentation at 12:00pm UK time (GMT) on Friday 30 October 2026, including a ‘Question-and-Answer’ session.
To follow on the webcast, please register beforehand using the following link:
If you are unable to use the webcast for the event, or if you intend to participate in Q&A during the call, please register for the conference call using the following link:
Conference call registration link
Key consolidated financial information
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
Half year ended |
Quarter ended | ||||||
|
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported currency |
Constant currency |
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported currency |
Constant currency | ||
|
Profit and loss summary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue1 |
$m |
3,823 |
2,982 |
28.2% |
20.8% |
1,970 |
1,567 |
25.7% |
20.6% |
|
Voice revenue |
$m |
1,296 |
1,100 |
17.9% |
11.1% |
657 |
567 |
15.7% |
11.0% |
|
Data revenue |
$m |
1,571 |
1,161 |
35.3% |
28.0% |
821 |
612 |
34.2% |
28.7% |
|
Mobile money revenue2 |
$m |
840 |
623 |
34.8% |
25.8% |
437 |
333 |
31.3% |
25.8% |
|
Other revenue |
$m |
257 |
227 |
13.2% |
7.6% |
127 |
119 |
6.6% |
2.5% |
|
Expenses |
$m |
(1,906) |
(1,549) |
23.1% |
17.5% |
(978) |
(807) |
21.2% |
17.6% |
|
Underlying EBITDA3 |
$m |
1,921 |
1,447 |
32.8% |
23.5% |
993 |
768 |
29.4% |
22.7% |
|
Underlying EBITDA margin |
% |
50.3% |
48.5% |
172 bps |
109 bps |
50.4% |
49.0% |
144 bps |
87 bps |
|
Depreciation and amortisation |
$m |
(616) |
(488) |
26.2% |
20.1% |
(315) |
(255) |
23.9% |
19.8% |
|
Operating exceptional items6 |
$m |
(19) |
- |
|
|
(19) |
- |
|
|
|
Operating profit |
$m |
1,286 |
959 |
34.2% |
23.4% |
659 |
513 |
28.5% |
20.6% |
|
Other finance cost – net of finance income4 |
$m |
(440) |
(304) |
44.9% |
|
(208) |
(131) |
59.0% |
|
|
Finance cost – exceptional items5 |
$m |
(37) |
- |
|
|
- |
- |
|
|
|
Total finance cost (net) |
$m |
(477) |
(304) |
57.1% |
|
(208) |
(131) |
59.0% |
|
|
Net monetary gain/(loss) relating to hyperinflationary accounting |
$m |
5 |
(0) |
|
|
3 |
1 |
|
|
|
Profit before tax |
$m |
814 |
656 |
24.2% |
|
454 |
383 |
18.5% |
|
|
Tax |
$m |
(363) |
(280) |
29.3% |
|
(201) |
(164) |
22.5% |
|
|
Tax – exceptional items6 |
$m |
1 |
- |
|
|
1 |
- |
|
|
|
Total tax charge |
$m |
(362) |
(280) |
29.1% |
|
(200) |
(164) |
22.0% |
|
|
Profit after tax |
$m |
452 |
376 |
20.5% |
|
254 |
219 |
15.9% |
|
|
Non-controlling interest |
$m |
(81) |
(73) |
12.2% |
|
(43) |
(42) |
1.9% |
|
|
Profit attributable to owners of the company – before exceptional items |
$m |
425 |
303 |
40.5% |
|
228 |
177 |
28.6% |
|
|
Profit attributable to owners of the company |
$m |
371 |
303 |
22.7% |
|
211 |
177 |
19.1% |
|
|
EPS – before exceptional items |
cents |
11.7 |
8.3 |
41.2% |
|
6.3 |
4.9 |
29.2% |
|
|
Basic EPS |
cents |
10.2 |
8.3 |
23.3% |
|
5.8 |
4.9 |
19.7% |
|
|
Weighted average number of shares |
million |
3,638 |
3,654 |
(0.4%) |
|
3,631 |
3,648 |
(0.5%) |
|
|
Capex |
$m |
657 |
318 |
106.5% |
|
268 |
197 |
35.8% |
|
|
Operating free cash flow |
$m |
1,264 |
1,129 |
12.0% |
|
725 |
571 |
27.1% |
|
|
Net cash generated from operating activities |
$m |
1,759 |
1,388 |
26.7% |
|
973 |
820 |
18.7% |
|
|
Net debt |
$m |
5,870 |
5,512 |
|
|
5,870 |
5,512 |
|
|
|
Leverage (net debt to underlying EBITDA) |
times |
1.6x |
2.1x |
|
|
1.6x |
2.1x |
|
|
|
Lease-adjusted leverage |
times |
0.5x |
0.8x |
|
|
0.5x |
0.8x |
|
|
|
Return on capital employed |
% |
25.7% |
20.3% |
543 bps |
|
25.7% |
20.0% |
569 bps |
|
|
Operating KPIs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARPU |
$ |
3.4 |
2.9 |
15.0% |
8.4% |
3.4 |
3.1 |
12.2% |
7.6% |
|
Total customer base |
million |
193.9 |
173.8 |
11.6% |
|
193.9 |
173.8 |
11.6% |
|
|
Data customer base |
million |
89.9 |
78.1 |
15.0% |
|
89.9 |
78.1 |
15.0% |
|
|
Mobile money customer base |
million |
60.9 |
49.8 |
22.4% |
|
60.9 |
49.8 |
22.4% |
|
All commentary in the footnotes refers to the half year ended 30 September 2026 and the prior period (30 September 2025) unless otherwise stated.
Financial review for the half year ended 30 September 2026
Operating profit
Operating profit in reported currency increased by 34.2% to $1,286m, largely driven by underlying EBITDA growth of 32.8% in reported currency.
Finance costs
Total finance costs (net) for the half year ended 30 September 2026 were $477m, compared to $304m in the prior period. Finance costs for current period were impacted by a $37m cost related to the Group reaching an in-principle settlement with respect to a commercial dispute in one of the Group’s subsidiaries and was recognised as an exceptional item in finance cost. Furthermore, finance cost in current period benefitted from $2m of derivative and foreign exchange gains (reflecting the revaluation of US dollar balance sheet liabilities and derivatives following currency appreciation), compared to $90m gains in prior period. As a result, finance costs, excluding derivative and foreign exchange gains and exceptional items, increased from $394m in prior period to $442m in current period, primarily reflecting the increase in interest on lease liabilities, following the sites rollout.
The Group ended the current period with a weighted average interest rate of 10.1% which decreased by 231 bps from 12.4% in the prior period.
Exceptional items
Operating exceptional items of $19m in the current period relates to costs associated with the listing of Airtel Mobile Commerce N.V. (Airtel Money).
Exceptional items within finance costs amounted to $37m in the current period, relating to the Group reaching an in-principle settlement in respect of a commercial dispute in one of the Group’s subsidiaries.
Profit before tax
Profit before tax was $814m for the half year ended 30 September 2026 as compared to $656m in the prior period. Higher profit before tax in the current period as compared to the prior period was on account of higher operating profit partially offset by higher finance costs and operating exceptional items as well as lower derivative and foreign exchange gains in the current period as discussed above.
Taxation
Total tax charges were $362m as compared to $280m in the prior period. Tax charges increased by $82m largely driven by the higher profit before tax in the current period and withholding taxes on dividends paid by subsidiaries.
The effective tax rate was 40.2% compared to 40.1% in the previous financial year.
The effective tax rate is higher than the weighted average statutory corporate tax rate of approximately 32%, largely due to the profit mix between various OpCos and withholding taxes on dividends paid by subsidiaries.
Profit after tax
Profit after tax was $452m during the half year ended 30 September 2026 as compared to $376m in the prior period.
Basic EPS of 10.2 cents compares to 8.3 cents in the prior period, predominantly reflecting higher operating profits in the current period.
EPS before exceptional items[4] increased from 8.3 cents in the prior period to 11.7 cents in current period. EPS before exceptional items and derivative and foreign exchange gains increased from 6.9 cents in the prior period to 11.8 cents in the current period.
Net cash generated from operating activities was $1,759m, which is 26.7% higher compared to $1,388m in the prior period, primarily reflecting the strong operating performance with underlying EBITDA growth of 32.8% in reported currency.
Operating free cash flow of $1,264m, increased by 12.0%, reflecting the continued strong growth in underlying EBITDA during the period. In-line with our strategy to accelerate the pace of deployment, capital expenditure increased to $657m from $318m in prior period.
Lease-adjusted leverage improved to 0.5x (from 0.8x) and leverage to 1.6x (from 2.1x), primarily driven by the improvement in underlying EBITDA.
Other significant updates
Airtel Mobile Commerce N.V. (‘Airtel Money’) lists on London Stock Exchange
On 14 October 2026, Airtel Money was admitted to the Equity Shares (Commercial Companies) category of the Official List of the FCA and to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (‘LSE’). The IPO on the LSE represents a significant milestone in Airtel Money's evolution, establishing an independent listed platform to support its long-term growth ambitions and enhance its profile among global investors. The listing involved the offer of 270 million existing shares (10% of the issued share capital) at a price of £1.96. Airtel Africa did not sell any shares in the secondary offering and has retained its 77.85% shareholding. An over-allotment option of up to 27 million additional shares remains open during the stabilisation period, and its outcome will be announced in due course.
Following the IPO, Airtel Africa remains a long-term strategic shareholder and continues to benefit from Airtel Money's attractive growth opportunities, while the listing provides additional financial flexibility to support the business's future development and expansion across Africa.
Following the successful listing of Airtel Money on the LSE, the put option previously held by minority shareholders of Airtel Money will no longer be exercisable. However, due to the IPO being a post balance sheet event, the put option liability continues to be recognised as of 30 September 2026.
Update on share buyback programme
On 22 May 2026, Airtel Africa announced the launch of a share buyback programme to repurchase up to 1% of its issued share capital, reflecting the strength of its balance sheet and commitment to shareholder returns while maintaining flexibility to invest in growth opportunities across its markets. As an initial tranche, the Company entered into an agreement with Barclays Capital Securities Limited (“Barclays”). This tranche was completed in accordance with its terms on 28 September 2026.
As part of the first tranche, the Company returned $108.7m to shareholders through the repurchase of 24.5 million shares, utilising 0.67% of the 1% share repurchase authority approved by the Board.
Kenya spectrum acquisition
Airtel Kenya acquired 100 MHz of spectrum in the 3500 MHz band for $65 million for a 25-year term, following the approval from the Communications Authority of Kenya, subject to standard conditions.
Directorate changes
Following the conclusion of the AGM on 9 July 2026, Sunil Bharti Mittal has retired as chair of the Board and Gopal Vittal was appointed non-executive chair of the Board with effect from the same date. Furthermore, Shravin Bharti Mittal assumed the role of deputy chair, and Annika Poutiainen retired as a non-executive director.
On 22 July 2026, the Group announced the appointment of Mr. V.K. Viswanathan as an independent non-executive director with effect from the same date. Mr. Viswanathan will also join the Audit and Risk Committee.
Nigeria licence renewal
On 15 April 2026, the Group’s subsidiary Airtel Networks Limited (‘Airtel Nigeria’) received confirmation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on the terms of its 900MHz spectrum renewal for $37m, payable in local currency. The licence will be valid for a period of ten years, following the expiry of the previous licence.
Dividend payment timetable
The board has declared an interim dividend of 3.1 cents for the half year ended 30 September 2026, payable on 11 December 2026 to shareholders recorded in the register at the close of business on 13 November 2026.
London Stock Exchange (LSE) Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX)
Last day to trade shares cum dividend 11 November 2026 12 November 2026
Shares commence trading ex-dividend 12 November 2026 13 November 2026
Record date (NGX settlement date) 13 November 2026 13 November 2026
Last date for currency election 23 November 2026 23 November 2026
Payment date 11 December 2026 11 December 2026
Our investor relations pack with information on the additional KPIs and balance sheet is available to download on www.airtel.africa
Strategic overview
The Group provides telecom and mobile money services in 14 markets across Africa. Our markets are characterised by a young and rapidly growing population, low smartphone penetration and a large unbanked population. Unique mobile user penetration across the Group’s footprint is under 50% and banking penetration remains under 40%. This illustrates the significant opportunity ahead to deepen digital and financial inclusion across the communities we serve, enriching and transforming our customers' lives through digitisation while driving profitable growth across our key services of voice, data and mobile money
The Group continues to invest in its network and distribution infrastructure to enhance both mobile connectivity and financial inclusion across our OpCos. We continue to invest in expanding our 4G and 5G networks to increase data capacity and further enhance coverage across our markets.
Our strategy places customers at the heart of everything we do. By consistently delivering a superior customer experience, we continue to fulfil our purpose of transforming lives across Africa. Our consumer centric strategy is anchored on six strategic pillars: strengthening our ‘go-to-market’, delivering best in class network experience, winning more in key markets, digitising and simplifying processes across the business, accelerating Airtel Money and scaling our home broadband business (HBB) and enterprise offerings.
Underpinning the Group’s business strategy is our focus on cost optimisation, our sustainability strategy and the ongoing investment into our people to build and retain talent. Our sustainability strategy supports our goals and commitments to foster financial inclusion, bridge the digital divide and serve more customers in some of the least penetrated telecom’s markets in the world.
Strengthen ‘Go-to-market’
We continued to expand and strengthen our distribution footprint across both urban and rural markets, with a particular focus on our exclusive kiosk and mini-shop network, Airtel Money branches (AMB), and multi-brand outlets. During the year, our mobile money business added more than 500,000 Airtel Money agents and 105,000 activating outlets, further deepening our presence in towns and villages. This enhanced distribution has supported continued customer acquisition and contributed to strong revenue growth across the business.
Alongside the expansion of our physical distribution infrastructure, we continued to invest in digital capabilities that simplify processes and improve productivity for both our frontline sales teams and channel partners, helping drive greater operational efficiency and scalability.
Data revenue growth continued to be supported by rising smartphone adoption and improving customer monetisation. Smartphone penetration increased by 4.8 percentage points to 51.6%, driven by the ongoing expansion of our 4G and 5G networks and strong commercial execution. We also remain focused on extending network reach through our strategic partnership with Starlink which will help connect currently underserved rural communities and further strengthen the quality and coverage of our network.
Brilliant network experience
Our network remains a source of competitive advantage, and we continue to strengthen our core infrastructure to build a resilient, safe and reliable network to deliver a great customer experience to our customers. Over the period, we accelerated our network investment to enhance 4G network availability and continued to expand our 5G network, including the launch of 5G services in Gabon and the Seychelles, building on the strong progress already achieved across our existing 5G markets. Reaching underserved communities remains a key priority and we continue to expand rural coverage through new site rollouts and investing in spectrum and technologies to support increased capacity to facilitate our corporate purpose of transforming lives.
We deployed 4,200 infrastructure sites over the last year, alongside more than 4,400 additional 4G sites. As a result, 99.2% of our network sites are now 4G-enabled while our 5G footprint has expanded to 4,100 operational sites across seven markets.
As part of our commitment to building future-ready digital infrastructure, we continued to invest in spectrum, expand our fibre network, enhance our 5G capabilities and progress our data centre investments. These investments support increasing demand for connectivity and digital services while advancing digital inclusion across our markets. Our fibre business continues to deliver encouraging revenue growth, with more than 2,000 km added during the year, bringing our total fibre footprint to over 83,000 km.
Must win markets
Winning customers across all our markets through micro-marketing using network and digital tools is fundamental to our strategy and continues to enable us to drive both financial and digital inclusion. We aim to win in every micro-segment by optimising our network to improve the customer experience or strengthen our distribution where our network is already strong, so that we can acquire new customers with speed and precision. There are clusters of opportunities which have been identified across all OpCos which have been called out as ‘must win markets’. To ensure that we win across all ‘must win markets’ we stepped up investment on building people capabilities and driving a culture of collaborative working across functions.
In the broader urban areas, including smaller towns and emerging suburban peripheries, some micro-marketing actions include improving indoor coverage, network quality and delivering a seamless customer experience by enhancing our network through principles of community of interest. We are enhancing our in-store experience and increasing our own store footprint, while strengthening 5G coverage in these markets to cater for rising home broadband (HBB) demand. This will allow us to strengthen our position as a reliable network provider, attract new customers and lower churn.
Rural markets present a big growth opportunity to us, given the low penetration of both telecoms and financial services. To tap the opportunity, our focus remains on improving coverage and distribution expansion across all markets. With intensified network investment and focus on distribution excellence, we are confident that rural markets will contribute to a significant portion of our overall customer additions going forward.
Digitise and simplify
Our digital strategy is bringing connectivity and financial services closer together, making it easier for customers to manage their mobile needs and transact through Airtel Money in one experience. During H1’27, we continued to expand adoption while sharpening our focus on how customers use our platforms - supporting everyday payments, repeat transactions and greater engagement across services.
MyAirtel app is central to this approach, connecting our telecom and Airtel Money offerings through a single customer interface. Monthly active users reached 14 million at the end of September 2026, compared with 8 million a year earlier. Alongside this growth, we are focused on encouraging broader usage across telecom and financial services, extending the app’s role from account management to a platform for customers’ everyday transactions.
In September 2026, monthly total payment value (TPV) processed through MyAirtel app exceeded $1.4bn, marking a new milestone in the scale of our digital transaction activity. For the six months ended 30 September 2026, app TPV reached $7.7bn, an increase of 75% year-on-year, while transacting users grew by 87%. These results demonstrate the increasing importance of the app as a transaction channel across both telecom and Airtel Money services.
Airtel Money remains a key part of this integrated experience. Customers can transfer money, pay bills and merchants, and purchase airtime and bundles within the same app. We continued to extend customer access through complementary channels, including WhatsApp, supported by multilingual experiences across our markets. More targeted, data-led engagement is helping customers navigate onboarding, complete their first transaction and discover additional services relevant to their needs. This strengthens our focus on sustained usage and retention as digital adoption expands.
Across the Group, shared platforms and coordinated product roadmaps enable capabilities to be developed and deployed across multiple markets. Combined with the sharing of successful customer engagement practices, this approach supports faster execution, reduces duplication and allows operating companies to focus on customer adoption and commercial performance. The progress achieved during HY’27 reinforces digital’s role in expanding the reach and usage of Airtel Money, connecting financial services with our telecom offering and supporting a more efficient operating model across our markets.
Accelerate Airtel Money
Limited access to formal financial services, constrained banking infrastructure and continued reliance on cash across our markets present a significant opportunity to accelerate financial inclusion. Airtel Money is addressing this through a digital-first, mobile-led platform. Our focus remains on growing the customer base, scaling digital adoption and expanding our distribution network and product ecosystem, including merchant and enterprise payments. On 14 October 2026, Airtel Mobile Commerce N.V., the holding company of Airtel Money, was admitted to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
These initiatives contributed to an 22.4% increase in Airtel Money’s customer base to 60.9 million, lifting penetration of the telco customer base by 2.8 percentage points to 31.4%. Annualised total processed value for the second quarter reached $275bn, and revenue grew by 25.8% in constant currency. With 133 million Airtel Africa telecom customers not yet using mobile money services, this remains a key growth driver for the Group. We remain committed to building Africa’s most accessible, inclusive and scalable digital financial services platform, creating long-term value for our customers and stakeholders.
Scale home broadband (HBB) and enterprise
High-speed broadband connectivity remains the foundational pillar of our enterprise and HBB strategy. We have invested across several technologies (5G, fibre-to-the-home/building) to enhance capacity and expand our offerings across the footprint. Furthermore, we continue to invest in building an exclusive direct sales and installation team and have enhanced our digital tools to capture and automate the tracking of home broadband orders, supporting enhanced customer experience and enabling more efficient growth at scale.
The demand for this high-speed connectivity and digital services remains strong with the enterprise customer base growing by approximately 60%. Building on this strong connectivity foundation, we are accelerating the expansion of our ICT and digital services portfolio to address the evolving needs of enterprise customers. By combining our extensive broadband infrastructure with an expanding portfolio of value-added digital services, we aim to deepen customer relationships, increase our share of enterprise ICT spending and unlock new recurring revenue streams.
Nxtra by Airtel Africa, the data centre division of Airtel Africa, continues to advance its ambition of building Africa's leading digital infrastructure platform. Construction of both our Kenya and Nigeria data centre facilities continues to progress, with each project representing a significant milestone in expanding our regional digital infrastructure capabilities. Telesonic, also continues to strengthen its position as a leading pan-African digital infrastructure provider. With growing partnerships, it is playing a pivotal role in advancing Africa’s digital transformation and enabling resilient, scalable and future-ready connectivity across the continent.
Financial review for the half year ended 30 September 2026
Nigeria – mobile services
|
Description |
Unit of |
Half year ended |
Quarter ended | ||||||
|
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency |
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency | ||
|
Summarised statement of operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
$m |
1,008 |
697 |
44.6% |
26.6% |
510 |
365 |
39.7% |
24.0% |
|
Voice revenue1 |
$m |
370 |
268 |
37.8% |
20.6% |
179 |
134 |
33.2% |
18.1% |
|
Data revenue |
$m |
544 |
357 |
52.7% |
33.8% |
281 |
192 |
46.5% |
30.1% |
|
Other revenue2 |
$m |
94 |
72 |
29.6% |
13.5% |
50 |
39 |
28.5% |
14.1% |
|
Underlying EBITDA |
$m |
586 |
393 |
49.2% |
30.7% |
294 |
208 |
41.3% |
25.3% |
|
Underlying EBITDA margin |
% |
58.2% |
56.3% |
181 bps |
181 bps |
57.5% |
56.9% |
64 bps |
62 bps |
|
Depreciation and amortisation |
$m |
(199) |
(138) |
43.7% |
25.8% |
(103) |
(72) |
43.8% |
27.7% |
|
Operating exceptional items |
$m |
(0) |
- |
0.0% |
0.0% |
(0) |
- |
0.0% |
0.0% |
|
Operating profit |
$m |
368 |
236 |
56.1% |
35.5% |
181 |
126 |
43.3% |
25.9% |
|
Capex |
$m |
177 |
74 |
139.9% |
139.9% |
50 |
35 |
41.0% |
41.0% |
|
Operating free cash flow |
$m |
409 |
319 |
28.2% |
|
244 |
173 |
41.3% |
|
|
Operating KPIs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total customer base |
million |
61.7 |
53.6 |
15.1% |
|
61.7 |
53.6 |
15.1% |
|
|
Data customer base |
million |
32.9 |
29.5 |
11.8% |
|
32.9 |
29.5 |
11.8% |
|
|
Mobile services ARPU |
$ |
2.8 |
2.2 |
28.3% |
12.3% |
2.8 |
2.3 |
22.2% |
8.4% |
Revenue grew by 26.6% in constant currency, driven by ARPU growth of 12.3% and customer base growth of 15.1%. In reported currency, revenue grew by 44.6% to $1,008m. Higher reported currency growth compared to constant currency growth was due to the appreciation in the Nigerian naira from a weighted average NGN/USD rate of 1,553 in prior period to NGN/USD 1,360 in current period.
In H1’27, constant currency growth of 26.6% reflects the full lapping impact of tariff adjustments which were implemented in Q4’25.
Voice revenue grew by 20.6% in constant currency, driven by voice ARPU growth of 7.0% and customer base increase of 15.1%.
Data revenue grew by 33.8% in constant currency as a function of both data customer and data ARPU growth of 11.8% and 20.5% respectively:
Underlying EBITDA of $586m improved by 49.2% in reported currency and by 30.7% in constant currency. The underlying EBITDA margin increased 181 basis points to 58.2%, driven by strong revenue growth and continued benefits arising from our cost efficiency programme.
Recent geopolitical developments have resulted in doubling of fuel prices in Nigeria since the beginning of this financial year. This impact increased progressively during H1’27, with Q2’27 EBITDA margins reflecting the full impact of the higher costs. Our cost efficiency programme mitigated these pressures, limiting the sequential margin decline to approximately 130 bps, from 58.8% in Q1’27 to 57.5% in Q2’27.
Operating free cash flow increased by 28.2% to $409m driven by strong underlying EBITDA growth, despite significantly higher capex during the period.
East Africa – mobile services 1
|
Description |
Unit of |
Half year ended |
Quarter ended | ||||||
|
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency |
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency | ||
|
Summarised statement of operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
$m |
1,258 |
1,047 |
20.2% |
15.4% |
652 |
549 |
18.7% |
16.4% |
|
Voice revenue2 |
$m |
593 |
518 |
14.6% |
8.9% |
308 |
273 |
13.0% |
9.8% |
|
Data revenue |
$m |
566 |
434 |
30.3% |
26.0% |
298 |
227 |
30.9% |
29.4% |
|
Other revenue3 |
$m |
99 |
95 |
4.2% |
2.6% |
46 |
49 |
(6.8%) |
(6.8%) |
|
Underlying EBITDA |
$m |
635 |
505 |
25.8% |
20.5% |
340 |
275 |
23.6% |
20.8% |
|
Underlying EBITDA margin |
% |
50.5% |
48.3% |
225 bps |
211 bps |
52.2% |
50.2% |
205 bps |
188 bps |
|
Depreciation and amortisation |
$m |
(240) |
(201) |
19.4% |
16.9% |
(122) |
(104) |
17.6% |
17.3% |
|
Operating exceptional items |
$m |
(1) |
- |
0.0% |
0.0% |
(1) |
- |
0.0% |
0.0% |
|
Operating profit |
$m |
364 |
276 |
31.5% |
23.4% |
200 |
157 |
27.8% |
22.9% |
|
Capex |
$m |
247 |
124 |
98.9% |
98.9% |
109 |
81 |
34.3% |
34.3% |
|
Operating free cash flow |
$m |
388 |
381 |
2.0% |
|
231 |
194 |
19.1% |
|
|
Operating KPIs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total customer base |
million |
88.8 |
82.3 |
8.0% |
|
88.8 |
82.3 |
8.0% |
|
|
Data customer base |
million |
39.5 |
34.3 |
15.2% |
|
39.5 |
34.3 |
15.2% |
|
|
Mobile services ARPU |
$ |
2.4 |
2.2 |
10.5% |
6.1% |
2.5 |
2.3 |
8.9% |
6.8% |
Revenue grew by 15.4% in constant currency, driven by customer base growth of 8.0% and ARPU growth of 6.1%. In reported currency, revenue grew by 20.2% to $1,258m. Higher reported currency revenue growth as compared to constant currency was primarily due to significant appreciation in the Zambian kwacha.
Voice revenue growth of 8.9% in constant currency was primarily driven by an 8.0% growth in the customer base.
Data revenue grew by 26.0% in constant currency supported by data customer base growth of 15.2% and data ARPU growth of 8.1%:
Underlying EBITDA increased to $635m, up by 25.8% in reported currency and by 20.5% in constant currency. Underlying EBITDA margins of 50.5% were 225 bps higher than the prior period of 48.3%.
Despite capex almost doubling over the period, operating free cash flow was broadly stable at $388m, reflecting the strong operational momentum across the region.
Francophone Africa – mobile services 1
|
Description |
Unit of |
Half year ended |
Quarter ended | ||||||
|
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency |
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency | ||
|
Summarised statement of operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
$m |
867 |
749 |
15.8% |
15.3% |
448 |
387 |
15.8% |
16.5% |
|
Voice revenue 2 |
$m |
334 |
316 |
6.0% |
5.5% |
170 |
162 |
5.2% |
6.1% |
|
Data revenue |
$m |
461 |
370 |
24.4% |
24.0% |
243 |
192 |
26.0% |
26.6% |
|
Other revenue 3 |
$m |
72 |
63 |
14.4% |
13.2% |
35 |
33 |
8.0% |
8.4% |
|
Underlying EBITDA |
$m |
351 |
296 |
18.5% |
18.2% |
179 |
153 |
16.8% |
17.7% |
|
Underlying EBITDA margin |
% |
40.5% |
39.5% |
93 bps |
100 bps |
39.9% |
39.6% |
35 bps |
41 bps |
|
Depreciation and amortisation |
$m |
(144) |
(125) |
15.9% |
15.3% |
(73) |
(65) |
12.5% |
13.3% |
|
Operating exceptional items |
$m |
(1) |
- |
0.0% |
0.0% |
(1) |
- |
0.0% |
0.0% |
|
Operating profit |
$m |
179 |
146 |
23.2% |
23.3% |
92 |
76 |
21.6% |
22.8% |
|
Capex |
$m |
187 |
87 |
114.8% |
114.8% |
85 |
56 |
51.6% |
51.6% |
|
Operating free cash flow |
$m |
164 |
209 |
(21.6%) |
|
94 |
97 |
(3.2%) |
|
|
Operating KPIs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total customer base |
million |
43.4 |
38.0 |
14.3% |
|
43.4 |
38.0 |
14.3% |
|
|
Data customer base |
million |
17.4 |
14.3 |
21.3% |
|
17.4 |
14.3 |
21.3% |
|
|
Mobile services ARPU |
$ |
3.4 |
3.4 |
0.3% |
(0.1%) |
3.5 |
3.5 |
0.5% |
1.1% |
(1) The Francophone Africa segment consists of Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Madagascar, Niger, Republic of the Congo and the Seychelles.
Revenue grew by 15.3% in constant currency, driven from the continued strength in customer base growth of 14.3%. In reported currency, revenue grew by 15.8% to $867m. Q2’27 constant currency revenue growth accelerated further to 16.5% in Q2’27 from 14.0% in Q1’27.
Voice revenue grew by 5.5% in constant currency as customer base growth of 14.3% was partially offset by a decline in voice ARPU reflecting interconnect rate reductions.
Data revenue grew by 24.0% in constant currency, primarily supported by data customer base growth of 21.3%:
Underlying EBITDA of $351m increased by 18.5% and 18.2% in reported and constant currency, respectively. The underlying EBITDA margin improved to 40.5%, an increase of 93 basis points, driven by continued strong revenue growth. In Q2’27, underlying EBITDA margin at 39.9% declined from 41.1% in Q1’27, reflecting the impact of increase in fuel costs partially offset by savings from our ongoing cost efficiency programme.
Operating free cash flow declined by 21.6% to $164m, as growth in underlying EBITDA was more than offset by higher capex during the period.
Mobile services
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
Half year ended |
Quarter ended | ||||||
|
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency |
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency | ||
|
Summarised statement of operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue1 |
$m |
3,141 |
2,495 |
25.9% |
18.9% |
1,614 |
1,303 |
23.8% |
18.8% |
|
Voice revenue |
$m |
1,296 |
1,100 |
17.9% |
11.1% |
657 |
567 |
15.7% |
11.0% |
|
Data revenue |
$m |
1,571 |
1,161 |
35.3% |
28.0% |
821 |
612 |
34.2% |
28.7% |
|
Other revenue |
$m |
274 |
234 |
17.1% |
11.4% |
136 |
124 |
9.7% |
5.6% |
|
Underlying EBITDA |
$m |
1,586 |
1,195 |
32.7% |
24.4% |
821 |
637 |
28.9% |
22.7% |
|
Underlying EBITDA margin |
% |
50.5% |
47.9% |
258 bps |
222 bps |
50.8% |
48.9% |
199 bps |
163 bps |
|
Depreciation and amortisation |
$m |
(587) |
(468) |
25.4% |
19.1% |
(300) |
(244) |
22.8% |
18.4% |
|
Operating exceptional items |
$m |
(2) |
- |
0.0% |
0.0% |
(2) |
- |
0.0% |
0.0% |
|
Operating profit |
$m |
921 |
655 |
40.5% |
29.8% |
479 |
355 |
34.8% |
26.7% |
|
Capex |
$m |
614 |
285 |
115.1% |
115.1% |
246 |
172 |
42.5% |
42.5% |
|
Operating free cash flow |
$m |
972 |
910 |
6.8% |
|
575 |
465 |
23.8% |
|
|
Operating KPIs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer KPIs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total customer base |
million |
193.9 |
173.8 |
11.6% |
|
193.9 |
173.8 |
11.6% |
|
|
Data customer base |
million |
89.9 |
78.1 |
15.0% |
|
89.9 |
78.1 |
15.0% |
|
|
ARPU KPIs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Voice ARPU |
$ |
1.1 |
1.1 |
5.7% |
(0.4%) |
1.1 |
1.1 |
3.3% |
(0.9%) |
|
Data ARPU |
$ |
3.0 |
2.6 |
17.1% |
10.7% |
3.1 |
2.7 |
15.8% |
11.1% |
Overall revenue from mobile services increased by 25.9% in reported currency to $3,141m. In constant currency, revenues increased by 18.9%, with growth across all regions and services. Higher reported currency growth compared to constant currency was largely due to appreciation in Nigerian naira and Zambian kwacha.
Voice revenue grew by 11.1% in constant currency, supported primarily by continued growth in the customer base of 11.6%. Total minutes on the network grew by 5.7% while voice usage per customer was 278 minutes per month.
Data revenue grew by 28.0% in constant currency, contributing to half of total mobile services revenue, up from 46.5% in the prior period. Constant currency revenue growth was driven by both data customer base growth of 15.0% and data ARPU growth of 10.7%:
Underlying EBITDA was $1,586m, up 32.7% in reported currency and 24.4% in constant currency. Despite the increased fuel prices across the footprint, the underlying EBITDA margin improved by 258 basis points year-on-year to 50.5%. This reflects a strong revenue performance and continued benefits from our ongoing cost efficiency programme.
Our capex over the period increased by 115% to $614m as we accelerated our investments to capture the significant growth opportunity across the mobile services segment. Given the strong performance of the business and continued cost efficiencies, operating free cash flow increased 6.8% to $972m.
Mobile money1
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
Half year ended |
Quarter ended | ||||||
|
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency |
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency | ||
|
Summarised statement of operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue2 |
$m |
840 |
623 |
34.8% |
25.8% |
437 |
333 |
31.3% |
25.8% |
|
Wallet services3 |
$m |
409 |
299 |
36.9% |
27.6% |
213 |
163 |
30.9% |
25.0% |
|
Payment and transfers3 |
$m |
363 |
262 |
38.4% |
29.8% |
191 |
138 |
38.2% |
33.2% |
|
Financial services3 |
$m |
45 |
27 |
68.9% |
56.9% |
24 |
14 |
71.1% |
63.7% |
|
Others3 |
$m |
23 |
35 |
(34.6%) |
(40.7%) |
9 |
18 |
(51.6%) |
(54.7%) |
|
Underlying EBITDA |
$m |
411 |
323 |
27.4% |
17.2% |
213 |
169 |
25.6% |
18.9% |
|
Underlying EBITDA margin |
% |
48.9% |
51.7% |
(287) bps |
(359) bps |
48.7% |
50.9% |
(223) bps |
(280) bps |
|
Depreciation and amortisation |
$m |
(22) |
(13) |
63.3% |
54.0% |
(12) |
(7) |
78.3% |
71.5% |
|
Operating exceptional items |
$m |
(6) |
- |
0.0% |
0.0% |
(6) |
- |
0.0% |
0.0% |
|
Operating profit |
$m |
374 |
301 |
24.0% |
13.7% |
190 |
158 |
19.9% |
13.3% |
|
Capex |
$m |
25 |
24 |
6.0% |
6.0% |
10 |
19 |
(46.5%) |
(46.5%) |
|
Operating free cash flow |
$m |
386 |
299 |
29.0% |
|
203 |
150 |
35.1% |
|
|
Operating KPIs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile money customer base |
million |
60.9 |
49.8 |
22.4% |
|
60.9 |
49.8 |
22.4% |
|
|
Total processed value (TPV) |
$bn |
130.1 |
88.8 |
46.4% |
36.9% |
68.6 |
48.3 |
42.1% |
36.5% |
|
Mobile money ARPU |
$ |
2.5 |
2.2 |
10.0% |
2.6% |
2.5 |
2.3 |
6.4% |
1.9% |
Mobile money revenue grew by 34.8% in reported currency, with constant currency revenues growing by 25.8%. Higher reported currency revenue growth compared to constant currency was largely due to a significant appreciation in the Zambian kwacha.
The strengthening of our distribution network, the increased adoption of the digital offering, and a continued expansion of the ecosystem through increased use cases have underpinned a 22.4% growth in the customer base and supported constant currency ARPU growth of 2.6%. Revenue as well as ARPU growth was partly impacted by the change to the intra-group agreements.
An 11.7% increase in total processed value (TPV) per customer to $380 per customer per month reflects both the enhanced ecosystem and increased user engagement. Q2’27 annualised TPV was at $275bn in reported currency, with mobile money revenue contributing 22.0%[5] of total Group revenue during the half year ended 30 September 2026.
Mobile money underlying EBITDA was $411m, up by 27.4% and 17.2% in reported and constant currency, respectively. The underlying EBITDA margin of 48.9%, declined by 287 basis points in reported currency, primarily reflects the renegotiation of intra-group agreements as previously disclosed.
Operating free cash flow was $386m, up by 29.0% in reported currency driven by increase in underlying EBITDA.
Regional split:
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
Half year ended |
Quarter ended | ||||||
|
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency |
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency | ||
|
Revenue |
$m |
840 |
623 |
34.8% |
25.8% |
437 |
333 |
31.3% |
25.8% |
|
Nigeria |
$m |
10 |
4 |
176.4% |
141.7% |
6 |
2 |
199.0% |
165.1% |
|
East Africa |
$m |
615 |
466 |
31.9% |
20.5% |
318 |
250 |
27.1% |
20.0% |
|
Francophone Africa |
$m |
215 |
153 |
40.6% |
40.2% |
113 |
81 |
40.2% |
41.3% |
|
Mobile money customers |
million |
60.9 |
49.8 |
22.4% |
|
60.9 |
49.8 |
22.4% |
|
|
Nigeria |
million |
4.2 |
2.0 |
110.9% |
|
4.2 |
2.0 |
110.9% |
|
|
East Africa |
million |
44.1 |
38.9 |
13.5% |
|
44.1 |
38.9 |
13.5% |
|
|
Francophone Africa |
million |
12.6 |
8.9 |
41.9% |
|
12.6 |
8.9 |
41.9% |
|
During the period, East Africa revenue grew by 20.5% and Francophone Africa revenue grew by 40.2% in constant currency, while the Nigerian business continues to gather traction with strong growth in both the customer base and revenue, albeit off a relatively low level.
Regional performance
Nigeria
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
Half year ended |
Quarter ended | ||||||
|
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency |
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency | ||
|
Revenue |
$m |
1,014 |
699 |
45.0% |
27.0% |
514 |
366 |
40.2% |
24.4% |
|
Voice revenue |
$m |
370 |
268 |
37.8% |
20.6% |
179 |
134 |
33.2% |
18.1% |
|
Data revenue |
$m |
544 |
357 |
52.7% |
33.8% |
281 |
192 |
46.5% |
30.1% |
|
Mobile money revenue |
$m |
10 |
4 |
176.4% |
141.7% |
6 |
2 |
199.0% |
165.1% |
|
Other revenue |
$m |
94 |
72 |
29.5% |
13.4% |
49 |
39 |
28.5% |
14.1% |
|
Underlying EBITDA |
$m |
589 |
392 |
50.2% |
31.5% |
296 |
207 |
42.8% |
26.7% |
|
Underlying EBITDA margin |
% |
58.1% |
56.1% |
199 bps |
198 bps |
57.6% |
56.5% |
106 bps |
104 bps |
|
Operating KPIs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARPU |
$ |
2.8 |
2.2 |
28.7% |
12.7% |
2.8 |
2.3 |
22.6% |
8.8% |
East Africa
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
Half year ended |
Quarter ended | ||||||
|
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency |
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency | ||
|
Revenue |
$m |
1,777 |
1,425 |
24.8% |
18.2% |
923 |
755 |
22.3% |
18.6% |
|
Voice revenue |
$m |
593 |
518 |
14.6% |
8.9% |
308 |
273 |
13.0% |
9.8% |
|
Data revenue |
$m |
566 |
434 |
30.3% |
26.0% |
298 |
227 |
30.9% |
29.4% |
|
Mobile money revenue |
$m |
615 |
466 |
31.9% |
20.5% |
318 |
250 |
27.1% |
20.0% |
|
Other revenue |
$m |
89 |
90 |
(1.2%) |
(2.7%) |
41 |
46 |
(11.2%) |
(11.0%) |
|
Underlying EBITDA |
$m |
953 |
756 |
26.0% |
18.2% |
504 |
408 |
23.5% |
18.8% |
|
Underlying EBITDA margin |
% |
53.6% |
53.1% |
54 bps |
(1) bps |
54.6% |
54.1% |
57 bps |
12 bps |
|
Operating KPIs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARPU |
$ |
3.4 |
3.0 |
14.6% |
8.6% |
3.5 |
3.1 |
12.2% |
8.8% |
Francophone Africa
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
Half year ended |
Quarter ended | ||||||
|
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency |
Sep-26 |
Sep-25 |
Reported
currency |
Constant
currency | ||
|
Revenue |
$m |
1,022 |
854 |
19.6% |
19.2% |
529 |
443 |
19.5% |
20.3% |
|
Voice revenue |
$m |
334 |
316 |
6.0% |
5.5% |
170 |
162 |
5.2% |
6.1% |
|
Data revenue |
$m |
461 |
370 |
24.4% |
24.0% |
243 |
192 |
26.0% |
26.6% |
|
Mobile money revenue |
$m |
215 |
153 |
40.6% |
40.2% |
113 |
81 |
40.2% |
41.3% |
|
Other revenue |
$m |
64 |
61 |
6.0% |
5.5% |
32 |
31 |
0.8% |
1.3% |
|
Underlying EBITDA |
$m |
450 |
376 |
19.5% |
19.3% |
229 |
195 |
18.0% |
18.8% |
|
Underlying EBITDA margin |
% |
44.0% |
44.0% |
(4) bps |
2 bps |
43.4% |
43.9% |
(57) bps |
(55) bps |
|
Operating KPIs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARPU |
$ |
4.0 |
3.9 |
3.6% |
3.2% |
4.1 |
4.0 |
3.7% |
4.4% |
Consolidated performance
|
Description |
UoM |
Half year ended - September 2026 |
Half year ended - September 2025 | ||||||||
|
Mobile services |
Mobile money |
Unallocated1 |
Eliminations |
Total |
Mobile services |
Mobile money |
Unallocated1 |
Eliminations |
Total | ||
|
Revenue |
$m |
3,141 |
840 |
- |
(158) |
3,823 |
2,495 |
623 |
- |
(136) |
2,982 |
|
Voice revenue |
$m |
1,296 |
|
- |
- |
1,296 |
1,100 |
|
- |
- |
1,100 |
|
Data revenue |
$m |
1,571 |
|
- |
- |
1,571 |
1,161 |
|
- |
- |
1,161 |
|
Other revenue |
$m |
274 |
|
- |
(17) |
257 |
234 |
|
- |
(7) |
227 |
|
Underlying EBITDA |
$m |
1,586 |
411 |
(76) |
- |
1,921 |
1,195 |
323 |
(71) |
- |
1,447 |
|
Underlying EBITDA margin |
% |
50.5% |
48.9% |
|
|
50.3% |
47.9% |
51.7% |
|
|
48.5% |
|
Depreciation and amortisation |
$m |
(587) |
(22) |
(7) |
- |
(616) |
(468) |
(13) |
(7) |
- |
(488) |
|
Operating exceptional items |
|
(2) |
(6) |
(11) |
- |
(19) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Operating profit |
$m |
921 |
374 |
(9) |
- |
1,286 |
655 |
301 |
3 |
- |
959 |
Related party transactions
Related party transactions are disclosed in note 16 to the condensed set of financial statements.
There have been no material changes in the related party transactions described in the Annual Report and Accounts 2026.
Risk factors
The risk factors summarised below relate to the Group’s business and industry in which it operates. Additional risks and uncertainties relating to the Group that are currently unknown to the Group, or those the Group currently deems immaterial, may, individually or cumulatively, also have a material adverse impact on the Group’s business, results of operations and financial position. The Group’s principal and emerging risks and risk management process are described in our Annual Report and Accounts 2026. Based on the Group’s assessment, there has been no changes to the Group’s principal risks in the period.
Summary of principal risks
The Group continually monitors its external and internal environment to identify risks which have the ability to impact its operations, financial performance or the achievement of its objectives.
Given the severity of this risk, specifically in some of our OpCos, the Group management continuously monitors the potential impact of this risk of exchange rate fluctuations by comparing the average devaluation of each currency in the markets in which the Group operates against US dollar on a ten-year historic basis and onshore forward exchange rates over a one-year period, if available.
With respect to currency sensitivity going forward, over a 12-month period and assuming the movement occurs at the beginning of the period, a further 1% movement of the USD against all OpCos currencies would result in an estimated impact of $66m-$68m on revenues, $33m-$35m on EBITDA and $27m-$29m on finance cost (excluding derivatives). Our largest exposure is to the Nigerian naira, where a similar 1% USD movement would result in an estimated $13m-$15m impact on finance cost (excluding derivatives).
This does not represent any guidance and is being used solely to illustrate the potential impact of further currency movements on the Group for the purpose of exchange rate risk management and assumes all other variables remain constant. The accounting under IFRS is based on exchange rates in line with the requirements of IAS 21 ‘The Effect of Changes in Foreign Exchange’ and does not factor in the devaluation mentioned above.
Based on the above-mentioned specific methodology for the identified OpCos, management evaluates specific mitigation actions based on available mechanisms in each of the geographies. For further details on such mitigation action, refer to the ‘Managing our risk’ section of the Annual Report and Accounts 2026 which can be downloaded from our website www.airtel.africa
Going concern
As stated in note 3.1 to the condensed financial statements, the directors are satisfied that the Group has sufficient resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future, a period of not less than 12 months from the date of this report. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the condensed financial statements.
Forward looking statements
This document contains certain forward-looking statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, amongst other things, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the economic and business circumstances occurring from time to time in the countries and markets in which the Group operates.
These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "believe," "anticipate," "could," "may," "would," "should," "intend," "plan," "potential," "predict," "will," "expect," "estimate," "project," "positioned," "strategy," "outlook", "target" and similar expressions.
It is believed that the expectations reflected in this document are reasonable, but they may be affected by a wide range of variables that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated.
All such forward-looking statements involve estimates and assumptions that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual future financial condition, performance and results to differ materially from the plans, goals, expectations and results expressed in the forward-looking statements and other financial and/or statistical data within this communication.
Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are uncertainties related to the following: the impact of competition from illicit trade; the impact of adverse domestic or international legislation and regulation; changes in domestic or international tax laws and rates; adverse litigation and dispute outcomes and the effect of such outcomes on Airtel Africa’s financial condition; changes or differences in domestic or international economic or political conditions; the ability to obtain price increases and the impact of price increases on consumer affordability thresholds; adverse decisions by domestic or international regulatory bodies; the impact of market size reduction and consumer down-trading; translational and transactional foreign exchange rate exposure; the impact of serious injury, illness or death in the workplace; the ability to maintain credit ratings; the ability to develop, produce or market new alternative products and to do so profitably; the ability to effectively implement strategic initiatives and actions taken to increase sales growth; the ability to enhance cash generation and pay dividends and changes in the market position, businesses, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of Airtel Africa.
Past performance is no guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. The forward-looking statements contained in this document reflect the knowledge and information available to Airtel Africa at the date of preparation of this document and Airtel Africa undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
No statement in this communication is intended to be, nor should be construed as, a profit forecast or a profit estimate and no statement in this communication should be interpreted to mean that earnings per share of Airtel Africa plc for the current or any future financial periods would necessarily match, exceed or be lower than the historical published earnings per share of Airtel Africa plc.
Financial data included in this document are presented in US dollars rounded to the nearest million. Therefore, discrepancies in the tables between totals and the sums of the amounts listed may occur due to such rounding. The percentages included in the tables throughout the document are based on numbers calculated to the nearest $1,000 and therefore minor rounding differences may result in the tables. Growth metrics are provided on a constant currency basis unless otherwise stated. The Group has presented certain financial information on a constant currency basis. This is calculated by translating the results for the current financial year and prior financial year at a fixed ‘constant currency’ exchange rate, which is done to measure the organic performance of the Group. Growth rates for our reporting regions and service segments are provided in constant currency as this better represents the performance of the business.
Results for the half year ended 30 September 2026
Consolidated financial statements
Interim condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income
|
|
Note |
For the six months ended | |
|
|
30 September 2026
|
30 September 2025 | |
|
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
Income |
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
5 |
3,823 |
2,982 |
|
Other income |
|
4 |
14 |
|
|
|
3,827 |
2,996 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
Network operating expenses |
|
704 |
572 |
|
Access charges |
|
149 |
118 |
|
Licence fee and spectrum usage charges |
|
168 |
146 |
|
Employee benefits expense |
|
221 |
167 |
|
Sales and marketing expenses |
|
510 |
395 |
|
Impairment loss on financial assets |
|
8 |
5 |
|
Other operating expenses |
|
165 |
146 |
|
Depreciation and amortisation |
|
616 |
488 |
|
|
|
2,541 |
2,037 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit |
|
1,286 |
959 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance costs |
|
|
|
|
- Derivative and foreign exchange (gains)/losses |
|
|
|
|
Nigerian naira |
|
(57) |
(54) |
|
Other currencies |
|
55 |
(36) |
|
- Other finance costs |
|
490 |
407 |
|
Finance income |
|
(11) |
(13) |
|
Net monetary (gain)/loss relating to hyperinflationary accounting |
6 |
(5) |
0 |
|
Share of profit of associate and joint venture accounted for using equity method |
|
(0) |
(1) |
|
Profit before tax |
|
814 |
656 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense |
7 |
362 |
280 |
|
Profit for the period |
|
452 |
376 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit before tax (as presented above) |
|
814 |
656 |
|
Add: Exceptional items |
8 |
56 |
- |
|
Underlying profit before tax |
|
870 |
656 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit after tax (as presented above) |
|
452 |
376 |
|
Add: Exceptional items |
8 |
55 |
- |
|
Underlying profit after tax |
|
507 |
376 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note |
For the six months ended | |
|
|
30 September 2026 |
30 September 2025 | |
|
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the period (continued from previous page) |
|
452 |
376 |
|
Other comprehensive income ('OCI') |
|
|
|
|
Items to be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: |
|
|
|
|
(Loss)/gain due to foreign currency translation differences |
|
(22) |
146 |
|
Loss on cash flow hedges |
|
- |
(0) |
|
Cash flow hedges reclassified to profit or loss |
|
- |
(0) |
|
Share of OCI of associate and joint venture accounted for using equity method |
|
0 |
1 |
|
Tax on above |
|
- |
0 |
|
|
|
(22) |
147 |
|
Items not to be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: |
|
|
|
|
Re-measurement (loss)/gain on defined benefit plans |
|
(6) |
0 |
|
Tax on above |
|
1 |
(0) |
|
|
|
(5) |
(0) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the period |
|
(27) |
147 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income for the period |
|
425 |
523 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the period attributable to: |
|
452 |
376 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Owners of the company |
|
371 |
303 |
|
Non-controlling interests |
|
81 |
73 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the period attributable to: |
|
(27) |
147 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Owners of the company |
|
8 |
135 |
|
Non-controlling interests |
|
(35) |
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to: |
|
425 |
523 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Owners of the company |
|
379 |
438 |
|
Non-controlling interests |
|
46 |
85 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share |
|
cents |
cents |
|
Basic |
9 |
10.2 |
8.3 |
|
Diluted |
9 |
10.2 |
8.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interim condensed consolidated statement of financial position |
|
|
Note |
As of | |
|
|
30 September 2026 |
31 March 2026 | |
|
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment |
10 |
2,688 |
2,425 |
|
Capital work-in-progress |
10 |
330 |
265 |
|
Right of use assets |
|
3,744 |
3,569 |
|
Goodwill |
11 |
3,224 |
3,238 |
|
Other intangible assets |
|
834 |
871 |
|
Intangible assets under development |
|
126 |
25 |
|
Investments accounted for using equity method |
|
6 |
6 |
|
Financial assets |
|
|
|
|
- Investments |
|
0 |
0 |
|
- Derivative instruments |
|
- |
0 |
|
- Others |
|
14 |
17 |
|
Income tax assets (net) |
|
9 |
8 |
|
Deferred tax assets (net) |
|
383 |
428 |
|
Other non-current assets |
|
237 |
206 |
|
|
|
11,595 |
11,058 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
Inventories |
|
11 |
16 |
|
Financial assets |
|
|
|
|
- Investments |
|
- |
20 |
|
- Derivative instruments |
|
2 |
1 |
|
- Trade receivables |
|
190 |
193 |
|
- Cash and cash equivalents |
12 |
717 |
646 |
|
- Other bank balances |
12 |
172 |
197 |
|
- Balance held under mobile money trust |
13 |
1,489 |
1,395 |
|
- Others |
|
78 |
90 |
|
Other current assets |
|
391 |
341 |
|
Assets classified as held for sale |
|
9 |
6 |
|
|
|
3,059 |
2,905 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
14,654 |
13,963 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note |
As of | |
|
|
|
30 September 2026 |
31 March 2026 |
|
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
Liabilities Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
- Borrowings |
14 |
1,120 |
1,019 |
|
- Lease liabilities
|
|
323 |
329 |
|
- Put option liability |
|
509 |
515 |
|
- Derivative instruments |
|
6 |
7 |
|
- Trade payables |
|
701 |
612 |
|
- Mobile money wallet balance |
|
1,438 |
1,310 |
|
- Others |
|
466 |
486 |
|
Employee benefit obligations |
|
50 |
64 |
|
Provisions |
|
68 |
35 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
171 |
173 |
|
Current tax liabilities (net) |
|
186 |
174 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
275 |
268 |
|
|
|
5,313 |
4,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net current liabilities |
|
(2,254) |
(2,087) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
- Borrowings |
14 |
1,063 |
1,169 |
|
- Lease liabilities |
|
4,173 |
3,895 |
|
- Derivative instruments |
|
- |
0 |
|
- Others |
|
267 |
201 |
|
Employee benefit obligations |
|
41 |
33 |
|
Provisions |
|
9 |
2 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
54 |
43 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities (net) |
|
117 |
136 |
|
Other non-current liabilities |
|
1 |
4 |
|
|
|
5,725 |
5,483 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
11,038 |
10,475 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets |
|
3,616 |
3,488 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
15 |
1,815 |
1,827 |
|
Reserves and surplus |
|
1,461 |
1,321 |
|
Equity attributable to owners of the company |
|
3,276 |
3,148 |
|
Non-controlling interests ('NCI') |
|
340 |
340 |
|
Total equity |
|
3,616 |
3,488 |
|
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
For and on behalf of the Board of Airtel Africa plc
Sunil Taldar Chief executive officer 29 October 2026 |
|
Interim condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
|
|
|
Equity attributable to owners of the company |
|
| ||||||||
|
|
Share Capital |
Reserves and Surplus |
Equity attributable to owners of the company |
|
| |||||||
|
|
No. of shares |
Amount |
Retained earnings |
Transactions with NCI reserve |
Other components of equity |
Total |
|
Non-controlling interests (NCI) |
Total | |||
|
|
|
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m | |||
|
As of 1 April 2025 |
3,670,529,876 |
1,835 |
4,924 |
(831) |
(3,442) |
651 |
2,486 |
289 |
2,775 | |||
|
Profit for the period |
- |
- |
303 |
- |
- |
303 |
303 |
73 |
376 | |||
|
Other comprehensive income/(loss) |
- |
- |
0 |
- |
135 |
135 |
135 |
12 |
147 | |||
|
Total comprehensive income |
- |
- |
303 |
- |
135 |
438 |
438 |
85 |
523 | |||
|
Transaction with owners of equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
Employee share-based payment reserve |
- |
- |
(0) |
- |
4 |
4 |
4 |
- |
4 | |||
|
Purchase of own shares (net) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
1 |
- |
1 | |||
|
Ordinary shares buy back programme (refer to note 4(b)) |
(14,227,243) |
(7) |
(37) |
- |
(8) |
(45) |
(52) |
- |
(52) | |||
|
Transactions with NCI(1) |
- |
- |
- |
15 |
- |
15 |
15 |
- |
15 | |||
|
Dividend to owners of the company |
- |
- |
(143) |
- |
- |
(143) |
(143) |
- |
(143) | |||
|
Dividend (including tax) to NCI |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(39) |
(39) | |||
|
As of 30 September 2025 |
3,656,302,633 |
1,828 |
5,047 |
(816) |
(3,310) |
921 |
2,749 |
335 |
3,084 | |||
|
Profit for the period |
- |
- |
376 |
- |
- |
376 |
376 |
61 |
437 | |||
|
Other comprehensive income |
- |
- |
0 |
- |
102 |
102 |
102 |
3 |
105 | |||
|
Total comprehensive income |
- |
- |
376 |
- |
102 |
478 |
478 |
64 |
542 | |||
|
Transaction with owners of equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
Employee share-based payment reserve |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
(2) |
(1) |
(1) |
- |
(1) | |||
|
(Purchase)/issue of own shares (net) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
11 |
11 |
11 |
- |
11 | |||
|
Ordinary shares buy-back programme |
(1,421,605) |
(1) |
(7) |
- |
7 |
(0) |
(1) |
- |
(1) | |||
|
Transactions with NCI |
- |
- |
- |
15 |
- |
15 |
15 |
1 |
16 | |||
|
Dividend to owners of the company |
- |
- |
(103) |
- |
- |
(103) |
(103) |
- |
(103) | |||
|
Dividend (including tax) to NCI |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(60) |
(60) | |||
|
As of 31 March 2026 |
3,654,881,028 |
1,827 |
5,314 |
(801) |
(3,192) |
1,321 |
3,148 |
340 |
3,488 | |||
|
Profit for the period |
- |
- |
371 |
- |
- |
371 |
371 |
81 |
452 | |||
|
Other Comprehensive income/(loss) |
- |
- |
(5) |
- |
13 |
8 |
8 |
(35) |
(27) | |||
|
Total comprehensive income |
- |
- |
366 |
- |
13 |
379 |
379 |
46 |
425 | |||
|
Transactions with owners of equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
Employee share-based payment reserve |
- |
- |
(6) |
- |
11 |
5 |
5 |
- |
5 | |||
|
(Purchase)/issue of own shares (net) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(0) |
(0) |
(0) |
- |
(0) | |||
|
Transactions with NCI(1) |
- |
- |
- |
8 |
- |
8 |
8 |
(1) |
7 | |||
|
Ordinary shares buy-back programme (refer to note 4(b)) |
(24,515,062) |
(12) |
(109) |
- |
12 |
(97) |
(109) |
- |
(109) | |||
|
Cancellation of capital redemption reserve (refer to note 4(c)) |
- |
- |
57 |
- |
(57) |
- |
- |
- |
- | |||
|
Dividend to owners of the company |
- |
- |
(155) |
- |
- |
(155) |
(155) |
- |
(155) | |||
|
Dividend (including tax) to NCI |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(45) |
(45) | |||
|
As of 30 September 2026 |
3,630,365,966 |
1,815 |
5,467 |
(793) |
(3,213) |
1,461 |
3,276 |
340 |
3,616 | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- reversal of put option liability by $7m (September 2025: $9m) for dividend distribution to put option non-controlling interest holders (any dividend paid to the put option non-controlling interest holders is adjustable against the put option liability based on the put option arrangement).
- $1m (September 2025: $6m) pertains to remeasurement of put option liability due to deferment of exercisable date of put options
|
Interim condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
|
For the six months ended | ||||
|
|
30 September 2026 $m |
30 September 2025 $m | |||
|
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
| |||
|
Profit before tax |
814 |
656 | |||
|
Adjustments for - |
|
| |||
|
Depreciation and amortization |
616 |
488 | |||
|
Finance income |
(11) |
(13) | |||
|
Net monetary (gain)/loss relating to hyperinflationary accounting |
(5) |
0 | |||
|
Finance costs |
|
| |||
|
- Derivative and foreign exchange (gains)/losses- |
|
| |||
|
Nigerian naira |
(57) |
(54) | |||
|
Other currencies |
55 |
(36) | |||
|
- Other finance costs |
490 |
407 | |||
|
Share of profit of associate and joint venture accounted for using equity method |
(0) |
(1) | |||
|
Other non-cash adjustments(1) |
24 |
6 | |||
|
Operating cash flow before changes in working capital |
1,926 |
1,453 | |||
|
Changes in working capital |
|
| |||
|
(Increase)/Decrease in trade receivables |
(15) |
9 | |||
|
Decrease in inventories |
3 |
6 | |||
|
Increase in trade payables |
72 |
52 | |||
|
Increase in mobile money wallet balance |
160 |
120 | |||
|
Decrease in provisions and employee benefit obligations |
(9) |
(34) | |||
|
Increase in deferred revenue |
8 |
21 | |||
|
Increase in other financial and non financial liabilities |
2 |
27 | |||
|
Increase in other financial and non financial assets |
(71) |
(63) | |||
|
Net cash generated from operations before tax |
2,076 |
1,591 | |||
|
Income taxes paid |
(317) |
(203) | |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
Net cash generated from operating activities (a) |
1,759 |
1,388 | |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
| |||
|
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and capital work-in-progress |
(584) |
(301) | |||
|
Purchase of intangible assets and intangible assets under development |
(129) |
(55) | |||
|
Maturity of deposits with bank |
249 |
206 | |||
|
Investment in deposits with bank |
(228) |
(224) | |||
|
Investment in specified securities |
20 |
(1) | |||
|
Interest received |
12 |
10 | |||
|
Net cash used in investing activities (b) |
(660) |
(365) | |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
| |||
|
Purchase of shares under buy-back programme |
(109) |
(52) | |||
|
Purchase of own shares by ESOP trust (net) |
(8) |
0 | |||
|
Proceeds from borrowings |
643 |
523 | |||
|
Repayment of borrowings |
(664) |
(438) | |||
|
Repayment of lease liabilities |
(121) |
(102) | |||
|
Dividend paid to non-controlling interests |
(45) |
(48) | |||
|
Dividend paid to owners of the company |
(155) |
(143) | |||
|
Payment of deferred spectrum liability |
(6) |
(8) | |||
|
Interest on borrowings, lease liabilities and other liabilities |
(441) |
(399) | |||
|
Outflow on maturity of derivatives (net) |
(12) |
(31) | |||
|
Net cash used in financing activities (c) |
(918) |
(698) | |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
Increase in cash and cash equivalents during the period (a+b+c) |
181 |
325 | |||
|
Currency translation differences relating to cash and cash equivalents |
(30) |
71 | |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
Cash and cash equivalent as at beginning of the period |
1,785 |
1,060 | |||
|
Cash and cash equivalents as at end of the period (refer to Note 12) (2) |
1,936 |
1,456 | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) For the six months ended 30 September 2026 and 30 September 2025, this mainly includes movement in impairment of trade receivable, expense related to employee stock option plan and other provisions.
(2) Includes balances held under mobile money trust of $1,489m (September 2025: $1,155m) on behalf of mobile money customers which are not available for use by the Group.
Notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements
Airtel Africa plc (‘the company’) is a public company limited by shares incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom (UK) under the Companies Act 2006 and is registered in England and Wales (registration number 11462215). The registered address of the company is First Floor, 15 Davies Street, London, W1K 3DE, United Kingdom. The company is listed both on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX). The company is a subsidiary of Airtel Africa Mauritius Limited (‘the parent’), a company registered in Mauritius. The registered address of the parent is c/o IQ EQ Corporate Services (Mauritius) Ltd., 33, Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis, 11324, Mauritius.
The company together with its subsidiary undertakings (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Group’) has operations in Africa. The principal activities of the Group, its associate and its joint venture primarily consist of the provision of telecommunications and mobile money services.
Basis of preparation
These interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 ‘Interim Financial Reporting’ as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (‘IASB’) and approved for use in the United Kingdom (‘UK’) by the UK Accounting Standards Endorsement Board (‘UKEB’). Accordingly, the interim financial statements do not include all the information required for a complete set of financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Group’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026. Further, selected explanatory notes have been included to explain events and transactions that are significant for the understanding of the changes in the Group’s financial position and performance since the latest annual consolidated financial statements.
These interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2026 do not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the UK Companies Act 2006 and are unaudited. The information relating to the year ended 31 March 2026 is an extract from the Group’s published annual report for that year, which has been delivered to the Companies House on 20 July 2026, and on which the auditor’s report was unqualified and did not contain any emphasis of matter or statements under section 498(2) or 498(3) of the UK Companies Act 2006.
These interim condensed consolidated financial statements apply the same accounting policies, presentation and methods of calculation as those followed in the preparation of the Group’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026. Further, there have been no changes in critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgements.
These interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Group for the six months ended 30 September 2026 were authorised by the Board of Directors on 29 October 2026.
3. Basis of measurement
These interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, adjusted for the effects of inflation where Group entities operate in hyperinflationary economies, except for financial instruments held at fair value and are presented in United States Dollars (‘USD’), with all values stated in US$ million and rounded to the nearest million except when otherwise indicated. Further, amounts which are less than half a million are appearing as ‘0’.
These interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. In making this going concern assessment, the Group has considered cash flow projections to December 2027 (going concern assessment period) under both a base case and reasonable worst-case scenarios including a reverse stress test. This assessment takes into consideration its principal risks and uncertainties including a reduction in revenue and EBITDA and a devaluation of the various currencies in the countries in which the Group operates including the Nigerian Naira. This assessment also takes into consideration the repayment of all liabilities that fall due over the going concern period including the repayment of borrowings and other liabilities. As part of this evaluation, the Group has considered available ways to mitigate these risks and uncertainties and has also considered committed undrawn facilities of $195m expiring beyond the going concern assessment period, which will fulfil the Group’s cash flow requirement under both the base and reasonable worst-case scenarios.
Having considered all the above-mentioned factors impacting the Group’s businesses, the impact of downside sensitivities and the mitigating actions available to the group including a reduction and deferral of capital expenditure, the directors are satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to continue its operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
During the six months ended 30 September 2026, the Company has bought-back and cancelled 24,515,062 shares resulting in 3,630,365,966 ordinary shares outstanding as at 30 September 2026. The purchase price of the shares bought-back was $109m ($60m against the committed, and $49m against the discretionary element). The nominal value ($0.5 per share) of the cancelled shares, amounting to $12m, has been transferred to the capital redemption reserve.
The Group’s segment information is provided on the basis of geographical clusters and products to the Group’s Chief Executive Officer (Chief Operating Decision Maker - ‘CODM’) for the purposes of resource allocation and assessment of performance.
The Group’s operating segments are as follows:
Nigeria mobile services – Comprising of mobile service operations in Nigeria;
East Africa mobile services – Comprising of mobile service operations in Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi and Rwanda;
Francophone Africa mobile services – Comprising of mobile service operations in Democratic Republic of the Congo Chad, Niger, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, Madagascar and Seychelles;
Mobile money services*- Comprising of mobile money services across the Group.
* Mobile money services segment consolidates the results of mobile money operations from all operating entities within the Group. Airtel Money Commerce N.V. (‘AMC NV’) is the holding company for all mobile money services for the Group, and as of 30 September 2026, it controls all mobile money operations excluding operations in Nigeria.
Each segment derives revenue from the respective services housed within each segment, as described above. Expenses, assets and liabilities primarily related to the corporate headquarters and centralised functions of the Group are presented as unallocated items.
The amounts reported to CODM are based on the accounting principles used in the preparation of the financial statements. Each segment’s performance is evaluated based on segment revenue and segment result.
During the six months ended 30 September 2026, the segment result is Underlying EBITDA (defined as operating profit/(loss) for the period before depreciation, amortisation and exceptional items relating to operating profit). This is the measure reported to the CODM for the purpose of resource allocation and assessment of segment performance. During the six months ended 30 September 2025, the definition of EBITDA was equal to underlying EBITDA since there were no exceptional items pertaining to EBITDA and therefore EBITDA is presented in the segment information below for comparative period.
Inter-segment pricing and terms are reviewed and changed by management to reflect changes in market conditions and changes to such terms are reflected in the period in which the changes occur.
The ‘Eliminations’ column comprises inter-segment transactions eliminated upon consolidation.
Segment assets and segment liabilities comprise those assets and liabilities directly managed by each segment. Segment assets primarily include receivables, property, plant and equipment, capital work in progress, right-to-use assets, intangibles assets, inventories and cash and cash equivalents. Segment liabilities primarily include operating liabilities. Segment capital expenditure comprises investment in property, plant and equipment, capital work in progress, intangible assets (excluding licenses) and capital advances.
Investment elimination upon consolidation and resulting goodwill impacts are reflected in the ‘Eliminations’ column.
Summary of the segmental information and disaggregation of revenue is as follows:
|
|
Nigeria mobile services
$m |
East Africa mobile services $m |
Francophone Africa mobile services
$m |
Mobile money
$m |
Others (unallocated)
$m |
|
Total
$m | |
|
Eliminations
$m | ||||||||
|
For the six months ended 30 September 2026 Revenue from external customers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Voice revenue |
369 |
593 |
334 |
- |
- |
- |
1,296 | |
|
Data revenue |
544 |
566 |
461 |
- |
- |
- |
1,571 | |
|
Mobile money revenue (1) |
- |
- |
- |
699 |
- |
- |
699 | |
|
Other revenue (2) |
93 |
88 |
64 |
- |
12 |
- |
257 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Total revenue from external customers |
1,006 |
1,247 |
859 |
699 |
12 |
- |
3,823 | |
|
Inter-segment revenue |
2 |
11 |
8 |
141 |
9 |
(171) |
- | |
|
Total revenue |
1,008 |
1,258 |
867 |
840 |
21 |
(171) |
3,823 | |
|
Underlying EBITDA |
586 |
635 |
351 |
411 |
(62) |
(0) |
1,921 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Less: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Depreciation and amortisation |
199 |
240 |
144 |
22 |
11 |
- |
616 | |
|
Finance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
- Derivative and foreign exchange (gains)/losses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Nigerian naira |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(57) | |
|
Other currencies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
55 | |
|
- Other finance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
490 | |
|
Finance income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11) | |
|
Net monetary losses relating to hyperinflationary accounting |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5) | |
|
Share of profit of associate and joint venture accounted for using equity method
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0) | |
|
Exceptional items pertaining to operating profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
19 | |
|
Profit before tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
814 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Other segment items |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Capital expenditure |
177 |
247 |
187 |
25 |
21 |
- |
657 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
As of 30 September 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Segment assets |
3,352 |
3,447 |
2,310 |
2,548 |
20,806 |
(17,809) |
14,654 | |
|
Segment liabilities |
3,320 |
3,634 |
2,981 |
1,836 |
4,043 |
(4,776) |
11,038 | |
|
Investment in associate accounted for using equity method (included in segment assets above)
|
- |
- |
6 |
- |
- |
- |
6 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summary of the segmental information and disaggregation of revenue is as follows:
|
|
Nigeria mobile services
$m |
East Africa mobile services $m |
Francophone Africa mobile services
$m |
Mobile money
$m |
Others (unallocated)
$m |
|
Total
$m | |
|
Eliminations | ||||||||
|
For the six months ended 30 September 2025 Revenue from external customers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Voice revenue |
268 |
517 |
315 |
- |
- |
- |
1,100 | |
|
Data revenue |
357 |
434 |
370 |
- |
- |
- |
1,161 | |
|
Mobile money revenue (1) |
- |
- |
- |
494 |
- |
- |
494 | |
|
Other revenue (2) |
71 |
86 |
60 |
- |
10 |
- |
227 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Total revenue from external customers |
696 |
1,037 |
745 |
494 |
10 |
- |
2,982 | |
|
Inter-segment revenue |
1 |
10 |
4 |
129 |
5 |
(149) |
- | |
|
Total revenue |
697 |
1,047 |
749 |
623 |
15 |
(149) |
2,982 | |
|
EBITDA |
393 |
505 |
296 |
323 |
(70) |
(0) |
1,447 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Less: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Depreciation and amortisation |
138 |
201 |
125 |
13 |
11 |
- |
488 | |
|
Finance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
- Derivative and foreign exchange gain |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Nigerian naira |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(54) | |
|
Other currencies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(36) | |
|
- Other finance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
407 | |
|
Finance income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13) | |
|
Net monetary losses relating to hyperinflationary accounting |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 | |
|
Share of profit of associate and joint venture accounted for using equity method
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | |
|
Profit before tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
656 | |
|
Other segment items |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Capital expenditure |
74 |
124 |
87 |
24 |
9 |
- |
318 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
As of 31 March 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Segment assets |
3,062 |
3,280 |
2,152 |
2,244 |
21,443 |
(18,218) |
13,963 | |
|
Segment liabilities |
3,136 |
3,452 |
2,792 |
1,693 |
4,586 |
(5,183) |
10,476 | |
|
Investment in associate accounted for using equity method (included in segment assets above) |
- |
- |
6 |
- |
- |
- |
6 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 31 December 2024, Malawi met the requirements to be designated as a hyperinflationary economy under IAS 29 'Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies'. The Group has therefore applied hyperinflationary accounting, as specified in IAS 29, at its Malawi operations whose functional currency is the Malawian Kwacha.
The Group has selected the consumer price index (‘CPI’) issued by the National Statistical Office of Malawi, which we have determined to be the most appropriate inflation index to reflect the change in the purchasing power. During the six months ended 30 September 2026, the CPI has increased by 1.3% (30 September 2025: increased by 4.5%) and the average adjustment factor used to determine the impact on the income statement for the six months ended 30 September 2026 was 1.00 (30 September 2025: 1.04), which represents the movement between the average and closing CPI.
The main impact on these interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2026 and 30 September 2025 of the above-mentioned adjustments are shown below:
|
|
For the six months ended | |
|
|
30 September 2026 |
30 September 2025 |
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
(Decrease)/Increase in revenue |
(0) |
7 |
|
Operating loss |
(11) |
(6) |
|
Net monetary gain/(loss) relating to hyperinflationary accounting |
5 |
(0) |
|
Loss after tax for the period |
(2) |
(7) |
|
|
As of |
| |
|
|
30 September 2026 |
31 March 2026 |
|
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
|
Increase in non-monetary assets |
693 |
687 | |
|
Increase in equity |
693 |
687 | |
|
|
|
|
|
The major components of the income tax expense are:
|
|
For the six months ended |
| |
|
|
30 September 2026 |
30 September 2025 | |
|
|
$m |
$m | |
|
Current tax |
332 |
222 | |
|
Deferred tax |
30 |
58 | |
|
Income tax expense |
362 |
280 | |
|
|
|
|
|
The tax charge for the six months ended 30 September 2026 has been calculated for each operating country by applying an estimated effective rate of tax expected to apply for the period ending 31 March 2027 on the pre-tax profits using rates substantively enacted by 30 September 2026. The charge is adjusted for discrete items (if any) occurring in the interim period as required by IAS 34 ‘Interim Financial Reporting’.
Tax charge for the six months ended 30 September 2026 also includes the related tax impacts arising out of withholding tax (‘WHT’) on unremitted earnings and cross charge to Group entities and deferred tax asset recognition basis projected profitability in operating countries, wherever applicable.
Underlying profit before tax excludes the following exceptional items
|
|
For the six months ended |
| |
|
|
30 September 2026 |
30 September 2025 | |
|
|
$m |
$m | |
|
Profit before tax |
814 |
656 | |
|
Add: Exceptional Items |
|
| |
|
Finance costs(1) |
|
| |
|
- Other finance cost |
37 |
- | |
|
Employee benefits expense(2) |
9 |
- | |
|
Other operating expenses(2) |
10 |
- | |
|
|
|
| |
|
Underlying profit before tax |
870 |
656 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying profit after tax excludes the following exceptional items:
|
|
For the six months ended | |
|
|
30 September 2026 |
30 September 2025 |
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
Profit after tax |
452 |
376 |
|
- Exceptional items (as above) |
56 |
- |
|
- Tax on above exceptional items |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying profit after tax |
507 |
376 |
Profits attributable to non-controlling interests amounting to $81m (September 2025: $73m) is net off by loss of $1m (September 2025: Nil) during the six months ended 30 September 2026, relating to the above exceptional items.
The details used in the computation of basic EPS:
|
|
For the six months ended | |||
|
|
30 September 2026
|
30 September 2025
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
Profit for the period attributable to owners of the company ($m) |
371 |
303 | ||
|
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding for basic EPS (number of shares) |
3,638,188,749 |
3,654,151,266 | ||
|
Basic earnings per share |
10.2 cents |
8.3 cents | ||
|
The details used in the computation of diluted EPS:
|
For the six months ended | |||
|
|
30 September 2026 |
30 September 2025 |
| |
|
Profit for the period attributable to owners of the company ($m) |
371 |
303 |
| |
|
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding for diluted EPS(1) (number of shares) |
3,644,546,152 |
3,661,843,041 |
| |
|
Diluted earnings per share |
10.2 cents |
8.3 cents |
| |
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table presents the reconciliation of changes in the carrying value of PPE for the six months ended 30 September 2026 and 30 September 2025:
|
|
Leasehold Improvements |
Building |
Land |
Plant and Equipment |
Furniture & Fixture |
Vehicles |
Office Equipment |
Computer |
Total |
Capital work in progress (2) |
|
|
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
|
Gross carrying value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of 1 April 2025 |
46 |
51 |
24 |
3,138 |
72 |
23 |
82 |
719 |
4,155 |
194 |
|
Additions / capitalization |
1 |
- |
0 |
218 |
2 |
3 |
6 |
13 |
243 |
271 |
|
Disposals / adjustments (1) |
- |
- |
- |
(44) |
(0) |
(0) |
(0) |
(400) |
(444) |
(243) |
|
Foreign currency translation impact |
2 |
2 |
2 |
264 |
6 |
0 |
5 |
38 |
319 |
7 |
|
Hyperinflationary impact for the period |
0 |
1 |
0 |
19 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
24 |
0 |
|
Balance as of 30 September 2025 |
49 |
54 |
26 |
3,595 |
80 |
26 |
93 |
374 |
4,297 |
229 |
|
Balance as of 1 April 2026 |
49 |
58 |
25 |
4,135 |
88 |
27 |
108 |
395 |
4,885 |
265 |
|
Additions / capitalization |
0 |
- |
2 |
485 |
7 |
0 |
5 |
33 |
532 |
600 |
|
Disposals / adjustments |
- |
(0) |
- |
(56) |
(0) |
(0) |
(0) |
(2) |
(58) |
(535) |
|
Foreign currency translation impact |
(0) |
(1) |
(0) |
(23) |
(1) |
(0) |
(0) |
(2) |
(27) |
0 |
|
Hyperinflationary impact for the period |
0 |
0 |
0 |
(14) |
(0) |
0 |
(1) |
(9) |
(24) |
(0) |
|
Balance as of 30 September 2026 |
49 |
57 |
27 |
4,527 |
94 |
27 |
112 |
415 |
5,308 |
330 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of 1 April 2025 |
41 |
30 |
- |
1,236 |
46 |
22 |
63 |
631 |
2,069 |
- |
|
Charge |
1 |
2 |
- |
192 |
6 |
0 |
8 |
8 |
217 |
- |
|
Disposals / adjustments (1) |
(0) |
- |
- |
(40) |
(0) |
(0) |
(0) |
(341) |
(381) |
- |
|
Foreign currency translation impact |
2 |
1 |
- |
179 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
33 |
225 |
- |
|
Hyperinflationary impact for the period |
0 |
1 |
- |
15 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
20 |
- |
|
Balance as of 30 September 2025 |
44 |
34 |
- |
1,582 |
57 |
22 |
76 |
335 |
2,150 |
- |
|
Balance as of 1 April 2026 |
44 |
37 |
- |
1,852 |
65 |
23 |
88 |
351 |
2,460 |
- |
|
Charge |
1 |
2 |
- |
244 |
6 |
1 |
8 |
11 |
273 |
- |
|
Disposals / adjustments |
- |
(0) |
- |
(56) |
(0) |
(0) |
(0) |
(2) |
(58) |
- |
|
Foreign currency translation impact |
(0) |
(1) |
- |
(25) |
(1) |
(0) |
(1) |
(2) |
(30) |
- |
|
Hyperinflationary impact for the period |
0 |
0 |
- |
(15) |
(0) |
0 |
(1) |
(9) |
(25) |
- |
|
Balance as of 30 September 2026 |
45 |
38 |
- |
2,000 |
70 |
24 |
94 |
349 |
2,620 |
- |
|
As of 1 April 2025 |
5 |
21 |
24 |
1,902 |
26 |
1 |
19 |
88 |
2,086 |
194 |
|
As of 30 September 2025 |
5 |
20 |
26 |
2,013 |
23 |
4 |
17 |
39 |
2,147 |
229 |
|
As of 1 April 2026 |
5 |
21 |
25 |
2,283 |
23 |
4 |
20 |
44 |
2,425 |
265 |
|
As of 30 September 2026 |
4 |
19 |
27 |
2,527 |
24 |
3 |
18 |
66 |
2,688 |
330 |
The following table presents the reconciliation of changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the six months ended 30 September 2026 and 30 September 2025
|
|
Goodwill $m |
|
Balance as of 1 April 2025 |
3,008 |
|
Foreign currency translation impact |
107 |
|
Hyperinflationary impact for the period |
30 |
|
Balance as of 30 September 2025 |
3,145 |
|
|
|
|
Balance as of 1 April 2026 |
3,238 |
|
Foreign currency translation impact |
(25) |
|
Hyperinflationary impact for the period |
11 |
|
Balance as of 30 September 2026 |
3,224 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
As of | |
|
|
30 September 2026 |
31 March 2026 |
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
Balances with banks |
|
|
|
- On current accounts |
300 |
201 |
|
- Bank deposits with original maturity of three months or less |
159 |
188 |
|
- On settlement account |
68 |
25 |
|
Balance held in wallets |
181 |
218 |
|
Remittance in transit |
8 |
13 |
|
Cash on hand |
1 |
1 |
|
|
717 |
646 |
Other bank balances
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
|
30 September 2026 |
31 March 2026 |
|
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
Term deposits with banks with original maturity of |
|
168 |
189 |
|
more than three months but less than 12 months |
| ||
|
Margin money deposits (1) |
|
3 |
7 |
|
Restricted balance in escrow account |
|
1 |
1 |
|
Unpaid dividend |
|
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
172 |
197 |
|
|
|
|
|
For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are as follows:
|
|
As of | |
|
|
30 September 2026 |
30 September 2025 |
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
Cash and cash equivalents as per statement of financial position |
717 |
634 |
|
Balance held under mobile money trust (with trust accounts) |
1,489 |
1,155 |
|
Bank overdraft |
(270) |
(333) |
|
|
1,936 |
1,456 |
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
|
30 September 2026 |
31 March 2026 |
|
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances with banks |
|
|
|
|
- on trust accounts |
|
1,489 |
1,394 |
|
|
|
1,489 |
1,394 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances with original maturity period more than 3 months but less than 12 months |
|
|
|
|
- Investment in specified securities |
|
- |
1 |
|
|
|
- |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,489 |
1,395 |
Non-current
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
|
30 September 2026 |
31 March 2026 |
|
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
Secured |
|
|
|
|
Term loans(1) |
|
186 |
194 |
|
|
|
186 |
194 |
|
Unsecured |
|
|
|
|
Term loans(1) |
|
877 |
975 |
|
|
|
877 |
975 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,063 |
1,169 |
Current
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
|
30 September 2026 |
31 March 2026 |
|
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
Secured |
|
|
|
|
Term loans(1) |
|
95 |
98 |
|
|
|
95 |
98 |
|
Unsecured |
|
|
|
|
Term loans(1) |
|
755 |
666 |
|
Bank overdraft |
|
270 |
255 |
|
|
|
1,025 |
921 |
|
|
|
1,120 |
1,019 |
|
|
As of | |
|
|
30 September 2026 |
31 March 2026 |
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
|
|
|
|
Issued, subscribed and fully paid-up shares (refer to note 4(b)) |
|
|
|
3,630,365,966 ordinary shares of $0.50 each (March 2026: 3,654,881,028) |
1,815 |
1,827 |
|
|
1,815 |
1,827 |
Terms/rights attached to equity shares
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
|
30 September 2026 |
31 March 2026 |
|
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
(a) Taxes, duties and other demands (under adjudication / appeal / dispute) |
|
|
|
|
-Income tax |
|
183 |
50 |
|
-Value added tax |
|
33 |
33 |
|
-Customs duty & Excise duty |
|
8 |
8 |
|
-Other miscellaneous demands |
|
12 |
12 |
|
(b) Claims under legal and regulatory cases including arbitration matters |
|
41 |
118 |
|
|
|
277 |
221 |
The increase of $56m, in contingent liabilities during the six months ended 30 September 2026 is primarily on account of various new demands in income tax, value added tax, regulatory cases and other taxes in some of the subsidiaries of the group.
Claims under taxes, duties and other demands
One of the Group's subsidiaries received a tax assessment of $132m (excluding interest) from the local revenue authority in relation to the application of a double tax treaty on historical dividend payments made to overseas holding entities and sought to apply domestic withholding tax retrospectively.
Based on external legal advice, management believes that the treaty benefits have been correctly applied and that the assessment lacks legal merit. The subsidiaries obtained an interim order staying enforcement of the requirement to pay the 30% deposit of the assessed tax pending the determination of the application for a temporary injunction against the 30% payment requirement. Separately, the substantive suit, in which the subsidiaries are challenging the legal basis of the tax assessment, has not yet been scheduled for hearing.
However, considering the ongoing engagement with the authority and the broader regulatory environment, management has assessed that a possible obligation may exist. Accordingly, the matter has been disclosed as a contingent liability, and no provision has been recognized.
In addition to the individual matters disclosed above, in the ordinary course of business, the Group is a defendant or co-defendant in various litigations and claims which are immaterial individually.
Guarantees:
Guarantees outstanding as of 30 September 2026 and 31 March 2026 amounting to $10m and $9m respectively have been issued by banks and financial institutions on behalf of the Group. These guarantees include certain financial bank guarantees which have been given for sub-judice matters and the amounts with respect to these have been disclosed under capital commitments, contingencies and liabilities, as applicable, in compliance with the applicable accounting standards.
(ii) Commitments
Capital commitments
The Group has contractual commitments towards capital expenditure (net of related advances paid) of $621m and $760m as of 30 September 2026 and 31 March 2026 respectively.
Airtel Africa Mauritius Limited
Network i2i Limited
Bharti Airtel Limited
Bharti Telecom Limited
Bharti Enterprises (Holding) Private Limited. It is held by private trusts and members of the Bharti family, with Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal’s family trust controlling the said company.
Seychelles Cable Systems Company Limited
Mawezi RDC S.A.
Nxtra Data Limited
Bharti Airtel Services Limited
Bharti International (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Bharti Airtel (UK) Limited
Bharti Airtel (France) SAS
Bharti Hexacom Limited
Xtelify Limited
Indus Tower Limited
Indus Towers Nigeria Limited
Indus Towers Infra Zambia Limited
Indus Infra Uganda Limited
Singapore Telecommunication Limited
Bharti Global Limited
Emtel Limited
Oneweb Network Access Holdings Limited
Sunil Taldar
Jaideep Paul (till 9 July 2025)
Kamal Dua (w.e.f. 9 July 2025)
Sunil Bharti Mittal (till 9 July 2026)
Awuneba Ajumogobia
Andrew James Green (till 29 January 2026)
Akhil Gupta (till 9 July 2025)
Shravin Bharti Mittal
Annika Poutiainen (till 9 July 2026)
Ravi Rajagopal
Tsega Gebreyes
Paul Thomas Arkwright
Gopal Vittal
Cynthia Gordon (since April 2025)
Kasi Viswanathan Vegulaparanan (since July 2026)
Ian Basil Ferrao
Razvan Ungureanu
Daddy Mukadi Bujitu
Ramakrishna Lella
Rogany Ramiah
Stephen Munyao Nthenge
Apoorva Mehrotra (till March 2026)
Rohit Marwha
Dinesh Balsingh
Anwar Soussa
Martin Frechette
Oliver Fortuin
Jacques Barkhuizen
|
|
For the six months ended | |
|
|
30 September 2026 |
30 September 2025 |
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
Sales/rendering of services |
|
|
|
Bharti Airtel (UK) Limited |
23 |
25 |
|
Network i2i Limited |
6 |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase/receiving of services |
|
|
|
Bharti Airtel (France) SAS |
5 |
6 |
|
Bharti Airtel (UK) Limited |
10 |
11 |
|
Bharti Airtel Limited
|
5 |
5 |
|
Xtelify Limited |
7 |
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend paid |
|
|
|
Bharti Airtel Mauritius Limited |
97 |
89 |
KMP are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group, directly or indirectly, including any director, whether executive or otherwise. For the Group, these include executive committee members. Remuneration to KMP were as follows:
|
|
For the six months ended | |
|
|
30 September 2026 |
30 September 2025 |
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
Short-term employee benefits |
6 |
5 |
|
Performance linked incentive |
2 |
2 |
|
Share-based payment |
6 |
3 |
|
Other long term benefits |
1 |
1 |
|
Other benefits |
1 |
1 |
|
|
16 |
12 |
The details as to the carrying value, fair value and the level of fair value measurement hierarchy of the group’s financial instruments are as follows:
|
|
|
Carrying value as of |
Fair value as of | ||
|
|
30 September 2026 |
31 March 2026 |
30 September 2026 |
31 March 2026 | |
|
|
|
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
|
Financial assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
FVTPL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Forward and option |
Level 2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Investments |
Level 2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortised cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments |
|
- |
20 |
- |
20 |
|
Trade receivables |
|
190 |
193 |
190 |
193 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
717 |
646 |
717 |
646 |
|
Other bank balances |
|
172 |
197 |
172 |
197 |
|
Balance held under mobile money trust |
|
1,489 |
1,395 |
1,489 |
1,395 |
|
Other financial assets |
|
92 |
107 |
92 |
107 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,663 |
2,559 |
2,663 |
2,559 |
|
Financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
FVTPL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Forward and option |
Level 2 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortised cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long term borrowings- fixed rate |
Level 1 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
Long term borrowings- fixed rate |
Level 2 |
622 |
597 |
614 |
589 |
|
Long term borrowings- floating rate |
|
441 |
572 |
441 |
572 |
|
Short term borrowings - floating rate |
|
1,120 |
1,019 |
1,120 |
1,019 |
|
Put option liability |
Level 3 |
509 |
515 |
509 |
517 |
|
Trade payables |
|
701 |
612 |
701 |
612 |
|
Mobile money wallet balance |
|
1,438 |
1,310 |
1,438 |
1,310 |
|
Other financial liabilities |
|
733 |
687 |
733 |
687 |
|
|
|
5,570 |
5,319 |
5,562 |
5,313 |
The following methods/assumptions were used to estimate the fair values:
During the six months ended 30 September 2026 and year ended 31 March 2026 there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, and no transfer into or out of Level 3 fair value measurements.
The following table describes the key inputs used in the valuation (basis discounted cash flow technique) of the Level 2 financial assets/liabilities as of 30 September 2026 and 31 March 2026:
|
|
Financial assets / liabilities |
|
|
|
Inputs used |
|
|
|
| ||
|
- |
Currency swaps, forward and option contracts and other bank balances |
|
Forward foreign currency exchange rates, Interest rate |
| |||||||
|
- |
Interest rate swaps |
|
|
|
|
Prevailing / forward interest rates in market, Interest rate |
| ||||
|
- |
Embedded derivatives |
|
|
|
Prevailing interest rates in market, inflation rates |
| |||||
|
- |
Other financial assets / fixed rate borrowing / other financial liabilities |
Prevailing interest rates in market, Future payouts, Interest rates |
| ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of fair value measurements categorised within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy – Financial Assets/(Liabilities) (net)
• Put option liability
|
|
For the six months ended | |
|
|
30 September 2026 |
30 September 2025 |
|
|
$m |
$m |
|
Opening Balance |
(515) |
(542) |
|
Remeasurement of liability |
1 |
6 |
|
Liability de-recognized by crediting transaction with NCI reserve |
7 |
9 |
|
Recognized in finance costs in profit and loss (unrealised) |
(2) |
(3) |
|
Closing Balance |
(509) |
(530) |
No material subsequent events or transactions have occurred since the date of statement of financial position except as disclosed below:
Appendix
Additional information pertaining to three months ended 30 September 2026
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
|
|
|
For three months ended | ||
|
|
|
30 September 2026 |
30 September 2025 | |
|
|
|
$m |
$m | |
|
Income |
|
|
| |
|
Revenue |
|
1,970 |
1,567 | |
|
Other income |
|
2 |
8 | |
|
|
|
1,972 |
1,575 | |
|
Expenses |
|
|
| |
|
Network operating expenses |
|
375 |
296 | |
|
Access charges |
|
76 |
62 | |
|
License fee and spectrum usage charges |
|
87 |
74 | |
|
Employee benefits expense |
|
112 |
88 | |
|
Sales and marketing expenses |
|
260 |
208 | |
|
Reversal of impairment loss on financial assets |
|
2 |
3 | |
|
Other expenses |
|
86 |
76 | |
|
Depreciation and amortisation |
|
315 |
255 | |
|
|
|
1,313 |
1,062 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Operating profit |
|
659 |
513 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Finance costs - Derivative and foreign exchange (losses)/gains |
|
|
| |
|
Nigerian naira |
|
(54) |
(55) | |
|
Other currencies |
|
46 |
(13) | |
|
- Other finance costs |
|
221 |
206 | |
|
Finance income |
|
(5) |
(7) | |
|
Net monetary gain relating to hyperinflationary accounting |
|
(3) |
(1) | |
|
Share of (profit)/loss for associate and joint venture accounted for using equity method |
|
(0) |
0 | |
|
Profit before tax |
|
454 |
383 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Income tax expense |
|
200 |
164 | |
|
Profit for the period |
|
254 |
219 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Profit before tax (as presented above) |
|
454 |
383 | |
|
Add: Exceptional items (net) |
|
19 |
- | |
|
Underlying profit before tax |
|
473 |
383 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Profit after tax (as presented above) |
|
254 |
219 | |
|
Add: Exceptional items (net) |
|
18 |
- | |
|
Underlying profit after tax |
|
272 |
219 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Other comprehensive income ('OCI') |
|
|
| |
|
Items to be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: |
|
|
| |
|
Net (loss)/gain due to foreign currency translation differences |
|
(23) |
108 | |
|
Share of OCI of associate and joint venture accounted for using equity method |
|
(0) |
1 | |
|
Losses on cash flow hedges |
|
- |
(0) | |
|
Cash flow hedges reclassified to profit and loss |
|
- |
(0) | |
|
Tax on above |
|
- |
(0) | |
|
|
|
(23) |
109 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
For three months ended | ||
|
|
|
30 September 2026 |
30 September 2025 | |
|
|
|
$m |
$m | |
|
Items not to be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: |
|
|
| |
|
Re-measurement gain on defined benefit plans |
|
2 |
1 | |
|
Tax on above |
|
(1) |
(0) | |
|
|
|
1 |
1 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the period |
|
(22) |
110 | |
|
Total comprehensive income for the period |
|
232 |
329 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Profit for the period attributable to: |
|
254 |
219 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Owners of the company |
|
211 |
177 | |
|
Non-controlling interests |
|
43 |
42 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the period attributable to: |
|
(22) |
110 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Owners of the company |
|
11 |
96 | |
|
Non-controlling interests |
|
(33) |
14 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to: |
|
232 |
329 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Owners of the company |
|
222 |
273 | |
|
Non-controlling interests |
|
10 |
56 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative performance measures (APMs)
Introduction
In the reporting of financial information, the directors have adopted various APMs. These measures are not defined by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and therefore may not be directly comparable with other companies APMs, including those in the Group’s industry.
APMs should be considered in addition to and are not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measurements.
Purpose
The directors believe that these APMs assist in providing additional useful information on the underlying trends, performance and position of the Group.
APMs are also used to enhance the comparability of information between reporting periods and geographical units (such as like-for-like sales), by adjusting for non-recurring or uncontrollable factors which affect IFRS measures, to aid users in understanding the Group’s performance. Consequently, APMs are used by the directors and management for performance analysis, planning, reporting and incentive-setting purposes.
The directors believe the following metrics to be the APMs used by the Group to help evaluate growth trends, establish budgets and assess operational performance and efficiencies. These measures provide an enhanced understanding of the Group’s results and related trends, therefore increasing transparency and clarity into the core results of the business.
The following metrics are useful in evaluating the Group’s operating performance:
|
APM |
Closest equivalent IFRS measure |
Adjustments to reconcile to IFRS measure |
Definition and purpose |
|
Underlying EBITDA1 and margin |
Operating profit |
|
The Group defines underlying EBITDA as operating profit/(loss) for the period before depreciation and amortisation and adjusted for exceptional items impacting operating profit/(loss), if any. The Group defines underlying EBITDA margin as underlying EBITDA divided by revenue. Underlying EBITDA and margin are measures used by the directors to assess the trading performance of the business and are therefore the measure of segment profit that the Group presents under IFRS. Underlying EBITDA and margin are also presented on a consolidated basis because the directors believe it is important to consider profitability on a basis consistent with that of the Group’s operating segments. When presented on a consolidated basis, underlying EBITDA and margin are APMs. Depreciation and amortisation is a non-cash item which fluctuates depending on the timing of capital investment and useful economic life. Directors believe that a measure which removes this volatility improves comparability of the Group’s results period on period and hence is adjusted to arrive at underlying EBITDA and margin. Exceptional items are additional specific items that because of their size, nature or incidence in the results, are considered to hinder comparison of the Group’s performance on a period-to-period basis and could distort the understanding of our performance for the period and the comparability between periods and hence are adjusted to arrive at underlying EBITDA and margin. |
|
Underlying profit / (loss) before tax |
Profit / (loss) before tax |
|
The Group defines underlying profit/(loss) before tax as profit/(loss) before tax adjusted for exceptional items. The directors view underlying profit/(loss) before tax to be a meaningful measure to analyse the Group’s profitability. |
|
Effective tax rate |
Reported tax rate |
|
The Group defines effective tax rate as reported tax rate (reported tax charge divided by reported profit before tax) adjusted for exceptional items, foreign exchange rate movements and one-off tax items of prior period adjustment, tax settlements, impact of hyperinflationary accounting and impact of permanent differences on tax. This provides an indication of the current on-going tax rate across the Group. Foreign exchange rate movements are specific items that are non-tax deductible in a few of the entities which are loss making and/or where DTA is not yet triggered and hence are considered to hinder comparison of the Group’s effective tax rate on a period-to-period basis and therefore excluded to arrive at effective tax rate. One-off tax impact on account of prior period adjustment, any tax litigation settlement, impact of hyperinflationary accounting and tax impact on permanent differences are additional specific items that because of their size and frequency in the results, are considered to hinder comparison of the Group’s effective tax rate on a period-to-period basis. |
|
Underlying profit/(loss) after tax |
Profit/(loss) for the period |
|
The Group defines underlying profit/(loss) after tax as profit/(loss) for the period adjusted for exceptional items. The directors view underlying profit/(loss) after tax to be a meaningful measure to analyse the Group’s profitability. |
|
Earnings per share before exceptional items |
EPS |
|
The Group defines earnings per share before exceptional items as profit/(loss) for the period before exceptional items attributable to owners of the company divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the financial period. This measure reflects the earnings per share before exceptional items for each share unit of the company. |
|
Earnings per share before exceptional items and derivative and foreign exchange (gains)/losses |
EPS |
|
The Group defines earnings per share before exceptional items and derivative and foreign exchange (gains)/losses as profit/(loss) for the period before exceptional items and derivative and foreign exchange (gains)/losses (net of tax) attributable to owners of the company divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the financial period. This measure reflects the earnings per share before exceptional items and derivative and foreign exchange (gains)/losses for each share unit of the company. Derivative and foreign exchange (gains)/losses are due to revaluation of US dollar balance sheet liabilities and derivatives as a result of currency movement.
|
|
Operating free cash flow |
Cash generated from operating activities |
|
The Group defines operating free cash flow as net cash generated from operating activities before income tax paid, changes in working capital, other non-cash items, non-operating income, exceptional items and after capital expenditures. The Group views operating free cash flow as a key liquidity measure, as it indicates the cash available to pay dividends, repay debt or make further investments in the Group. |
|
Net debt and leverage ratio |
|
|
The Group defines net debt as borrowings, including lease liabilities less cash and cash equivalents, term deposits with banks, current investments, deposits from customers in payment service bank operations, deposits given against borrowings/non-derivative financial instruments, processing costs related to borrowings and fair value hedge adjustments. The Group defines leverage ratio as net debt divided by underlying EBITDA for the preceding 12 months. The directors view net debt and the leverage ratio to be meaningful measures to monitor the Group’s ability to cover its debt through its earnings. |
|
Lease- adjusted leverage |
|
|
The Group defines lease-adjusted leverage ratio as Lease-adjusted net debt divided by Lease-adjusted underlying EBITDA (EBITDAaL) for the preceding 12 months, where: - Lease-adjusted net debt is defined as borrowings excluding lease liabilities less cash and cash equivalents, term deposits with banks, current investments, deposits from customers in payment service bank operations, deposits given against borrowings/non-derivative financial instruments, processing costs related to borrowings and fair value hedge adjustments. - Lease-adjusted underlying EBITDA is defined as operating profit/(loss) for the period before depreciation and amortisation less principal repayments due on right-of-use assets during the period and interest on lease liabilities Lease-adjusted leverage is a prominent metric used by debt rating agencies and the capital markets. This APM reduces the volatility in the leverage ratio associated with lease accounting under IFRS16, improves comparability between periods and reflects the Group’s financial market debt position. Accordingly, the Directors view lease adjusted leverage as a meaningful measure to analyse the Group’s performance. |
|
Return on capital employed |
No direct equivalent |
|
The Group defines return on capital employed (‘ROCE’) as EBIT for the preceding 12 months divided by average capital employed. The directors view ROCE as a financial ratio that measures the Group’s profitability and the efficiency with which its capital is being utilised. The Group defines EBIT as operating profit/(loss) for the period. Capital employed is defined as sum of equity attributable to owners of the company (grossed up for put option provided to minority shareholders to provide them liquidity as part of the sale agreements executed with them during year ended 31 March 2022), non-controlling interests and net debt. Average capital employed is average of capital employed at the closing and beginning of the relevant period. For quarterly computations, ROCE is calculated by dividing EBIT for the preceding 12 months by the average capital employed (being the average of the capital employed averages for the preceding four quarters). |
1Underlying EBITDA is disclosed instead of EBITDA during the half year ended 30 September 2026 given that there are exceptional items impacting operating profit and is not a new APM.
Some of the Group’s IFRS measures and APMs are translated at constant currency exchange rates to measure the organic performance of the Group. In determining the percentage change in constant currency terms, both current and previous financial reporting period’s results have been converted using exchange rates prevailing as on 31 March 2026 for all countries. Reported currency percentage change is derived based on the average actual periodic exchange rates for that financial period. Variances between constant currency and reported currency percentages are due to exchange rate movements between the previous financial reporting period and the current period. The constant currency numbers only reflect the retranslation of reported numbers into exchange rates as of 31 March 2026 and are not intended to represent the wider impact that currency changes have on the business.
Reconciliation between GAAP and alternative performance measures
Table A: Underlying EBITDA and margin
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
Half year ended | |
|
September 2026 |
September 2025 | ||
|
Operating profit |
$m |
1,286 |
959 |
|
Add: |
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortisation |
$m |
616 |
488 |
|
Operating exceptional items |
$m |
19 |
- |
|
Underlying EBITDA |
$m |
1,921 |
1,447 |
|
Revenue |
$m |
3,823 |
2,982 |
|
Underlying EBITDA margin (%) |
% |
50.3% |
48.5% |
Table B: Underlying profit before tax
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
Half year ended | |
|
September 2026 |
September 2025 | ||
|
Profit before tax |
$m |
814 |
656 |
|
Operating exceptional items |
$m |
19 |
- |
|
Finance cost – exceptional items |
$m |
37 |
- |
|
Underlying profit before tax |
$m |
870 |
656 |
Table C: Effective tax rate
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
Half year ended | |||||
|
September 2026 |
September 2025 | ||||||
|
Profit before taxation |
Income tax expense |
Tax rate % |
Profit before taxation |
Income tax expense |
Tax rate % | ||
|
Reported effective tax rate (after EI) |
$m |
814 |
362 |
44.4% |
656 |
280 |
42.8% |
|
Exceptional items (provided below) |
$m |
56 |
1 |
|
- |
- |
|
|
Reported effective tax rate (before EI) |
$m |
870 |
363 |
41.7% |
656 |
280 |
42.8% |
|
Adjusted for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign exchange rate movement for loss making entity and/or non-DTA operating companies & holding companies |
$m |
24 |
- |
|
5 |
- |
|
|
One-off adjustment and tax on permanent differences |
$m |
6 |
(1) |
|
6 |
(15) |
|
|
Effective tax rate |
$m |
900 |
362 |
40.2% |
667 |
265 |
39.8% |
|
Exceptional items |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$m |
37 |
- |
|
- |
- |
|
|
$m |
19 |
1 |
|
- |
- |
|
|
Total |
$m |
56 |
1 |
|
- |
- |
|
Table D: Underlying profit after tax
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
Half year ended | |
|
September 2026 |
September 2025 | ||
|
Profit after tax |
$m |
452 |
376 |
|
Operating exceptional items |
$m |
19 |
- |
|
Finance cost – exceptional items |
$m |
37 |
- |
|
Tax exceptional items |
$m |
(1) |
- |
|
Underlying profit after tax |
$m |
507 |
376 |
Table E: Earnings per share before exceptional items
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
Half year ended | |
|
September 2026 |
September 2025 | ||
|
Profit for the period attributable to owners of the company |
$m |
371 |
303 |
|
Operating exceptional items |
$m |
19 |
- |
|
Finance cost – exceptional items |
$m |
37 |
- |
|
Tax exceptional items |
$m |
(1) |
- |
|
Non-controlling interest exceptional items |
$m |
(1) |
- |
|
Profit for the period attributable to owners of the company- before exceptional items |
$m |
425 |
303 |
|
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding |
million |
3,638 |
3,654 |
|
Earnings per share before exceptional items |
Cents |
11.7 |
8.3 |
Table F: Earnings per share before exceptional items and derivative and foreign exchange (gains)/losses
|
Description |
UoM |
Half year ended | |
|
September 2026 |
September 2025 | ||
|
Profit for the period attributable to owners of the company |
$m |
371 |
303 |
|
Operating exceptional items |
|
19 |
- |
|
Finance cost – exceptional items |
$m |
37 |
- |
|
Tax exceptional items |
$m |
(1) |
- |
|
Non-controlling interest exceptional items |
$m |
(1) |
- |
|
Profit for the period attributable to owners of the company- before exceptional items |
$m |
425 |
303 |
|
Derivative and foreign exchange (gains) (excluding exceptional items) |
$m |
(2) |
(90) |
|
Tax on derivative and foreign exchange (gains)/losses (excluding exceptional items) |
$m |
10 |
31 |
|
Non-controlling interest on derivative and foreign exchange (gains)/losses (excluding exceptional items) - net of tax |
$m |
(5) |
8 |
|
Profit for the period attributable to owners of the company- before exceptional items and derivative and foreign exchange (gains)/losses |
$m |
428 |
252 |
|
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding |
million |
3,638 |
3,654 |
|
Earnings per share before exceptional items and derivative and foreign exchange (gains)/losses |
Cents |
11.8 |
6.9 |
Table G: Operating free cash flow
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
Half year ended | |
|
September 2026 |
September 2025 | ||
|
Net cash generated from operating activities |
$m |
1,759 |
1,388 |
|
Add: Income tax paid |
$m |
317 |
203 |
|
Net cash generation from operation before tax |
$m |
2,076 |
1,591 |
|
Less: Changes in working capital |
|
|
|
|
Increase/(decrease) in trade receivables |
$m |
15 |
(9) |
|
(Decrease) in inventories |
$m |
(3) |
(6) |
|
(Increase) in trade payables |
$m |
(72) |
(52) |
|
(Increase) in mobile money wallet balance |
$m |
(160) |
(120) |
|
Decrease in provisions and employee benefit obligations |
$m |
9 |
34 |
|
(Increase) in deferred revenue |
$m |
(8) |
(21) |
|
(Increase) in other financial and non-financial liabilities |
$m |
(2) |
(27) |
|
Increase in other financial and non-financial assets |
$m |
71 |
63 |
|
Operating cash flow before changes in working capital |
$m |
1,926 |
1,453 |
|
Other non-cash adjustments |
$m |
(24) |
(6) |
|
Operating exceptional items |
$m |
19 |
- |
|
Underlying EBITDA |
$m |
1,921 |
1,447 |
|
Less: Capital expenditure |
$m |
(657) |
(318) |
|
Operating free cash flow |
$m |
1,264 |
1,129 |
Table H1: Net debt and leverage
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
As at |
As at |
As at |
|
September 2026 |
March 2026 |
September 2025 | ||
|
Non-current borrowing |
$m |
1,063 |
1,169 |
1,269 |
|
Current borrowing |
$m |
1,120 |
1,019 |
1,083 |
|
Add: Processing costs related to borrowings |
$m |
7 |
8 |
8 |
|
Less: Cash and cash equivalents |
$m |
(717) |
(646) |
(634) |
|
Less: Term deposits with banks |
$m |
(168) |
(189) |
(93) |
|
Less: Current investments |
$m |
- |
(20) |
- |
|
Add: Deposit from customers in payment service bank operations |
$m |
68 |
25 |
- |
|
Add: Lease liabilities |
$m |
4,497 |
4,224 |
3,879 |
|
Net debt |
$m |
5,870 |
5,590 |
5,512 |
|
Underlying EBITDA (LTM) |
$m |
3,636 |
3,162 |
2,664 |
|
Leverage |
times |
1.6x |
1.8x |
2.1x |
Table H2: Lease adjusted Net debt and leverage
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
As at |
As at |
As at |
|
September 2026 |
March 2026 |
September 2025 | ||
|
Non-current borrowing |
$m |
1,063 |
1,169 |
1,269 |
|
Current borrowing |
$m |
1,120 |
1,019 |
1,083 |
|
Add: Processing costs related to borrowings |
$m |
7 |
8 |
8 |
|
Less: Cash and cash equivalents |
$m |
(717) |
(646) |
(634) |
|
Less: Term deposits with banks |
$m |
(168) |
(189) |
(93) |
|
Less: Current investments |
$m |
- |
(20) |
- |
|
Add: Deposit from customers in payment service bank operations |
$m |
68 |
25 |
- |
|
Add: Lease liabilities |
$m |
4,497 |
4,224 |
3,879 |
|
Net debt |
$m |
5,870 |
5,590 |
5,512 |
|
Less: Lease liabilities |
$m |
4,497 |
4,224 |
3,879 |
|
Lease adjusted net debt |
$m |
1,373 |
1,366 |
1,633 |
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
Last twelve month (LTM) ended | ||
|
September 2026 |
March 2026 |
September 2025 | ||
|
Operating profit |
$m |
2,442 |
2,115 |
1,711 |
|
Add: |
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortisation |
$m |
1,176 |
1,047 |
937 |
|
Operating exceptional items |
$m |
19 |
- |
16 |
|
Underlying EBITDA |
$m |
3,636 |
3,162 |
2,664 |
|
Less: Interest on lease liabilities |
$m |
514 |
467 |
427 |
|
Less: Repayment of lease liabilities* |
$m |
201 |
195 |
184 |
|
Total lease repayments |
$m |
715 |
662 |
611 |
|
Lease-adjusted underlying EBITDA (EBITDAaL) |
$m |
2,921 |
2,500 |
2,053 |
* Repayment of lease liabilities in the above table is inclusive of net lease payables movement of ($21m) in September 2026, ($9m) in March 2026 and ($11m) in September 2025.
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
As at |
As at |
As at |
|
September 2026 |
March 2026 |
September 2025 | ||
|
Lease adjusted underlying EBITDA (EBITDAaL) |
$m |
2,921 |
2,500 |
2,053 |
|
Lease adjusted Leverage |
times |
0.5x |
0.5x |
0.8x |
Table I: Return on capital employed
|
Description |
Unit of measure |
Half year ended | |
|
September 2026 |
September 2025 | ||
|
Operating profit (LTM) |
$m |
2,442 |
1,711 |
|
Add: |
|
|
|
|
Operating exceptional items |
$m |
19 |
16 |
|
Underlying operating profit (LTM) |
$m |
2,461 |
1,727 |
|
Equity attributable to owners of the Company |
$m |
3,276 |
2,749 |
|
Add: Put option given to minority shareholders |
$m |
509 |
530 |
|
Gross equity attributable to owners of the Company |
$m |
3,785 |
3,279 |
|
Non-controlling interests (NCI) |
$m |
340 |
335 |
|
Net debt (refer Table H1) |
$m |
5,870 |
5,512 |
|
Capital employed |
$m |
9,995 |
9,126 |
|
Average capital employed 1 |
$m |
9,561 |
8,495 |
|
Return on capital employed |
% |
25.7% |
20.3% |
(1) Average capital employed is calculated as average of capital employed at closing and opening of relevant period.
Independent review report to Airtel Africa plc
Conclusion
We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2026, which comprises the interim condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the interim condensed consolidated statement of financial position, the interim condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity, the interim condensed consolidated statement of cash flows and related notes 1 to 19.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2026 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with United Kingdom adopted International Accounting Standard 34 and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority.
Basis for conclusion
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410 “Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity” issued by the Financial Reporting Council for use in the United Kingdom (ISRE (UK) 2410). A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with United Kingdom adopted international accounting standards. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with United Kingdom adopted International Accounting Standard 34, “Interim Financial Reporting”.
Conclusion relating to going concern
Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for Conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention to suggest that the directors have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that the directors have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not appropriately disclosed.
This Conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410; however future events or conditions may cause the entity to cease to continue as a going concern.
Responsibilities of the directors
The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority.
In preparing the half-yearly financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the review of the financial information
In reviewing the half-yearly financial report, we are responsible for expressing to the company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report. Our Conclusion, including our Conclusion Relating to Going Concern, are based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for Conclusion paragraph of this report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company in accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to it in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.
Deloitte LLP
Statutory Auditor
Birmingham, United Kingdom
29 October 2026
Statement of directors’ responsibilities
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
This responsibility statement was approved by the board of directors on 29 October 2026 and is signed on its behalf by:
Sunil Taldar
Chief executive officer
Airtel Africa plc
29 October 2026
Glossary
Technical and industry terms
|
4G data customer |
A customer having a 4G handset and who has used at least 1 MB on any of the Group’s GPRS, 3G and 4G network in the last 30 days. |
|
Airtel Money (mobile money) |
Airtel Money is the brand name for Airtel Africa’s mobile money products and services. The term is used interchangeably with ‘mobile money’ when referring to our mobile money business, finance, operations and activities. |
|
Airtel Money ARPU |
Mobile money average revenue per user per month. This is derived by dividing total mobile money revenue during the relevant period by the average number of active mobile money customers and dividing the result by the number of months in the relevant period. |
|
Airtel Money customer base |
Total number of active subscribers who have enacted any mobile money usage event in last 30 days. |
|
Airtel Money customer penetration |
The proportion of total Airtel Africa active mobile customers who use mobile money services. Calculated by dividing the mobile money customer base by the Group’s total customer base. |
|
Airtel Money total processed value (TPV) |
Value of any financial transaction performed on Airtel Africa’s mobile money platform. |
|
Airtel Money TPV per customer per month |
Calculated by dividing the total mobile money transaction value on the Group’s mobile money platform during the relevant period by the average number of active mobile money customers and dividing the result by the number of months in the relevant period. |
|
Airtel Money app customers |
Total number of customers that have accessed Airtel Money segment of MyAirtel app in past 30 days |
|
Airtel Money app transacting customers |
Total number of customers that have accessed Airtel Money segment of MyAirtel app and have done any revenue generating event in past 30 days |
|
Airtime credit service |
A value-added service where the customer can take an airtime credit and continue to use our voice and data services, with the credit recovered through subsequent customer recharge. This is classified as a mobile services product (not a mobile money product). |
|
ARPU |
Average revenue per user per month. This is derived by dividing total revenue during the relevant period by the average number of customers during the period and dividing the result by the number of months in the relevant period. |
|
Capital expenditure |
An alternative performance measure (non-GAAP). Defined as investment in gross fixed assets (both tangible and intangible but excluding spectrum and licences) plus capital work in progress (CWIP), excluding provisions on CWIP for the period. |
|
Constant currency |
The Group has presented certain financial information that is calculated by translating the results at a fixed ‘constant currency’ exchange rate, which is done to measure the organic performance of the Group and represents the performance of the business in a better way. Constant currency amounts and growth rates are calculated using closing exchange rates as of 31 March 2026 for all reporting regions and service segments. |
|
Customer |
Defined as a unique active subscriber with a unique mobile telephone number who has used any of Airtel’s services in the last 30 days. |
|
Customer base |
The total number of active subscribers that have used any of our services (voice calls, SMS, data usage or mobile money transaction) in the last 30 days. |
|
Data ARPU |
Data average revenue per user per month. Data ARPU is derived by dividing total data revenue during the relevant period by the average number of data customers and dividing the result by the number of months in the relevant period. |
|
Data customer base |
The total number of subscribers who have consumed at least 1 MB on the Group’s GPRS, 3G or 4G network in the last 30 days. |
|
Data customer penetration |
The proportion of customers using data services. Calculated by dividing the data customer base by the total customer base. |
|
Data Usage |
Represents the aggregate volume of data traffic (uploads and downloads) consumed on the network across all business services, including Mobile, Enterprise, and Home Broadband (HBB), during the reporting period. |
|
Data usage per customer per month |
Calculated by dividing the total data consumed on the Group’s network during the relevant period by the average data customer base over the same period and dividing the result by the number of months in the relevant period. |
|
Digitalisation |
We use the term digitalisation in its broadest sense to encompass both digitisation actions and processes that convert analogue information into a digital form and thereby bring customers into the digital environment and the broader digitalisation processes of controlling, connecting and planning processes digitally; the processes that effect digital transformation of our business and of industry, economics and society as a whole through bringing about new business models, socio-economic structures and organisational patterns. |
|
Diluted earnings per share |
Diluted EPS is calculated by adjusting the profit for the period attributable to the shareholders and the weighted average number of shares considered for deriving basic EPS, for the effects of all the shares that could have been issued upon conversion of all dilutive potential shares. The dilutive potential shares are adjusted for the proceeds receivable had the shares actually been issued at fair value. Further, the dilutive potential shares are deemed converted as at beginning of the period, unless issued at a later date during the period. |
|
Earnings per share (EPS) |
EPS is calculated by dividing the profit for the period attributable to the owners of the company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. |
|
EBIT |
Defined as operating profit/(loss) for the period adjusted for exceptional items. |
|
Foreign exchange rate movements for non-DTA operating companies and holding companies |
Foreign exchange rate movements are specific items that are non-tax deductible in a few of our operating entities, hence these hinder a like-for-like comparison of the Group’s effective tax rate on a period-to-period basis and are therefore excluded when calculating the effective tax rate. |
|
Indefeasible Rights of Use (IRU) |
A standard long-term leasehold contractual agreement that confers upon the holder the exclusive right to use a portion of the capacity of a fibre route for a stated period. |
|
Information and communication technologies (ICT) |
ICT refers to all communication technologies, including the internet, wireless networks, cell phones, computers, software, middleware, videoconferencing, social networking and other media applications and services. |
|
Interconnect usage charges (IUC) |
Interconnect usage charges are the charges paid to the telecom operator on whose network a call is terminated. |
|
Lease liability |
Lease liability represents the present value of future lease payment obligations. |
|
Market debt |
Market debt is defined as borrowings from banks or financial institutions and debt capital market issuances in the form of bonds. |
|
Minutes of usage |
Minutes of usage refer to the duration in minutes for which customers use the Group’s network for making and receiving voice calls. It includes all incoming and outgoing call minutes, including roaming calls. |
|
Mobile services |
Mobile services are our core telecom services, mainly voice and data services, but also including revenue from tower operation services provided by the Group and excluding mobile money services. |
|
MyAirtel app customers |
Total number of customers that have accessed MyAirtel app in last 30 days. |
|
MyAirtel app total processed value (TPV) |
Value of any financial transaction performed on Airtel Africa’s MyAirtel app. |
|
Net debt |
An alternative performance measure (non-GAAP). The Group defines net debt as borrowings, including lease liabilities less cash and cash equivalents, term deposits with banks, current investments, deposits from customers in payment service bank operations, deposits given against borrowings/non-derivative financial instruments, processing costs related to borrowings and fair value hedge adjustments. |
|
Net debt to underlying EBITDA (LTM) |
An alternative performance measure (non-GAAP) Calculated by dividing net debt as at the end of the relevant period by underlying EBITDA for the preceding 12 months (from the end of the relevant period). This is also referred to as the leverage ratio. |
|
Lease-adjusted underlying EBITDA (EBITDAaL) |
An alternative performance measure (non-GAAP). Defined as operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and exceptional items, interest on lease liabilities and repayment of lease liabilities due during the relevant period. |
|
Lease-adjusted Net Debt |
An alternative performance measure (non-GAAP). The Group defines Lease-adjusted net debt as borrowings excluding lease liabilities less cash and cash equivalents, term deposits with banks, current investments, deposits from customers in payment service bank operations, deposits given against borrowings/non-derivative financial instruments, processing costs related to borrowings and fair value hedge adjustments. |
|
Lease adjusted leverage (LTM) |
An alternative performance measure (non-GAAP) Calculated by dividing Lease-adjusted net debt as at the end of the relevant period by Lease-adjusted underlying EBITDA (EBITDAaL) for the preceding 12 months (from the end of the relevant period). |
|
Mobile money – wallet services |
This includes cash-in (deposits)/cash-out (withdrawals) services for mobile money customers. |
|
Mobile money – payments and transfers |
This includes P2P money transfers, airtime and bundle recharges, utility bills and merchant payments, cash collection, corporate bulk payments and international money transfers. |
|
Mobile money – financial services |
This includes bank-to-wallet (B2W) and wallet-to-bank (W2B) transfers, lending, insurance, wealth management and savings products for mobile money customers. |
|
Mobile money – others revenue |
This relates to retention revenue received from mobile services. |
|
Net monetary gain/(loss) relating to hyperinflationary accounting |
Net monetary gain/(loss) relating to hyperinflationary accounting is computed as difference resulting from the restatement of non-monetary net assets, equity and items in the statement of comprehensive income due to application of IAS 29 hyperinflationary accounting. |
|
Network towers or ‘sites’ |
Physical network infrastructure comprising a base transmission system (BTS) which holds the radio transceivers (TRXs) that define a cell and coordinates the radio link protocols with the mobile device. It includes all ground-based, roof top and in-building solutions. |
|
Operating company (OpCo) |
Operating company (or OpCo) is a defined corporate business unit, providing telecoms services and mobile money services in the Group’s footprint. |
|
Operating free cash flow |
An alternative performance measure (non-GAAP). Calculated by subtracting capital expenditure from underlying EBITDA. |
|
Operating profit |
Operating profit is a GAAP measure of profitability. Calculated as revenue less operating expenditure (including depreciation and amortisation and operating exceptional items). |
|
Other revenue |
Other revenue includes revenues from messaging, value added services (VAS), enterprise, site sharing and handset sale revenue. |
|
Reported currency |
Our reported currency is US dollars. Accordingly, actual periodic exchange rates are used to translate the local currency financial statements of OpCos into US dollars. Under reported currency the assets and liabilities are translated into US dollars at the exchange rates prevailing at the reporting date whereas the statements of profit and loss are translated into US dollars at monthly average exchange rates. |
|
Smartphone |
A smartphone is defined as a mobile phone with an interactive touch screen that allows the user to access the internet and additional data applications, providing additional functionality to that of a basic feature phone which is used only for making voice calls and sending and receiving text messages. |
|
Smartphone penetration |
Calculated by dividing the number of smartphone devices in use by the total number of customers. For data and mobile money services smartphone penetration, it is computed by dividing the smartphone devices using these services to customers using these services. |
|
Underlying EBITDA |
An alternative performance measure (non-GAAP). Defined as operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and exceptional items. |
|
Underlying EBITDA margin |
An alternative performance measure (non-GAAP). Calculated by dividing underlying EBITDA for the relevant period by revenue for the relevant period. |
|
Unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) |
Unstructured supplementary service data (USSD), also known as "quick codes" or "feature codes", is a communications protocol for GSM mobile operators, similar to SMS messaging. It has a variety of uses such as WAP browsing, prepaid callback services, mobile-money services, location-based content services, menu-based information services and for configuring phones on the network. |
|
Voice minutes of usage per customer per month |
Calculated by dividing the total number of voice minutes of usage on the Group’s network during the relevant period by the average number of customers and dividing the result by the number of months in the relevant period. |
|
Weighted average number of shares |
The weighted average number of shares is calculated by multiplying the number of outstanding shares by the portion of the reporting period those shares covered, doing this for each portion and then summing the total. |
Abbreviations
|
2G |
Second-generation mobile technology |
|
3G |
Third-generation mobile technology |
|
4G |
Fourth-generation mobile technology |
|
5G |
Fifth-generation mobile technology |
|
ARPU |
Average revenue per user |
|
bn |
Billion |
|
bps |
Basis points |
|
B2W |
Bank to Wallet |
|
CAGR |
Compound annual growth rate |
|
Capex |
Capital expenditure |
|
CBN |
Central Bank of Nigeria |
|
CSR |
Corporate social responsibility |
|
DTA |
Deferred Tax Asset |
|
EBIT |
Earnings before interest and tax |
|
EBITDA |
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation |
|
EBITDAaL |
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation after lease payments |
|
EPS |
Earnings per share |
|
FPPP |
Financial position and prospects procedures |
|
GAAP |
Generally accepted accounting principles |
|
GB |
Gigabyte |
|
HoldCo |
Holding company |
|
IAS |
International accounting standards |
|
ICT |
Information and communication technologies |
|
ICT (Hub) |
Information communication technology (Hub) IFRS |
|
IFRS |
International financial reporting standards |
|
IMF |
International monetary fund |
|
IPO |
Initial public offering |
|
KPIs |
Key performance indicators |
|
KYC |
Know your customer |
|
LTE |
Long-term evolution (4G technology) |
|
LTM |
Last 12 months |
|
m |
Million |
|
MB |
Megabyte |
|
MI |
Minority interest (non-controlling interest) |
|
NGO |
Non-governmental organisation |
|
OpCo |
Operating company |
|
P2P |
Person to person |
|
PAYG |
Pay-as-you-go |
|
QoS |
Quality of service |
|
RAN |
Radio access network |
|
SIM |
Subscriber identification module |
|
Single RAN |
Single radio access network |
|
SMS |
Short messaging service |
|
TB |
Terabyte |
|
TPV |
Total Processed Value |
|
Telecoms |
Telecommunications |
|
UoM |
Unit of measure |
|
USSD |
Unstructured supplementary service data |
|
W2B |
Wallet to Bank |
[1] An explanation of constant currency growth is provided on page 47
The reported currency growth rates incorporate currency movements during the respective period, which are not necessarily indicative of future growth rates. For currency sensitivity see page 20.
[2] Alternative performance measures (APM) are described on page 45.
[3] Alternative performance measures (APM) are described on page 45.
[4] Alternative performance measures (APM) are described on page 45.
[5] Mobile money contribution is based upon mobile money revenue, including cross-charge revenue from mobile services which is eliminated upon consolidation.