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JANUARY 5, 2026
Airtel Africa expands network investment, connecting more Zambians and supporting financial inclusion
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Continued investment in network expansion, improved data capacity and the rapid growth of Airtel Money have helped strengthen Airtel Africa’s operations across the continent, highlighting services that support millions of customers across Africa, including Zambia.
Reporting its results for the nine-months to December 31, 2025, the company said demand for mobile and internet services remained strong as more people relied on smartphones and data to stay connected, access services, run businesses and participate in the digital economy.
Airtel Africa reported that its total customer base across Africa grew to 179.4 million, with the number of customers using data services increasing to 81.8 million. Smartphone penetration across the group rose to 48 percent, reflecting continued uptake of affordable smartphones and mobile internet services.
The company said average data usage per customer also increased, supported by enhanced network investment and growing customer demand for digital services such as messaging, education content, entertainment, e-commerce and online tools.
Airtel Africa said its Airtel Money platform continues to play a growing role in improving access to financial services. During the third quarter of the year the company announced Airtel Money surpassed 50 million subscribers continent-wide, reaching 52 million, and its annualised total processed value exceeded US$200 billion, rising to over US$210 billion
The company said Airtel Money’s growth reflected stronger adoption of digital payments and a broader ecosystem of merchants, agents and partners.
Accelerated capital investment across its footprint helped the company improve coverage and capacity and deliver a better customer experience, with approximately 2,500 new network sites rolled out across Africa during the period. Its fibre network was expanded by around 4,000 kilometres, taking the total to more than 81,500+ km, while overall population coverage increased to 81.7 percent.
These upgrades support stronger and more reliable services for customers, including in areas where connectivity remains essential for social and economic development, said Airtel.
The company’s East Africa region – which includes Zambia – continued to perform well during the period, supported by increased demand for voice, data and mobile money services, and ongoing network investment.
Airtel Africa also announced a partnership with SpaceX to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across its 14 markets, subject to country-by-country regulatory approvals.
The company said the service is designed to support text messaging and limited data services in areas without terrestrial network coverage, helping to bridge the digital divide and expand connectivity to hard-to-reach communities.
Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar, said the results demonstrated continued progress against the company’s priorities of investing in connectivity, expanding financial inclusion and improving customer experience.
“Our strategic priorities remain clear: to keep investing in best-in-class connectivity, accelerate financial inclusion through our mobile money platform and deliver a great customer experience,” he said.
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About Airtel Africa
Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with operations in 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The company provides an integrated offer to its subscribers, including mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services.
About Airtel Zambia
Airtel Networks Zambia Plc is a subsidiary of Airtel Africa, a leading telecommunications and mobile money services provider with a presence in 14 countries across Africa. Airtel Africa serves more than 150 million customers through an extensive portfolio of mobile voice, data, digital and financial services.
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