Airtel Africa expanded its Airtel Money agent network to 2.4 million agents across its operations in 14 African countries during the 2025/26 financial year, underscoring the growing role of mobile money in extending financial services to underserved communities across the continent.
The telecommunications and mobile money provider disclosed this in its Sustainability Report 2026, which highlights progress in connectivity, financial inclusion and environmental sustainability during the reporting period.
The increase represents a significant rise from the 1.7 million agents recorded in the previous year and reflects the company’s efforts to strengthen access to digital financial services while creating entrepreneurship and employment opportunities within local communities.
The expansion of the agent network comes amid strong growth in Airtel Money’s customer base, which climbed to more than 54 million users in 2025/26 from 44.6 million recorded a year earlier.
The company also reported that Airtel Money processed transactions worth approximately $196 billion during the year, compared with $136 billion in the preceding financial year, highlighting the increasing adoption of digital financial services across its markets.
According to the report, women accounted for 44.1 percent of Airtel Money customers during the period, reflecting the platform’s continued role in supporting broader financial inclusion across different demographic groups.
Sunil Taldar, chief executive officer of Airtel Africa, said access to financial services, connectivity and digital education is becoming increasingly critical to economic participation across Africa.
“Across Africa, access to connectivity, financial services and digital education is increasingly essential to economic opportunity. At Airtel Africa, we’re expanding access to these services for millions of people, particularly in underserved and rural communities,” Taldar said.
Beyond financial services, Airtel Africa reported continued progress in expanding digital connectivity across its footprint. Mobile network coverage increased to 81.9 percent of the population, up from 81.2 percent in the previous year, while rural population coverage rose to 73.1 percent from 72.2 percent.
The company also recorded growth in smartphone adoption among its customers, with smartphone penetration rising to 49.5 percent from 44.8 percent a year earlier. Data customer penetration similarly increased to 45.9 percent from 44.2 percent.
Usage of Airtel’s digital platforms also accelerated during the year. Transactions conducted through the MyAirtel application grew by 80 percent to $8.3 billion, while monthly active users reached 10.5 million.
As part of its social impact initiatives, Airtel Africa said it continued to support digital education through its partnership with UNICEF. The company disclosed that 3,043 schools had been connected to the internet free of charge as of March 31, 2026, compared with 2,176 schools in the previous year.
The report also highlighted progress in reducing the environmental impact of its operations. Airtel Africa converted more than 950 infrastructure sites from off-grid to on-grid power during the year, reducing dependence on diesel-powered generators.
Consequently, diesel consumption declined by 9.1 million litres, while 94 percent of total waste generated by the company was recycled, up from 93 percent recorded in the previous reporting period.
Taldar noted that sustainability remains central to Airtel Africa’s growth strategy, adding that investments in energy efficiency and reduced reliance on diesel are helping to improve operational resilience while supporting long-term sustainable development objectives.
