Airtel Money Deepens Financial Inclusion as Customer Base Surpasses 54 Million

Millions more Africans are turning to mobile money for everyday financial services. Airtel Money processed $196 billion in transactions during the 2025/26 financial year as its customer base grew beyond 54 million users.

The growth highlights the expanding role of digital financial services in connecting individuals, households and small businesses to formal financial systems, particularly in areas with limited access to traditional banking institutions.

According to Airtel Africa, mobile money penetration rose to 29.5 percent during the period, with many users accessing formal financial services for the first time. Women accounted for 44.1 percent of Airtel Money customers, reflecting growing adoption of digital platforms for savings, payments, borrowing and broader financial empowerment.

Across its markets, customers increasingly used the service for activities such as sending and receiving money, paying school fees, accessing short-term credit and managing household finances.

Businesses also relied on digital payment solutions to reduce cash-handling risks and improve efficiency in managing cash flows.

To support growing demand, Airtel Africa expanded its network infrastructure by adding more than 3,250 sites, bringing its total footprint to 40,378 sites. The company also extended its fibre network to nearly 81,900 kilometres and increased 4G population coverage to 75.6 percent across its 14 operating markets.

The telecommunications firm further strengthened last-mile access to financial services by expanding its Airtel Money agent network to 2.4 million agents. The wider distribution network has helped extend digital financial services to communities where formal banking facilities remain scarce.

The performance underscores the increasing importance of mobile money in Africa’s financial ecosystem, where digital platforms continue to bridge gaps in financial inclusion while supporting economic activity among consumers and businesses.