Key facts
- Airtel Money will list on the London Stock Exchange in the second half of 2026.
- The mobile money business is expected to be valued at around $10 billion.
- Airtel Africa plans to raise approximately $1.5 billion through the IPO.
- Airtel Money serves 56.5 million active users in 14 countries.
- The platform processed $61.4 billion in transactions in the latest quarter.
- Airtel Money's revenue was nearly $404 million in the latest quarter.
Airtel Africa has selected London as the venue for the initial public offering of its mobile money division, Airtel Money, with the listing anticipated in the latter half of 2026. The move is intended to unlock the value of the rapidly growing fintech platform and provide access to a wider international investor base.
The company considered other listing locations but ultimately chose London due to rising geopolitical tensions and increased costs associated with the Iran conflict. The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is seen as offering stronger access to global institutional investors and a well-established market for significant international listings.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar stated that a London listing would "provide access to a broad international investor base and support our ambition to unlock the long-term value of one of Africa's leading fintech platforms."
Airtel Money has experienced substantial growth across Africa, currently serving 56.5 million active users in 14 countries. In the most recent quarter, the platform facilitated $61.4 billion in transactions and generated nearly $404 million in revenue, with EBITDA reaching $198 million. While East Africa is its largest market, the company is observing increased adoption in Francophone Africa and Nigeria as digital payments gain traction.
Despite the strong performance of its fintech arm, Airtel Africa noted that overall profit margins might face short-term pressure due to increased operating expenses from higher energy and logistics costs, influenced by the Iran conflict. However, the telecom group reported growth in first-quarter revenue and profits, supported by demand for mobile services, digital technologies, AI, and favorable currency movements.