en.Wedoany.com Reported - Airtel Africa's latest sustainability and corporate report reveals that its mobile money platform, Airtel Money, has surpassed 54 million customers, processing $196 billion in transactions during the 2025/26 fiscal year. Mobile money customer penetration rose to 29.5% in the fiscal year, meaning millions of people accessing formal financial services for the first time are now using digital savings, loans, and payments.
Individuals, families, and small businesses underserved by traditional banking systems are the primary drivers of this growth. The report notes that women account for 44.1% of mobile money customers, with digital finance increasingly enabling women's economic participation and financial independence.
In daily use, Airtel Money has become a vital tool for receiving remittances, paying school fees, accessing short-term credit, and managing household expenses. Businesses are increasingly leveraging digital payments to reduce cash handling risks and improve cash flow management.
To support business expansion, Airtel Africa deployed over 3,250 infrastructure sites during the fiscal year, bringing the total number of network sites in Africa to 40,378. The fiber optic network expanded to approximately 81,900 kilometers, and 4G population coverage in 14 markets increased to 75.6%. These investments aim to improve connectivity in urban and rural areas, expanding the reach of digital services.
The company also expanded its Airtel Money agent network to 2.4 million agents. In regions with limited formal banking infrastructure, this "last mile" channel plays a critical role in connecting underserved communities with digital finance.
Airtel Africa stated that the rapid expansion of connectivity, data services, and mobile financial solutions presents opportunities for economic transformation in sub-Saharan Africa. The company's core strategy is to continue bridging the digital and financial divides through affordable, reliable services, ensuring that every new customer and account drives broader socioeconomic development.
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