Airtel Africa has revived plans to take its mobile money business public, with Airtel Money moving closer to an initial public offering (IPO) that could value the business at approximately $10 billion.
According to reports, the telecom operator has expanded its IPO advisory team by inviting additional investment banks to join the syndicate as preparations for a London Stock Exchange listing gather pace.
The IPO, initially expected in the first half of 2026, was postponed due to geopolitical tensions that disrupted global supply chains and increased operating costs. Airtel Africa had also considered listing in the Middle East but has now opted for London, with reports indicating that ongoing geopolitical uncertainties have strengthened the UK’s appeal as the preferred listing destination.
The planned public offering could raise around $1.5 billion, making it one of the largest fintech listings to emerge from Africa’s telecommunications sector.
Despite the delay, Airtel Money has maintained strong momentum. For the financial year ended March 31, 2026, the platform generated $1.36 billion in revenue, representing a 36.3% year-on-year increase in reported currency.
The mobile money platform currently serves 54.1 million customers, with the majority located in East Africa, followed by Francophone African markets and Nigeria.
The renewed IPO plans highlight the growing importance of mobile money as a major revenue driver for African telecom operators. As voice and data services become increasingly competitive, operators are expanding into digital financial services, including payments, remittances, merchant services, savings and lending.
Across the continent, telecom-backed fintech platforms such as MTN MoMo, Safaricom’s M-Pesa, Ethio Telecom’s Telebirr, and Maroc Telecom’s MT Cash continue to accelerate financial inclusion while creating new revenue streams.
If successful, Airtel Money’s public listing would reinforce investor confidence in Africa’s digital financial services market and position the business among the continent’s most valuable fintech companies.
