Nigeria Surpasses East Africa as Airtel's Second-Largest Market by Revenue Per Subscriber

In a significant development for the telecommunications sector in Nigeria, the country has emerged as Airtel Africa’s second-largest market based on revenue per subscriber. This milestone follows a substantial 41.18% increase in average revenue per user (ARPU) during the financial year ending March 2026, driven by higher telecom tariffs.

The surge in ARPU marks a turning point for Airtel Nigeria, which previously faced challenges due to currency depreciation and its impact on dollar revenues. The recent 50% tariff increase has not only boosted earnings but also restored profitability, enabling greater investment in network infrastructure.

According to the company’s financial results, revenue in Nigeria rose by 52.92% to $1.59 billion, while operating profit increased by 78.62%. The Nigerian subscriber base now stands at 58.3 million users.

The improved financial performance positions Airtel Nigeria for further expansion and innovation in the market, which is one of Africa’s most competitive telecommunications landscapes. This development underscores the growing importance of Nigeria to Airtel Africa’s overall strategy as it seeks to capitalize on mobile data growth and digital services adoption across the continent.