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Strong fundamentals and focussed execution continue to support operating performance despite challenging macro-economic environment
Operating highlights
Total customer base grew by 8.6% to 155.4 million.
Data customer penetration continues to rise, driving a 13.4% increase in data customers to 64.4 million. Data usage per customer increased by 25.1% to 6.2 GBs, with smartphone penetration increasing 4.7% to reach 41.7%.
Mobile money subscriber growth of 14.9% reflects our continued investment into distribution to support increased financial inclusion across our markets. Transaction value increased by 28.7% in constant currency with annualised transaction value of $120bn in reported currency.
Data ARPU growth of 9.6% and mobile money ARPU growth of 8.8% in constant currency continued to support overall ARPU’s which increased 9.3% YoY.
Customer experience remains core to our strategy with sustained network investment driving increased capacity and coverage.
Data capacity across our network has increased by 33% with the rollout of almost 3,000 sites and over 5,600 kms of fibre.
Launched a comprehensive cost efficiency programme to identify specific cost reduction initiatives across the Group.
Steps taken include the optimisation of network utilisation and design, introducing energy saving initiatives to reduce network costs and the renegotiation of key contracts, whilst ensuring future growth ambitions remain protected. We anticipate the full benefit of this programme to accrue over the year ahead.
Financial performance
Revenue in constant currency grew by 19.0% in Q1’25, driven by 33.4% growth in Nigeria and 22.3% growth in East Africa, respectively. Reported currency revenues declined by 16.1% to $1,156m reflecting the impact of currency devaluation, particularly in Nigeria. Across the Group mobile services revenue grew by 17.4% and Mobile Money revenue grew by 28.4% in constant currency.
A substantial increase in fuel prices across our markets and the lower contribution of Nigeria to the Group after the naira devaluation contributed to a decline in EBITDA margins to 45.3% from 49.5% in Q1’24 and 46.5% in Q4’24. However, constant currency EBITDA increased 11.3% whilst reported currency EBITDA declined by 23.3% to $523m.
Profit after tax of $31m was impacted by $80m of exceptional derivative and foreign exchange losses (net of tax), arising from the further depreciation in the Nigerian naira during the quarter.
The translation impact of currency devaluation on reported currency results was the primary driver of EPS before exceptional items declining from 3.9 cents in the prior period to 2.3 cents. Basic EPS of 0.2 cents compares to negative (4.5 cents) in the prior period, predominantly reflecting the $471m of exceptional derivative and foreign exchange losses in the prior period, compared to $122m in the current period.
Capital allocation
Capex at $147m was 4.9% higher compared to prior period. Capex guidance for the full year remains between $725m and $750m as we continue to invest for future growth.
In line with our plan, we now have zero HoldCo debt following the full repayment of the $550m bond in May 2024. In total, 86% of our market debt is now in local currency, having paid down $828m of foreign currency debt over the last year.
Leverage of 1.6x on 30 June 2024 compares to 1.3x in the prior period. Of the 0.3x increase, 0.2x was due to the decrease in reported currency EBITDA, with the balance due to an increase in lease liabilities.
The $100m share buyback continues, with 21m shares purchased for a consideration of $29m as at the end of June 2024.
Sustainability strategy
The Sustainability Report for 2024 was published in June, updating on the Group’s progress against its sustainability goals, continued contribution to the UN SDGs and commitment to sustainability which underpins the Group’s business strategy.
Sunil Taldar, Chief executive officer, on the trading update:
“The continued revenue growth momentum once again reflects the resilient demand for our services, with sustained growth in our customer base and usage. Our superior execution enables us to capture these opportunities, whilst retaining our reputation as a cost leader across the industry.
Having visited most of our OpCos since I joined Airtel Africa, I am encouraged by the scale of the opportunity available across our markets in both the GSM and mobile money business. A key priority for us is to look for new opportunities to further grow our business especially in the enterprise, fibre and data centre businesses across our footprint in Africa.
before taxProfit before tax at $74m during the quarter ended 30 June 2024 was largely impacted by the $136m derivative and foreign exchange losses as discussed above and lower EBITDA due to significant currency devaluation across key markets.TaxationTotal tax charges were $43m as compared to a $70m credit in the prior period. Total tax charges in the current period reflected an exceptional gain of $42m and $154m in the prior period following the Nigerian naira devaluation.
Tax charges excluding exceptional items were $85m compared to $84m in the prior period.Tax charge of $43m during the quarter ended 30 June 2024, on a profit before tax of $74m was largely due to profit mix between various OpCo’s and withholding taxes.Profit/(Loss) after taxProfit after tax of $31m during the quarter ended 30 June 2024 was primarily impacted by the $80m of exceptional derivative and foreign exchange losses (net of tax) and lower EBITDA due to significant currency devaluation across key markets.
Basic EPS
Basic EPS at 0.2 cents during the quarter ended 30 June 2024 was impacted by the exceptional derivative and foreign exchange losses as explained above. EPS before exceptional items and derivative and foreign exchange losses for the quarter ended 30 June 2024 was 2.6 cents as compared to 5.9 cents in the prior period, reflecting the impact of significant currency devaluation across key markets on EBITDA.
Leverage
Leverage increased from 1.3x in the prior period to 1.6x as on 30 June 2024. Of the 0.3x increase, 0.2x was due to the decrease in reported currency EBITDA following the naira devaluation, with the remaining increase due to an increase in lease liabilities. In May 2024, we fully repaid the remaining $550m debt due at the HoldCo level. As of 30 June 2024, 86% of our OpCo debt is in local currency compared to 68% a year ago.
GAAP measures
Revenue
Reported revenue of $1,156m, declined by 16.1% in reported currency, and grew by 19.0% in constant currency driven by both customer base growth of 8.6% and ARPU growth of 9.3%. The gap between constant currency and reported currency revenue growth was due to the average currency devaluations between the periods, mainly in the Nigerian naira, the Malawian kwacha, the Zambian kwacha, and the Tanzanian shilling partially offset by an appreciation in the Kenya shilling.
Reported mobile services revenue at $986m, declined 19.4%, and grew by 17.4% in constant currency. Mobile money revenue grew by 10.1% in reported currency. In constant currency, mobile money revenue grew by 28.4%, driven by revenue growth in East Africa of 31.7% and Francophone Africa of 18.4%.
Operating profit
Operating profit in reported currency declined by 27.4% to $335m as currency headwinds offset the 6.8% growth of operating profit in constant currency.
Total finance costs
Total finance costs of $261m for the quarter ended 30 June 2024, was lower by $422m over the prior period. Current and prior period finance costs were primarily impacted by $122m and $471m of exceptional derivative and foreign exchange losses respectively, following the significant currency devaluation in Nigeria. Excluding exceptional items, finance cost was lower by $73m primarily on account of lower derivative and foreign exchange losses, partially offset by higher interest on market debt due to the ongoing shift of foreign currency debt to local currency debt in the operating entities carrying a higher average interest rate, and higher interest on lease liabilities.
The Group’s effective interest rate increased to 12.7% compared to 8.5% in the prior period, largely driven by higher local currency debt at the OpCo level, in line with our strategy of localising debt at OpCo, and the repayment of $550m of HoldCo debt which carried a lower than average interest rate.
Taxation
Total tax charges of $43m as compared to credit of $70m in the prior period. Total tax charges in the current period reflected an exceptional gain of $42m and $154m in the prior period on account of the Nigerian naira devaluation. Tax charges excluding exceptional items were $85m compared to $84m in the prior period.
Basic EPS
Basic EPS at 0.2 cents during the quarter ended 30 June 2024 was impacted by the derivative and foreign exchange losses as explained above.
Net cash generated from operating activities
Net cash generated from operating activities was $414m, lower by 28.7% as compared to $580m in the prior period.
Alternative performance measures
EBITDA
EBITDA of $523m, declined by 23.3% in reported currency, and increased by 11.3% in constant currency. Growth in constant currency EBITDA was led by revenue growth and supported by continued improvement in operating efficiencies offset by the impact that inflationary cost pressures in a number of markets. The EBITDA margin declined by 424 basis points in reported currency to 45.3% reflecting the impact of lower contribution of Nigeria post significant naira devaluation and inflationary cost pressures.
The gap between constant currency and reported currency EBITDA growth was due to the currency devaluations between the periods, mainly in the Nigerian naira, the Malawian kwacha, the Zambian kwacha, and the Tanzanian shilling partially offset by an appreciation in the Kenyan shilling.
Tax
The effective tax rate was 39.4%, compared to 39.2% in the prior period. The effective tax rate is higher than the weighted average statutory corporate tax rate of approximately 32%, largely due to the profit mix between various OpCos and withholding taxes on dividends by subsidiaries.
Exceptional items
The exceptional item of $122m in the current period and $471m in the prior period relates to derivative and foreign exchange losses following the devaluation of the Nigerian naira. These losses resulted in an exceptional tax gain of $42m and $154m respectively.
EPS before exceptional items
EPS before exceptional items of 2.3 cents as compared to 3.9 cents in the prior period was primarily impacted by the significant currency headwinds impacting reported currency results. EPS before exceptional items and derivative and foreign exchange losses was 2.6 cents compared to 5.9 cents in the prior period.
Operating free cash flow
Operating free cash flow was $376m, lower by 30.6%, as a result of lower EBITDA and higher capex in current period.
Other significant updates
Repayment of remaining $550m bond achieving a zero-debt position at HoldCo
On 20 May 2024, the Company announced that it has repaid in full the 5.35% Guaranteed Senior Notes maturing in May 2024. This bond repayment of $550m was made exclusively out of the cash reserves at the HoldCo and is a continuation of its strategy to reduce external foreign currency debt.
At the time of the IPO in June 2019, the Group had $2,719m of external debt at HoldCo which resulted in significant exposure to currency fluctuations and the reliance on upstreaming funds to cover both interest costs and the principal repayment. Through a consistent execution of its strategy supporting strong free cash flow generation, and continued upstreaming success, the Group has been reducing Holdco debt over the past few years and has now reached the significant milestone of a zero-debt position at HoldCo.
The current leverage and capital structure is a reflection of the Group’s successful capital allocation strategy that has been in place since our IPO, and it will aim to continue reducing foreign currency debt obligations across its OpCo’s.
Update on share buy-back programme
On 1 February 2024, the Company announced that in light of the increase in HoldCo cash, current leverage and the consistent strong operating cash generation, the Board intended to launch a share buy-back programme of up to $100m, over a 12-month period.
On 1 March 2024, Airtel Africa plc announced the commencement of its share buyback programme. As at the end of June 2024, the Company has purchased 21 million shares for a total consideration of $29m.
Directorate changes
On 9 May 2024, Airtel Africa plc announced the appointment of Paul Arkwright, CMG, as an independent non-executive director of the Company, with immediate effect.
On 3 July 2024, following the conclusion of the AGM, John Danilovich retired as an independent non-executive director of Airtel Africa plc.
Retirement of Airtel Africa plc CEO and appointment of Successor
On 2 January 2024, Airtel Africa plc announced the retirement of Chief Executive Officer Olusegun “Segun” Ogunsanya and the appointment of Sunil Taldar, who joined Airtel Africa in October 2023 as Director – Transformation, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Following a transition period, Sunil Taldar has been appointed to the Board as an Executive Director and has assumed the role of CEO on 1 July 2024, at which time Segun retired from the Board and the Company. Following his retirement from Airtel Africa, Segun will be available to advise the Chairman, the Airtel Africa Board and Chief Executive Officer for a 12-month period and appointed as Airtel Africa Charitable Foundation’s inaugural Chair.
Nigerian Communications Commission directive on subscriber registration compliance
In December 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) informed Airtel Nigeria, in an industry-wide directive, to undertake full network barring of all SIMs that have failed to submit their National Identity Numbers (NIN) on or before 28 February 2024. Likewise, customers that have submitted their NINs, but remain unverified are to be barred by 31 July 2024 (earlier deadline was 15 April 2024). Furthermore, guidelines were issued whereby no customer can have more than 4 active SIMs and all such excess SIMs must be barred by 29 March 2024. This directive is part of the ongoing Federal Government NIN-SIM harmonisation exercise requiring all subscribers to provide valid NIN information to update SIM registration records.
Airtel Nigeria has complied with the directives issued and barred all customers without NINs as well as customers with more than 4 active SIMs which had a very negligible impact on revenue. Since the directive was issued in December 2023, 8.7m customers have already been verified. Currently we are engaging with approximately 4.9m customers whose NINs are yet to be verified, with approximately $3m-$4m of monthly revenue at risk. We continue to engage with the NCC and work closely with the relevant authorities to facilitate and accelerate the verification process to minimise the risk of service disruption to these customers, whilst also limiting the revenue impact from our compliance to the directive issued.
Chad License Renewal
In July 2024, Airtel Tchad S.A (“Airtel Tchad”), a subsidiary of the Group was issued with a National Telecom Operator licence for 2G/3G and 4G network. This licence renewal is with effect from April 2024 and is for a period of 10 years for a gross consideration of CFA54bn (approximately $90m).
Information on additional KPIs
An investor relations pack with information on the additional KPIs and balance sheet is available to download on our website at airtel.africa/investors
Financial review for the quarter ended 30 June 2024
Nigeria – Mobile services
Description
Unit of
measure
Quarter ended
Jun-24
Jun-23
Reported
currency
change
Constant
currency
change
Summarised statement of operations
Revenue
$m
256
528
(51.6%)
33.2%
Voice revenue 1
$m
112
254
(55.8%)
21.6%
Data revenue
$m
117
228
(48.6%)
41.3%
Other revenue 2
$m
27
46
(42.8%)
56.9%
EBITDA
$m
123
284
(56.5%)
19.3%
EBITDA margin
%
48.2%
53.7%
(549) bps
(565) bps
Depreciation and amortisation
$m
(49)
(90)
(45.9%)
46.5%
Operating profit
$m
83
182
(54.2%)
29.5%
Capex
$m
38
47
(19.6%)
(19.6%)
Operating free cash flow
$m
85
237
(63.9%)
48.7%
Operating KPIs
Total customer base
million
50.4
48.2
4.6%
Data customer base
million
26.3
23.7
11.2%
Mobile services ARPU
$
1.7
3.6
(53.7%)
27.4%
Voice revenue includes inter-segment revenue of $0.3m in the quarter ended 30 June 2024 and in the prior period. Excluding inter-segment revenue, voice revenue was $112m in quarter ended 30 June 2024 and $254m in the prior period.
Other revenue includes inter-segment revenue of $0.5m in the quarter ended 30 June 2024 and in the prior period. Excluding inter-segment revenue, other revenue was $26m in quarter ended 30 June 2024 and $46m in the prior period.
Revenue grew by 33.2% in constant currency, largely driven by continued strength in the demand for data services across the country. In reported currency, revenues declined by 51.6% to $256m on account of the significant devaluation of the Nigerian naira. The constant currency revenue growth was driven by both customer base growth of 4.6% and ARPU growth of 27.4%. Customer base growth was negatively impacted by barring of customers pursuant to KYC directives by the regulator in Q4’24.
Voice revenue grew by 21.6% in constant currency, driven by both customer base growth of 4.6% and voice ARPU growth of 16.3%.
Data revenue grew by 41.3% in constant currency, as a function of both data customer and data ARPU growth of 11.2% and 25.2%, respectively. Data usage per customer increased by 28.6% to 7.3 GB per month (from 5.7 GB in the prior period). Our continued 4G network rollout has resulted in nearly 100% of all our sites delivering 4G services.
Other revenues grew by 56.9% in constant currency, contributed by growth in messaging and value-added services coupled with 47.5% growth in leased line revenue.
EBITDA of $123m declined by 56.5% in reported currency but increased by 19.3% in constant currency. The EBITDA margin declined by 549 basis points to 48.2% reflecting the continued inflationary pressures across the business, particularly from the increase in diesel prices. Average diesel prices in Nigeria increased by over 70% compared to the prior period.
Operating free cash flow was $85m, up by 48.7% in constant currency, largely due to the EBITDA growth while in reported currency, operating free cash flow declined by 63.9% due to lower EBITDA on account of significant naira devaluation.
East Africa – Mobile services 1
Description
Unit of
measure
Quarter ended
Jun-24
Jun-23
Reported
currency
change
Constant
currency
change
Summarised statement of operations
Revenue
$m
423
397
6.5%
19.7%
Voice revenue 2
$m
210
212
(0.6%)
12.4%
Data revenue
$m
170
151
12.3%
25.7%
Other revenue 3
$m
43
34
23.5%
38.2%
EBITDA
$m
198
195
1.3%
14.5%
EBITDA margin
%
46.7%
49.1%
(240) bps
(215) bps
Depreciation and amortisation
$m
(76)
(74)
3.7%
12.4%
Operating profit
$m
108
111
(3.0%)
13.7%
Capex
$m
77
54
43.3%
43.3%
Operating free cash flow
$m
121
141
(14.6%)
1.3%
Operating KPIs
Total customer base
million
72.0
65.0
10.8%
Data customer base
million
27.4
23.9
14.6%
Mobile services ARPU
$
2.0
2.1
(4.2%)
7.7%
The East Africa business region includes Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Voice revenue includes inter-segment revenue of $0.1m in the quarter ended 30 June 2024 and $0.2m in the prior period. Excluding inter-segment revenue, voice revenue was $210m in quarter ended 30 June 2024 and $211m in the prior period.
Other revenue includes inter-segment revenue of $3m in the quarter ended 30 June 2024 and $2m in the prior period. Excluding inter-segment revenue, other revenue was $40m in quarter ended 30 June 2024 and $32m in the prior period.
East Africa revenue grew by 6.5% in reported currency to $423m, and by 19.7% in constant currency. The constant currency growth was made up of voice revenue growth of 12.4%, data revenue growth of 25.7% and other revenue growth of 38.2%.
Voice revenues were supported by both customer base growth of 10.8% and voice ARPU growth of 1.2%. The customer base growth was largely driven by expansion of both increased network coverage and the increasing scale of the distribution network. Voice ARPU’s were impacted by the interconnect rate reduction in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Data customer base growth of 14.6% and data ARPU growth of 7.1% drove the strong performance in data revenues. Our continued investment in the network and expansion of 4G network infrastructure resulted in 97.6% of our East Africa network sites on 4G, compared to 90.4% in the prior period. Furthermore, 871 sites are 5G enabled in four markets. In Q1’25, total data usage per customer increased to 5.5 GB per customer per month, up by 22.2%.
EBITDA increased to $198m, up by 1.3% in reported currency and up by 14.5% in constant currency. EBITDA margin at 46.7%, declined by 240 basis points as a result of rising fuel prices in several of our key markets.
Operating free cash flow was $121m, up by 1.3% in constant currency, due largely to EBITDA growth, partially offset by increased capex.
The differential in growth rates (between constant currency and reported currency) is primarily contributed by the devaluation in the Zambian kwacha, the Malawian kwacha, and the Tanzanian shilling, partially offset by the Kenyan shilling appreciation.
Francophone Africa – Mobile services 1
Description
Unit of
measure
Quarter ended
Jun-24
Jun-23
Reported
currency
change
Constant
currency
change
Summarised statement of operations
Revenue
$m
307
299
2.9%
3.6%
Voice revenue 2
$m
154
158
(2.4%)
(1.7%)
Data revenue
$m
122
107
14.3%
15.2%
Other revenue 3
$m
31
34
(9.0%)
(8.5%)
EBITDA
$m
114
131
(12.7%)
(12.2%)
EBITDA margin
%
37.1%
43.8%
(666) bps
(666) bps
Depreciation and amortisation
$m
(55)
(50)
10.2%
11.0%
Operating profit
$m
46
69
(33.6%)
(33.2%)
Capex
$m
23
31
(25.1%)
(25.1%)
Operating free cash flow
$m
91
100
(8.9%)
(8.1%)
Operating KPIs
Total customer base
million
32.9
29.8
10.3%
Data customer base
million
10.7
9.2
16.0%
Mobile services ARPU
$
3.1
3.4
(7.4%)
(6.8%)
(1) The Francophone Africa business region includes Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Madagascar, Niger, Republic of the Congo, and Seychelles.
Voice revenue includes inter-segment revenue of $1m in the quarter ended 30 June 2023. Excluding inter-segment revenue, voice revenue was $157m in the quarter ended 30 June 2023.
Other revenue includes inter-segment revenue of $1m in the quarter ended 30 June 2024 and in the prior period. Excluding inter-segment revenue, other revenue was $30m in quarter ended 30 June 2024 and $33m in the prior period.
Revenue grew by 2.9% in reported currency and by 3.6% in constant currency. Slowdown in revenue growth is mainly due to high inflation in key markets impacting consumer spend, although customer growth remained robust across the region.
Voice revenue declined by 1.7% in constant currency, as customer base growth of 10.3% was more than offset by a decline in voice ARPU. Voice ARPU was negatively impacted by an interconnect rate reduction in Congo B and Niger while the customer base growth was supported by the expansion of both network coverage and distribution infrastructure.
Data revenue grew by 15.2% in constant currency, supported by customer base growth of 16.0%. Our continued 4G network rollout resulted in an increase in total data usage of 44.4% and per customer data usage increase of 23.2%. Data usage per customer increased to 4.8 GB per month (up from 3.9 GB in the prior period).
EBITDA at $114m, declined by 12.7% and 12.2% in reported and constant currency, respectively. The EBITDA margin declined to 37.1%, a decline of 666 basis points, impacted by an increase in fixed frequency fees in a key market, rising energy costs combined with a slowdown in revenue growth in key markets.
Operating free cash flow was $91m, declined by 8.1% in constant currency, due to the decline in EBITDA, partially offset by lower capex.
Mobile services
Description
Unit of measure
Quarter ended
Jun-24
Jun-23
Reported
currency
change
Constant
currency
change
Summarised statement of operations
Revenue (1)
$m
986
1,223
(19.4%)
17.4%
Voice revenue
$m
476
621
(23.4%)
9.5%
Data revenue
$m
409
486
(15.8%)
26.4%
Other revenue
$m
101
116
(12.4%)
23.1%
EBITDA
$m
438
610
(28.2%)
7.7%
EBITDA margin
%
44.4%
49.9%
(547) bps
(399) bps
Depreciation and amortisation
$m
(180)
(214)
(15.6%)
19.8%
Operating profit
$m
240
363
(33.8%)
5.1%
Capex
$m
138
132
4.6%
4.6%
Operating free cash flow
$m
300
478
(37.3%)
9.2%
Operating KPIs
Mobile voice
Customer base
million
155.4
143.1
8.6%
Voice ARPU
$
1.0
1.5
(29.7%)
0.6%
Mobile data
Data customer base
million
64.4
56.8
13.4%
Data ARPU
$
2.1
2.9
(27.0%)
9.6%
Mobile service revenue after inter-segment eliminations was $985m in the quarter ended 30 June 2024 and $1,221m in the prior period.
Overall revenue from mobile services declined by 19.4% in reported currency with growth of 17.4% in constant currency. The constant currency growth was evident across all regions and services. Mobile services revenue grew in Nigeria by 33.2%, in East Africa by 19.7% and in Francophone Africa by 3.6%, respectively.
Voice revenue grew by 9.5% in constant currency, was supported primarily by the continued growth in the customer base as we continue to invest in our network and enhance our distribution infrastructure. The voice ARPU growth of 0.6% was supported by an increase in voice usage per customer of 3.0%, reaching 290 minutes per customer per month, with total minutes on the network increasing by 12.2%.
Data revenue grew by 26.4% in constant currency, driven by both customer base growth of 13.4% and data ARPU growth of 9.6%. The customer base growth was recorded across all the regions supported by the expansion of our 4G network. 95.8% of our total sites are now on 4G, compared with 90.6% in the prior period. 5G is operational across five countries, with 1,106 sites deployed. Data usage per customer increased to 6.2 GB per customer per month (from 4.9 GB in the prior period). Data revenue contributed to 41.5% of total mobile services revenue, up from 39.7% in the prior period.
EBITDA was $438m, down 28.2% in reported currency, and up by 7.7% in constant currency. The EBITDA margin declined by 547 basis points to 44.4%, a decline of 399 basis points in constant currency, due largely to higher inflationary pressures on the cost base.
Operating free cash flow was $300m, up by 9.2% in constant currency, due to the increased EBITDA, partially offset by higher capex.
Mobile money
Description
Unit of measure
Quarter ended
Jun-24
Jun-23
Reported
currency
change
Constant
currency
change
Summarised statement of operations
Revenue (1)
$m
222
201
10.1%
28.4%
Nigeria
$m
1
0
–
East Africa
$m
167
155
7.7%
31.7%
Francophone Africa
$m
54
46
17.8%
18.4%
EBITDA
$m
118
103
15.0%
34.0%
EBITDA margin
%
53.5%
51.2%
229 bps
223 bps
Depreciation and amortisation
$m
(5)
(5)
0.6%
23.9%
Operating profit
$m
111
95
16.8%
35.4%
Capex
$m
4
4
17.0%
17.0%
Operating free cash flow
$m
114
99
15.0%
34.7%
Operating KPIs
Mobile money customer base
million
39.5
34.3
14.9%
Transaction value
$bn
30.0
26.8
12.0%
28.7%
Mobile money ARPU
$
1.9
2.0
(6.7%)
8.8%
(1) Mobile money service revenue post inter-segment eliminations with mobile services was $171m in the quarter ended 30 June 2024 and $156m in the prior year.
Mobile money revenue grew by 10.1% in reported currency, with constant currency growth of 28.4%. The constant currency mobile money revenue growth was driven by revenue growth in both East Africa and Francophone Africa of 31.7% and 18.4%, respectively. In Nigeria, we continue to focus on customer acquisitions with 1 million of active customers registered for mobile money services at the end of June 2024. Additionally, we added almost 125,000 agents during the year reaching over 192,000 agents as of 30 June 2024.
The constant currency revenue growth of 28.4% was driven by both our customer base growth of 14.9% and mobile money ARPU growth of 8.8%. The expansion of our distribution network, particularly our exclusive channels of Airtel Money branches and kiosks, supported customer base growth of 14.9%. The mobile money ARPU growth of 8.8% was driven by transaction value per customer growth of 9.0% in constant currency, to $258 per customer per month.
Annualised transaction value amounted to over $120bn in reported currency, with mobile money revenue contributing 19.2% of total Group revenue during the quarter ended 30 June 2024 as compared to 14.6% in the prior period.
EBITDA was $118m, up by 15.0% and 34.0% in reported and constant currency, respectively. The EBITDA margin reached 53.5%, an improvement of 223 basis points in constant currency and 229 basis points in reported currency, driven by continued operating leverage.
The differential in growth rates (between constant currency and reported currency) is primarily as the result of devaluation in the Zambian kwacha, the Malawi kwacha, and the Tanzanian shilling.
Regional performance
Nigeria
Description
Unit of measure
Quarter ended
Jun-24
Jun-23
Reported
currency
change
Constant
currency
change
Revenue
$m
256
528
(51.5%)
33.4%
Voice revenue
$m
112
254
(55.8%)
21.6%
Data revenue
$m
117
228
(48.6%)
41.3%
Mobile money revenue
$m
1
0
–
Other revenue
$m
26
46
(43.4%)
57.0%
EBITDA
$m
123
281
(56.4%)
19.6%
EBITDA margin
%
47.8%
53.2%
(536) bps
(551) bps
Operating KPIs
ARPU
$
1.7
3.6
(53.7%)
27.6%
East Africa
Description
Unit of measure
Quarter ended
Jun-24
Jun-23
Reported
currency
change
Constant
currency
change
Revenue
$m
554
519
6.6%
22.3%
Voice revenue
$m
210
212
(0.6%)
12.4%
Data revenue
$m
170
151
12.3%
25.7%
Mobile money revenue
$m
167
155
7.7%
31.7%
Other revenue
$m
41
33
23.0%
38.4%
EBITDA
$m
289
279
3.6%
20.3%
EBITDA margin
%
52.2%
53.7%
(149) bps
(89) bps
Operating KPIs
ARPU
$
2.6
2.7
(4.1%)
10.1%
Francophone Africa
Description
Unit of measure
Quarter ended
Jun-24
Jun-23
Reported
currency
change
Constant
currency
change
Revenue
$m
345
330
4.5%
5.2%
Voice revenue
$m
154
158
(2.4%)
(1.7%)
Data revenue
$m
122
107
14.3%
15.2%
Mobile money revenue
$m
54
46
17.8%
18.4%
Other revenue
$m
30
33
(9.3%)
(8.8%)
EBITDA
$m
144
155
(7.2%)
(6.6%)
EBITDA margin
%
41.8%
47.0%
(527) bps
(528) bps
Operating KPIs
ARPU
$
3.5
3.8
(6.0%)
(5.4%)
Consolidated performance
Description
UoM
Quarter ended- June 2024
Quarter ended- June 2023
Mobile services
Mobile money
Unallocated
Eliminations
Total
Mobile services
Mobile money
Unallocated
Eliminations
Total
Revenue
$m
986
222
(52)
1,156
1,223
201
(47)
1,377
Voice revenue
$m
476
–
476
621
–
621
Data revenue
$m
409
–
409
486
–
486
Other revenue
$m
101
–
(1)
100
116
–
(2)
114
EBITDA
$m
438
118
(33)
523
610
103
(31)
682
EBITDA margin
%
44.4%
53.5%
45.3%
49.9%
51.2%
49.5%
Depreciation and amortisation
$m
(180)
(5)
(3)
(188)
(214)
(5)
(1)
(220)
Operating profit
$m
240
111
(16)
335
363
95
4
462
Risk factors
The Group’s business and industry in which it operates together with all other information contained in this document, including, in particular, the risk factors summarised below. Additional risks and uncertainties relating to the Group that are currently unknown to the Group, or those the Group currently deems immaterial, may, individually or cumulatively, also have a material adverse impact on the Group’s business, results of operations and financial position.
Summary of principal risks
The Group continually monitors its external and internal environment to identify risks which have the ability to impact its operations or the achievement of its objectives.
We operate in a competitive environment with the potential for aggressive competition by existing players, or the entry of new players, which could both put a downward pressure on prices, adversely affecting our revenue and profitability.
Failure to innovate through simplifying the customer experience, developing adequate digital touchpoints in line with changing customer needs and competitive landscape could lead to loss of customers and market share.
Global geopolitical and regional tensions have the potential to impact our business directly and indirectly due to the interconnectedness of the global supply chain. Relatedly, adverse macroeconomic conditions such as rising inflation and increased cost of living not only puts pressure on the disposable income of our customers but also increases the cost of inputs for our business negatively impacting sales and profitability.
Cybersecurity threats through internal or external sabotage or system vulnerabilities could potentially result in customer data breaches and/or service downtimes.
Adverse changes in our external business environment and macro-economic conditions such as supply chain disruptions, increase in global commodity prices and inflationary pressures could lead to a significant increase in our operating cost structure while also negatively impacting the disposable income of consumers. These adverse economic conditions therefore not only put pressure on our profitability but also on customer usage for our services.
Shortages of skilled telecommunications professionals in some markets and the inability to identify and develop successors for key leadership positions could both lead to disruptions in the execution of our corporate strategy.
Our internal control environment is subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate due to changes in internal or external conditions, new accounting requirements, delays, or inaccuracies in reporting.
Our ability to provide quality of service to our customers and meet quality of service (QoS) requirements depends on the robustness and resilience of our technology stack and ecosystem encompassing hardware, software, products, services, and applications and our ability to respond appropriately to any disruptions. However, telecommunications networks are subject to the risks of technical failures, aging infrastructure, human error, wilful acts of destruction or natural disasters.
We operate in a diverse and dynamic legal, tax and regulatory environment. Adverse changes in the political, macro-economic and policy environment could have a negative impact on our ability to achieve our strategy. While the group makes every effort to comply with its legal and regulatory obligations in all its operating jurisdictions in line with the group’s risk appetite, we are however continually faced with an uncertain and constantly evolving legal, regulatory, and policy environment in some of the markets where we operate.
Our multinational footprint means we are constantly exposed to the risk of adverse currency fluctuations and the macroeconomic conditions in the markets where we operate. We derive revenue and incur costs in local currencies where we operate, but we also incur costs in foreign currencies, mainly from buying equipment and services from manufacturers and technology service providers. That means adverse movements in exchange rates between the currencies in our OpCos and the US dollar could have a negative effect on our liquidity and financial condition. In some markets, we face instances of limited supply of foreign currency within the local monetary system. This not only constrains our ability to fully benefit at Group level from strong cash generation by those OpCos but also impacts our ability to make timely foreign currency payments to our international suppliers.
Given the severity of this risk, specifically in some of our OpCos, the Group management continuously monitors the potential impact of this risk of exchange rate fluctuations based on the following methodology:
Comparing the average devaluation of each currency in the markets in which the Group operates against US dollar on 3-year and 5-year historic basis and onshore forward exchange rates over a 1-year period.
If either of the above devaluation is higher than 5% per annum, management selects the highest of these exchange rates.
Management then uses this exchange rate to monitor the potential impact of using such rate on the Group’s income statement so that the Group can actively monitor and assess the impact on the Group’s financials due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Additionally, for our Nigerian operations, management uses different sensitivity analysis for scenario planning purposes which includes the recent impact of the naira devaluation.
With respect to currency devaluation sensitivity going forward, on a 12-month basis assuming that the USD appreciation occurs at the beginning of the period, a further 1% USD appreciation across all currencies in our OpCos would have a negative impact of $43m – $45m on revenues, $20m – $21m on EBITDA and $19m – $21m on foreign exchange loss (excluding derivatives). Our largest exposure is to the Nigerian naira, for which on a similar basis, a further 1% USD appreciation would have a negative impact of $9m – $10m on revenues, $4m – $5m on EBITDA and $8m – $9m on foreign exchange loss (excluding derivatives).
This does not represent any guidance and is being used solely to illustrate the potential impact of further currency devaluation on the Group for the purpose of exchange rate risk management. The accounting under IFRS is based on exchange rates in line with the requirements of IAS 21 ‘The Effect of Changes in Foreign Exchange’ and does not factor in the devaluation mentioned above.
Based on above-mentioned specific methodology for the identified OpCos, management evaluates specific mitigation actions based on available mechanisms in each of the geographies. For further details on such mitigation action, refer to the risk section of the Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24.
Forward looking statements
This document contains certain forward-looking statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, amongst other things, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the economic and business circumstances occurring from time to time in the countries and markets in which the Group operates.
These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “could,” “may,” “would,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “positioned,” “strategy,” “outlook”, “target” and similar expressions.
It is believed that the expectations reflected in this document are reasonable, but they may be affected by a wide range of variables that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated.
All such forward-looking statements involve estimates and assumptions that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual future financial condition, performance and results to differ materially from the plans, goals, expectations and results expressed in the forward-looking statements and other financial and/or statistical data within this communication.
Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are uncertainties related to the following: the impact of competition from illicit trade; the impact of adverse domestic or international legislation and regulation; changes in domestic or international tax laws and rates; adverse litigation and dispute outcomes and the effect of such outcomes on Airtel Africa’s financial condition; changes or differences in domestic or international economic or political conditions; the ability to obtain price increases and the impact of price increases on consumer affordability thresholds; adverse decisions by domestic or international regulatory bodies; the impact of market size reduction and consumer down-trading; translational and transactional foreign exchange rate exposure; the impact of serious injury, illness or death in the workplace; the ability to maintain credit ratings; the ability to develop, produce or market new alternative products and to do so profitably; the ability to effectively implement strategic initiatives and actions taken to increase sales growth; the ability to enhance cash generation and pay dividends and changes in the market position, businesses, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of Airtel Africa.
Past performance is no guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. The forward-looking statements contained in this document reflect the knowledge and information available to Airtel Africa at the date of preparation of this document and Airtel Africa undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
No statement in this communication is intended to be, nor should be construed as, a profit forecast or a profit estimate and no statement in this communication should be interpreted to mean that earnings per share of Airtel Africa plc for the current or any future financial periods would necessarily match, exceed or be lower than the historical published earnings per share of Airtel Africa plc.
Financial data included in this document are presented in US dollars rounded to the nearest million. Therefore, discrepancies in the tables between totals and the sums of the amounts listed may occur due to such rounding. The percentages included in the tables throughout the document are based on numbers calculated to the nearest $1,000 and therefore minor rounding differences may result in the tables. Growth metrics are provided on a constant currency basis unless otherwise stated. The Group has presented certain financial information on a constant currency basis. This is calculated by translating the results for the current financial year and prior financial year at a fixed ‘constant currency’ exchange rate, which is done to measure the organic performance of the Group. Growth rates for our reporting regions and service segments are provided in constant currency as this better represents the performance of the business.
Alternative performance measures (APMs)
Introduction
In the reporting of financial information, the directors have adopted various APMs. These measures are not defined by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and therefore may not be directly comparable with other companies APMs, including those in the Group’s industry.
APMs should be considered in addition to, and are not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measurements.
Purpose
The directors believe that these APMs assist in providing additional useful information on the underlying trends, performance and position of the Group.
APMs are also used to enhance the comparability of information between reporting periods and geographical units (such as like-for-like sales), by adjusting for non-recurring or uncontrollable factors which affect IFRS measures, to aid users in understanding the Group’s performance. Consequently, APMs are used by the directors and management for performance analysis, planning, reporting and incentive-setting purposes.
The directors believe the following metrics to be the APMs used by the Group to help evaluate growth trends, establish budgets and assess operational performance and efficiencies. These measures provide an enhanced understanding of the Group’s results and related trends, therefore increasing transparency and clarity into the core results of the business.
The following metrics are useful in evaluating the Group’s operating performance:
APM
Closest equivalent IFRS measure
Adjustments to reconcile to IFRS measure
Definition and purpose
EBITDA and margin
Operating profit
Depreciation and amortisation
The Group defines EBITDA as operating profit/(loss) for the period before depreciation and amortisation.
The Group defines EBITDA margin as EBITDA divided by revenue.
EBITDA and margin are measures used by the directors to assess the trading performance of the business and are therefore the measure of segment profit that the Group presents under IFRS. EBITDA and margin are also presented on a consolidated basis because the directors believe it is important to consider profitability on a basis consistent with that of the Group’s operating segments. When presented on a consolidated basis, EBITDA and margin are APMs.
Depreciation and amortisation is a non-cash item which fluctuates depending on the timing of capital investment and useful economic life. Directors believe that a measure which removes this volatility improves comparability of the Group’s results period on period and hence is adjusted to arrive at EBITDA and margin.
Underlying profit / (loss) before tax
Profit / (loss) before tax
Exceptional items
The Group defines underlying profit/(loss) before tax as profit/(loss) before tax adjusted for exceptional items.
The directors view underlying profit/(loss) before tax to be a meaningful measure to analyse the Group’s profitability.
Effective tax rate
Reported tax rate
Exceptional items
Foreign exchange rate movements
One-off tax impact of prior period, tax litigation settlement and impact of tax on permanent differences
The Group defines effective tax rate as reported tax rate (reported tax charge divided by reported profit before tax) adjusted for exceptional items, foreign exchange rate movements and one-off tax items of prior period adjustment, tax settlements and impact of permanent differences on tax.
This provides an indication of the current on-going tax rate across the Group.
Foreign exchange rate movements are specific items that are non-tax deductible in a few of the entities which are loss making and/or where DTA is not yet triggered and hence are considered to hinder comparison of the Group’s effective tax rate on a period-to-period basis and therefore excluded to arrive at effective tax rate.
One-off tax impact on account of prior period adjustment, any tax litigation settlement and tax impact on permanent differences are additional specific items that because of their size and frequency in the results, are considered to hinder comparison of the Group’s effective tax rate on a period-to-period basis.
Underlying profit/(loss) after tax
Profit/(loss) for the period
Exceptional items
The Group defines underlying profit/(loss) after tax as profit/(loss) for the period adjusted for exceptional items.
The directors view underlying profit/(loss) after tax to be a meaningful measure to analyse the Group’s profitability.
Earnings per share before exceptional items
EPS
Exceptional items
The Group defines earnings per share before exceptional items as profit/(loss) for the period before exceptional items attributable to owners of the company divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the financial period.
This measure reflects the earnings per share before exceptional items for each share unit of the company.
Earnings per share before exceptional items and derivative and foreign exchange losses
EPS
Exceptional items
Derivative and foreign exchange losses
The Group defines earnings per share before exceptional items and derivative and foreign exchange losses as profit/(loss) for the period before exceptional items and derivative and foreign exchange losses (net of tax) attributable to owners of the company divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the financial period.
This measure reflects the earnings per share before exceptional items and derivative and foreign exchange losses for each share unit of the company.
Derivative and foreign exchange losses are due to revaluation of US dollar balance sheet liabilities and derivatives as a result of currency devaluation.
Operating free cash flow
Cash generated from operating activities
Income tax paid
Changes in working capital
Other non-cash items
Non-operating income
Exceptional items
Capital expenditures
The Group defines operating free cash flow as net cash generated from operating activities before income tax paid, changes in working capital, other non-cash items, non-operating income, exceptional items, and after capital expenditures. The Group views operating free cash flow as a key liquidity measure, as it indicates the cash available to pay dividends, repay debt or make further investments in the Group.
Net debt and leverage ratio
Borrowings
Lease liabilities
Cash and cash equivalent
Term deposits with banks
Deposits given against borrowings/ non-derivative financial instruments
Fair value hedges
The Group defines net debt as borrowings including lease liabilities less cash and cash equivalents, term deposits with banks, deposits given against borrowings/non-derivative financial instruments, processing costs related to borrowings and fair value hedge adjustments.
The Group defines leverage ratio as net debt divided by EBITDA for the preceding 12 months.
The directors view net debt and the leverage ratio to be meaningful measures to monitor the Group’s ability to cover its debt through its earnings.
Return on capital employed
No direct equivalent
Exceptional items to arrive at EBIT
The Group defines return on capital employed (‘ROCE’) as EBIT divided by average capital employed.
The directors view ROCE as a financial ratio that measures the Group’s profitability and the efficiency with which its capital is being utilised.
The Group defines EBIT as operating profit/(loss) for the period.
Capital employed is defined as sum of equity attributable to owners of the company (grossed up for put option provided to minority shareholders to provide them liquidity as part of the sale agreements executed with them during year ended 31 March 2022), non-controlling interests and net debt. Average capital employed is average of capital employed at the closing and beginning of the relevant period.
For quarterly computations, ROCE is calculated by dividing EBIT for the preceding 12 months by the average capital employed (being the average of the capital employed averages for the preceding four quarters).
Some of the Group’s IFRS measures and APMs are translated at constant currency exchange rates to measure the organic performance of the Group. In determining the percentage change in constant currency terms, both current and previous financial reporting period’s results have been converted using exchange rates prevailing as on 31 March 2024 for all countries. Reported currency percentage change is derived based on the average actual periodic exchange rates for that financial period. Variances between constant currency and reported currency percentages are due to exchange rate movements between the previous financial reporting period and the current period. The constant currency numbers only reflect the retranslation of reported numbers into exchange rates as of 31 March 2024 and are not intended to represent the wider impact that currency changes have on the business.
Statement of Director’s Responsibilities
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
The financial statements, prepared in accordance with the relevant financial reporting framework, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole.
The management report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the company, and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a summary description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.
The financial statements include disclosure of related parties’ transactions that have taken place during the year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the company.
This responsibility statement was approved by the board of directors on 24 July 2024 and is signed on its behalf by:
Sunil Taldar
Chief Executive Officer
24 July 2024