Airtel Africa has selected the London Stock Exchange for the initial public offering (IPO) of its mobile money business, Airtel Money, with the listing expected in the second half of 2026, as the telecommunications group seeks to unlock the value of one of Africa’s fastest-growing fintech platforms.
Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the company chose London because it provides access to a broad international investor base capable of supporting Airtel Money’s long-term growth ambitions.
“We believe a London listing will 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,” Taldar said.
The planned IPO had originally been expected earlier but was pushed back as geopolitical tensions and the Iran conflict increased operating costs across global markets.
Airtel Africa also warned that higher energy costs linked to the conflict would continue to weigh on its near-term core profit margins.
Despite the cost challenges, the company reported stronger first-quarter financial performance, with both revenue and profit increasing. Growth was supported by sustained demand for mobile services, expanding adoption of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, as well as favourable currency movements.
The planned Airtel Money IPO is expected to rank among the most closely watched African capital market transactions this year, reflecting growing investor interest in the continent’s digital payments and fintech sector.
