Taldar: Airtel Money IPO expected in H1’26

Airtel Africa's CEO, Sunil Taldar, revealed in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa that the company is gearing up for an Initial Public Offer (IPO) for its Airtel Money business in the first half of 2026. Taldar emphasized the strategic importance of this move, highlighting the substantial growth and potential of the Airtel Money segment within the company's portfolio. He pointed out that Airtel Money has shown consistent growth, boasting a 30% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the last five years. This business segment has proven to be a robust source of cash generation for the telecommunications giant. Taldar's decision to steer the Airtel Money business towards an IPO aligns with the company's commitment to minority investors and aims to unlock greater value for both investors and the business. While originally targeting an earlier timeline, Taldar cited the current market volatility as a factor in revising the IPO timeline to the first half of 2026, ensuring optimal market conditions for the offering. During the interview, Taldar attributed Airtel Africa's recent success to its relentless focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences. He underscored the pivotal role of investing in network infrastructure and digital capabilities to enhance service quality and drive customer satisfaction. The company's concerted efforts in network expansion and technological advancements have enabled it to not only attract new customers but also retain and upgrade existing ones. Taldar highlighted the significance of customer acquisition and engagement, pointing out the steady growth in smartphone penetration and increased consumption across voice, data, and financial services. Discussing the operational landscape across Airtel Africa's 14-country footprint, Taldar emphasized that quality of service remains the primary differentiator in a highly competitive market. Despite facing challenges such as macroeconomic uncertainties and currency fluctuations, particularly in key markets like Nigeria, Taldar outlined a strategic approach to mitigate risks and optimize costs. Initiatives such as de-dollarization of operating costs, reduction of dollar-denominated debt, and cost optimization measures have bolstered the company's financial resilience and sustainability. As Airtel Africa navigates the intricate operational environments across its diverse markets, Taldar reiterated the company's unwavering commitment to delivering industry-leading growth and profitability. By strategically investing in network infrastructure, digital capabilities, and operational efficiencies, Airtel Africa aims to sustain its position as one of the most profitable telcos in the African continent. In conclusion, Taldar shared insights into Airtel Africa's near-term priorities, with the Airtel Money IPO taking center stage. The decision to pursue an IPO for Airtel Money underscores the company's strategic vision and commitment to maximizing shareholder value. By providing a glimpse into the company's future plans and strategic direction, Taldar's leadership sets the stage for continued growth and innovation within Airtel Africa's ecosystem.