Bharti Airtel, the majority shareholder in Airtel Africa, has strengthened its position in the telecom giant by acquiring an additional 4.45 percent stake, valued at approximately N352.8 billion (over $235 million). The acquisition raises Bharti Airtel’s stake from 57.293 percent to 61.745 percent.
According to a corporate disclosure on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the newly acquired shares—totaling 163,580,582—are held through Airtel Africa Mauritius Limited, a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) owned by Bharti Airtel. The increase in shareholding also accounts for previous share buybacks, which saw Bharti’s stake move from 57.06 percent to 57.293 percent between December 16, 2024, and February 24, 2025.
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Airtel Africa’s Market Performance
Despite the acquisition, Airtel Africa’s share price has remained stable on the Nigerian Exchange in 2025. However, on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), the company’s stock has surged by 24 percent year-to-date, driven by investor response to its strong financial performance.
The company reported a net income of $248 million for the nine months ending December 31, 2024, reflecting its continued profitability and resilience in Africa’s telecommunications sector.
With Bharti Airtel deepening its investment, Airtel Africa is expected to further consolidate its market position across the continent, leveraging its expanding infrastructure and growing subscriber base.
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