Bharti Airtel, the majority shareholder in Airtel Africa, has expanded its ownership in the telecommunications company by acquiring an additional 4.45% stake, reinforcing its confidence in the firm’s growth potential. The newly acquired shares are valued at approximately ₦352.8 billion, based on Airtel Africa’s current share price of ₦2,156.
The transaction, which was finalized on Monday, February 24, 2025, raises Bharti Airtel’s stake in Airtel Africa from 57.293% to 61.745%. According to a corporate disclosure published on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the shares are held through Airtel Africa Mauritius Limited, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) owned by Bharti Airtel.
As part of the acquisition, the Indian telecoms group purchased 163,580,582 additional shares in Airtel Africa. Adjusting for the share buyback cancellations, Bharti’s ownership had already increased from 57.06% to 57.293% between December 16, 2024, and February 24, 2025.
In 2025, Airtel Africa’s share price has remained stable on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). However, the company has seen significant gains on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), where its stock has surged 24% year-to-date. The increase in value on the LSE reflects investor optimism following Airtel Africa’s strong financial performance in the first nine months of the 2024 fiscal year.
Airtel Africa reported a net income of $248 million for the nine-month period ending December 31, 2024. The latest share acquisition by Bharti Airtel aligns with the company’s broader share buyback program, which began in March 2024, and emphasizes its long-term confidence in Airtel Africa’s expansion and profitability.
With Bharti Airtel deepening its investment in its African subsidiary, analysts anticipate further strategic moves aimed at strengthening Airtel Africa’s position in the region’s highly competitive telecommunications market.
