by Airtel Africa has repurchased a total of 1.9 million shares since launching the second phase of its $100 million share buyback programme. This move, confirmed through regulatory filings at the Nigerian Exchange Limited, underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing shareholder value and strengthening its financial position.
Airtel Africa’s Buyback: Details and Timeline
The telecom giant, dual-listed on the London and Lagos stock exchanges, initiated the second phase of its share buyback in May 2025. This phase aims to repurchase a maximum of $55 million worth of shares and is scheduled for completion by November 19, 2025.
The buyback programme is structured in two tranches:
- First Tranche: Launched on December 23, 2024, and concluded on or before April 24, 2025. This tranche was capped at $50 million.
- Second Tranche: Commenced on May 14, 2025, and aims to complete the remaining $55 million buyback by November 19, 2025.
Airtel Africa executed the repurchase of 1.9 million shares across ten separate deals during this ongoing tranche.
Airtel Africa Partners with Barclays for Share Buyback
To facilitate the buyback, Airtel Africa entered into an agreement with Barclays Capital Securities Limited. Barclays acts as a riskless principal, independently executing on-market purchases of Airtel Africa’s ordinary shares. The company then acquires these shares from Barclays under pre-agreed terms.
Airtel Africa’s primary goal for the buyback is to reduce its capital base. All repurchased shares will be cancelled, which is expected to improve earnings per share and boost the value of the remaining shares.
As of June 9, 2025, the company reported 3.668 billion ordinary shares in issue, including 7.5 million treasury shares.
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Airtel Africa’s Financial Performance Drives Confidence
The share buyback follows a remarkable financial turnaround for Airtel Africa. In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, the company posted a profit after tax of $328 million, reversing an $89 million loss from the previous year. Pre-tax profit surged to $661 million, compared to a $63 million loss in 2024. This recovery was fueled by increased data usage, tariff adjustments, and cost controls across its 14 African markets.
Despite postponing the IPO of its $4.9 billion mobile money business, Airtel Africa’s buyback signals robust financial health and a strategic focus on long-term growth. The company’s stock has responded positively, reaching new highs in May 2025.
The completion of the second tranche by November 2025 will further solidify Airtel Africa’s financial standing and shareholder confidence.
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