Axian Telecom Revenue Surges 26.5% to $980m in First Half of 2026

Axian Telecom Holding and Management PLC  reported strong financial and operational growth for the second quarter and first half of 2026, supported by solid performances across its core markets and continued expansion in digital and mobile financial services.

Total revenue for the second quarter reached $503.4 million, representing a 25.5% increase from $401.2 million recorded in the same period in 2025. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, the Group generated $980.0 million in revenue, up 26.5% from $774.9 million in the prior-year period. The growth was primarily driven by strong performances in Tanzania and Madagascar, alongside contributions from digital and mobile financial services.

Adjusted EBITDA also recorded significant growth, rising 19.4% year-on-year to $203.5 million in the second quarter. For the first half of 2026, adjusted EBITDA reached $398.7 million.

Despite the strong revenue and EBITDA performance, net profit for the second quarter declined to $33.2 million from $46.8 million in Q2 2025. The decline was attributed to adverse fair valuation movements in investments, including JUMIA Technologies AG, as well as losses associated with the newly integrated Wananchi Group.

The Group also recorded continued growth in its subscriber base. Revenue-generating subscribers reached 45.5 million as of June 30, 2026, representing a 9.3% year-on-year increase. Active data users rose 14.2% to 15.8 million, while active mobile financial services users increased 18.8% to 19.0 million.

Axian Telecom’s infrastructure portfolio also expanded during the period. Owned towers increased to 5,210, while shared towers reached 3,756, bringing the Group’s overall tenancy ratio to 1.35x.

The company continued to secure financing to support its regional expansion and network development. On May 7, 2026, Yas Holding Ltd drew down a full $100.0 million facility from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The company subsequently entered into a $160.0 million facility agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) on May 15, 2026.

Following the reporting period, on July 9, 2026, the company entered into a EUR 270.0 million facilities agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The financing is dedicated to capital expenditure and network modernisation in Kenya and Senegal.

The Group also streamlined its corporate nomenclature during the period, formally changing the names of several key regional entities. These changes included the transition of Telecom Malagasy S.A. to Yas Madagascar S.A. and Axian Telecom to Yas Holding Ltd, reflecting the Group’s broader Yas brand consolidation.