Airtel Money eyes Congo, Sahel growth ahead of London IPO

Airtel Money, the mobile money arm of telecoms group Airtel Africa, is set to make its bid for an initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange, aiming to raise at least $800 million in the process. This would mark one of the largest IPOs in the UK since 2021 and give the company a market capitalization of between $8 billion and $9 billion. Airtel Money operates in 13 African countries, making it the third-largest mobile money operator in Africa by transaction value, behind Safaricom's M-Pesa and MTN's MoMo.

CEO Ian Ferrao revealed that the company's revenue mix has shifted to digital payments and transfers, away from cash depositing and withdrawing through its network of agents, branches, and kiosks. Ferrao emphasized that digital payments and transfers offer higher quality revenue and better margins. The CEO added that financial services, including lending, savings, and insurance products, currently make up only 4% of the business but are growing rapidly.

Ferrao highlighted the fintech company's focus on innovation, particularly in wealth technology, which allows customers to buy and sell shares on local stock exchanges. The company aims to expand into new markets and pursue consolidation opportunities with the proceeds from the IPO. Airtel Money is seen as a valuable asset for investors looking to gain exposure to sub-Saharan Africa, according to Ferrao.

The IPO is expected to provide a boost for London's stock market, which has seen a shift away from new listings in recent years. However, journalist Nils Pratley in The Guardian noted that it does not necessarily signify a definitive end to the city's listings drought.