Millions of mobile phone users across Africa borrowed airtime worth about N4.6 trillion ($3.18 billion) in 2025 as rising living costs and limited access to formal credit pushed more people to rely on telecom-based lending services.
This is according to the latest financial statements released by fintech company Optasia, a major provider of airtime credit and nano-loan services across emerging markets.
The report showed that airtime advances granted through mobile network operators increased by 12.3 percent to $3.18 billion in 2025 from $2.83 billion in 2024.
Africa accounted for $2.99 billion, representing more than 94 percent of all airtime credit disbursed globally by the company during the year. Europe and Asia accounted for $96.1 million, while the Middle East contributed $87.7 million.
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The figures highlight how millions of Africans are increasingly turning to airtime borrowing
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