Airtel Africa Revises Share Buy-Back Timeline, Extends Programme to March 2026

Airtel Africa Plc has announced an update to its ongoing share buy-back programme, confirming revised arrangements with Barclays Capital Securities Limited to facilitate the completion of the second tranche. The telecommunications and mobile money services provider, which operates across 14 African countries, disclosed the development in a statement released from its London and Lagos offices on September 22, 2025.

The company had initially launched the second tranche of its buy-back initiative on May 14, 2025, with a maximum value of $55 million and an expected completion date of November 19, 2025. To date, Airtel Africa has repurchased 14.2 million shares, returning $34.7 million to shareholders. The revised agreement with Barclays now covers the remaining $20.3 million and extends the programme’s anticipated end date to March 31, 2026.

Under the new arrangement, Barclays will operate the buy-back programme autonomously during closed periods, acting as a riskless principal. The programme includes irrevocable, non-discretionary instructions to ensure continuity even when the company enters restricted trading windows.

Airtel Africa emphasized that the sole purpose of the buy-back is to reduce its capital base, and all repurchased shares will be cancelled. The programme will be executed in accordance with the company’s general authority to repurchase shares, as approved by shareholders, and will comply with the UK Listing Rules and relevant market abuse regulations.

The company reiterated its commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance, noting that the revised structure ensures the buy-back can proceed uninterrupted. The update reflects Airtel Africa’s strategic approach to capital management and shareholder value enhancement.