By Adedapo Adesanya
The United Kingdom government has welcomed the listing of Airtel Money on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), following an offer that valued the African digital financial services company at approximately £5.3 billion.
The company’s ordinary shares commenced conditional trading on the LSE’s Main Market today, Friday, October 9, 2026, under the ticker symbol AMC, with the offer priced at £1.96 per share.
All shares in the offer are being sold by existing shareholders, meaning Airtel Money will not issue new shares or raise fresh capital through the transaction.
According to a statement on Friday, UK Business Secretary, Mr Jonathan Reynolds, described the listing as a vote of confidence in the country’s economy and business environment, saying it demonstrated Britain’s continued appeal to companies seeking access to international investors.
“This landmark IPO shows ambitious businesses continue to choose Britain to raise capital, access global investors and boost their growth,” he said.
He added that London remained one of the world’s leading financial centres, connecting companies, including African-focused businesses, with investors and capital.
Launched in 2011 as the mobile money arm of Airtel Africa, Airtel Money serves approximately 53 million monthly active users across 13 African countries, supported by more than 2.3 million local agents.
The platform provides financial services, including domestic and international money transfers, payments, credit, savings, investments, insurance and virtual debit cards. It also offers payment collection and disbursement solutions to businesses and institutions.
In Nigeria, Airtel Money operates through SmartCash Payment Service Bank, Airtel’s licensed subsidiary, in line with the country’s Payment Service Bank regulatory framework.
Airtel Money chief executive, Mr Ian Ferrao, said the listing marked an important milestone in the company’s growth and would support its ambition to expand access to digital financial services across Africa.
“As a listed company, we will remain focused on expanding our digital financial services ecosystem, deepening financial inclusion and helping accelerate Africa’s transition to a more connected digital economy,” he said.
Mr Ferrao added that the company aimed to deliver sustainable growth and create long-term value for customers, partners, communities, governments and shareholders.
Meanwhile, Mr Mark Smithson, Country Director for the United Kingdom’s Business, Innovation, Science and Technology in Nigeria, said the listing demonstrated how African-focused businesses could access international capital while maintaining strong ties to the markets they serve.
He also highlighted the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership as a platform for connecting businesses with investment, expertise and international networks to support expansion and sustainable economic growth.
