Africa accounts for 94% of $3.18bn airtime credit borrowed in 2025, Nigeria leads
By Aboki Forex —
Mobile subscribers across emerging markets borrowed $3.18 billion in airtime on credit in 2025. Africa alone accounted for more than 94% of that total, according to the latest financial report from fintech firm Optasia.
The value of airtime advances rose by 12.3% from $2.83 billion in 2024. This shows a growing reliance on digital micro-credit services in countries where access to traditional banks is limited.
At the exchange rate used by Optasia, the $3.18 billion in airtime credit was valued at roughly N4.61 trillion in 2025. That compares with N4.38 trillion a year earlier. The naira appreciated over the period, moving from N1,547.30 to N1,450.58 per dollar.
Optasia reported that its revenue jumped 75.5% to $265.36 million. However, the company flagged concerns over credit losses from the surge in lending.
Nano-loans also saw a sharp increase, more than doubling to $2.30 billion in the same period.