Airtel remained DR Congo’s top mobile service provider, by sales, last year. It was ahead of Vodacom, Orange, and Africell. According to the country’s telecom regulator, the ARPTC, the subsidiary of the Indian group Bharti Airtel generated $741 million, or 35.5% of the sector's total revenues of $2.09 billion.

Compared to 2023, Airtel’s revenues grew by 7.5%. The Congolese watchdog is attributed to an aggressive sales strategy and ongoing investment in extending its network coverage. As in 2023, Airtel outperformed its rivals: Vodacom captured 32.6% of market revenues, Orange 28.1%, and Africell 3.8%.

Total sales (incl. VAT) (voice+SMS+data+mobile money+other VAS) in dollars

Airtel's momentum is largely based on growth in data and SMS consumption, despite stable revenues from voice, a segment in which Vodacom remains dominant. Airtel remains the leader in data revenues, with $365.5 million (37.7% market share), ahead of Orange (31.5%), Vodacom (27%), and Africell (3.8%). This performance is due to the competitiveness of its packages and the extent of its 4G network.

In the mobile money segment, Vodacom remains in the lead with revenues of $168.5 million (46% market share). Airtel comes second with $137.2 million (37.5%), followed by Orange ($58.5 million, 16%). Africell, despite a 168.3% increase in revenues to $1.7 million, represents just 0.5% of the market.

Number of active cell phone subscriptions

The DRC ended 2024 with 63.96 million active subscriptions (used at least once over 90 days), up 13.7% on 2023, corresponding to almost 7.7 million new subscribers. Vodacom dominates in terms of subscriber numbers, with a 36% market share. Orange and Airtel are neck-and-neck, with 29% each. Africell closes the ranking with 6%.

This article was initially published in French by Muriel Edjo

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho