Mobile phone users in Nigeria and other emerging markets obtained airtime worth about $3.18 billion on credit in 2025, according to the latest financial report released by fintech company Optasia.
The report showed that airtime credit disbursed through telecommunications operators increased by 12.3 per cent from $2.83 billion in 2024 to $3.18 billion in 2025. In naira terms, the value of the airtime advances rose to approximately N4.61 trillion, compared to N4.38 trillion recorded the previous year.
Africa remained the largest market for the service, accounting for $2.99 billion, representing more than 94 per cent of total airtime credit granted during the year. Europe and Asia recorded $96.1 million, while the Middle East contributed $87.7 million.
The figures reflect the growing reliance on digital credit services across Africa, especially in countries where many people have limited access to traditional financial services and are facing economic challenges.
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Optasia, which partners with telecom operators and financial institutions to provide airtime advances and small digital loans, said its platform evaluates customer behaviour and credit history before approving credit requests and determining borrowing limits.
The company noted that it also shares part of the risk associated with the service by compensating telecom operators if subscribers fail to repay the airtime advances within the agreed period.
In addition, Optasia reported strong growth in its nano-loan business. The company facilitated nano-loans valued at $2.30 billion in 2025, more than double the $967.9 million recorded in 2024. Africa accounted for $1.41 billion of the total, while Europe and Asia contributed $888.9 million.
The increase in airtime lending and nano-loan transactions helped drive the firm’s financial performance. Revenue climbed by 75.5 per cent to $265.36 million in 2025, up from $151.19 million the previous year.
Africa remained the company’s biggest source of income, contributing $234.81 million, or 88.5 per cent of total revenue, while Europe and Asia generated $25.43 million and the Middle East contributed $5.12 million.
