Millions of people across Africa are running out of airtime and credit before the month even ends.
So they borrow.
New numbers show just how big this has become — and the figures are eye-watering.
The Big Number
In 2025, mobile phone users across the world borrowed airtime worth $3.18 billion. That's about N4.6 trillion in naira.
Africa alone made up $2.99 billion of that. That's more than 94 out of every 100 dollars borrowed globally.
This comes from the financial report of Optasia, a fintech company that works with mobile networks in over 25 countries — including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
Why People Are Borrowing More
The amount borrowed in 2025 was 12.3% higher than in 2024, when it stood at $2.83 billion.
Why the jump? Prices are going up everywhere. Money is losing value. People have less cash in their pockets, but they still need to call, browse, and send money on their phones.
So when the cash isn't there, they borrow airtime instead — and pay back later, often with a small fee added.
| Year | Global Airtime Borrowed | Africa's Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.83 billion | — |
| 2025 | $3.18 billion | $2.99 billion (94%+) |
It's Not Just Airtime — Small Loans Are Booming Too
Beyond airtime, Optasia also gives out what it calls "nano-loans." These are tiny, short-term loans sent straight to a phone.
In 2025, these nano-loans hit $2.30 billion globally. That's more than double the $967.9 million recorded in 2024.
Africa took the lion's share again — $1.41 billion of that total. This makes Africa the biggest market in the world for these small digital loans.
The Company Is Making Big Money From This
All this borrowing is good business for Optasia.
The company's revenue jumped 75.5% in 2025, rising to $265.36 million from $151.19 million the year before.
Profit after tax came in at $43.13 million.
And almost 9 out of every 10 dollars the company earned came from Africa.
Why This Matters for Ordinary People
Across much of Africa, more people own a phone than have a bank account.
That gap has opened the door for telecom companies and fintech firms to step in and offer credit — even tiny amounts — directly through mobile networks. No paperwork. No bank visit. Just a tap on the phone.
In Nigeria, borrowing airtime or data has become a normal part of daily life for many subscribers who need quick access to small cash or credit. The federal government has reportedly been looking at ways to open up this market to more local fintech players, as debate continues over fair competition in the space.
For anyone trying to avoid getting trapped in this cycle of borrowing, looking at practical ways to save money fast or build a low income budget can help cut down on emergency borrowing altogether.
But There's a Warning Sign
Lending money — even small amounts — comes with risk. Not everyone pays back.
Optasia's own numbers show this. The company set aside $65.21 million in 2025 to cover loans it expects people won't repay. That's almost double the $33.42 million it set aside in 2024.
In simple terms: more people are borrowing, but more people are also struggling to pay back.
What Happens Next
Experts watching this space say telecom-linked lending is becoming one of the fastest-growing parts of Africa's digital economy.
As long as prices keep rising and many people remain without bank accounts, demand for these small, quick loans through mobile phones is expected to keep growing.
For Nigerians looking to build better financial habits and reduce reliance on airtime loans, guides like how to get out of debt fast and frugal living tips for 2026 offer simple steps toward more stable finances.
This news is brought to you by the WealthBlueprint NewsDesk.