Nigeria’s growing dependence on airtime credit reached a new milestone in 2025 as consumers borrowed an estimated ₦4.61 trillion worth of mobile airtime, reflecting the increasing role of digital lending services in everyday communication.
New financial data released by fintech company Optasia showed that mobile subscribers across emerging markets accessed airtime advances valued at $3.18 billion during the year, with Africa accounting for more than 94 per cent of the total volume. The figure represents a significant increase from the $2.83 billion recorded in 2024.
The sharp rise highlights how airtime credit has become an essential financial tool for millions of consumers facing economic pressures, rising living expenses, and limited access to formal banking services.
According to Optasia’s 2025 consolidated financial statements, airtime advances issued through telecom operators increased by 12.3 per cent year-on-year.
Using exchange rates contained in the report, the value of airtime borrowed translated to approximately ₦4.61 trillion in 2025, up from about ₦4.38 trillion in the previous year.
The company stated, “Airtime credit services represent service fees charged on airtime credit amounting to $3,176.34m (2024: $2,829.2m) granted to subscribers of the telecom operators during the year.”
Africa remained the dominant market for the service, accounting for about $2.99 billion of all airtime advances issued globally.
This marked a substantial increase from the $2.53 billion recorded in 2024. Europe and Asia contributed $96.1 million, while the Middle East generated $87.7 million in airtime credit transactions.
Industry observers say the figures demonstrate the growing importance of telecom-based financial services in regions where access to traditional credit remains challenging.
For many consumers, borrowing small amounts of airtime has become a practical solution for maintaining communication during periods of financial strain.
Beyond airtime advances, Optasia reported strong growth in its nano-loan business. The company’s Mobile Financial Services division facilitated nano-loans worth $2.30 billion in 2025, more than double the $967.9 million recorded a year earlier.
Africa accounted for $1.41 billion of the total nano-loan value, representing more than 61 per cent of all disbursements. Europe and Asia contributed the remaining $888.9 million.
The fintech firm explained that its technology platform helps telecom operators and financial institutions assess customer eligibility through behavioural analysis and credit scoring systems.
The platform evaluates subscribers’ usage patterns, credit histories, and other relevant information before determining the amount of credit that can be granted.
According to the company, the platform manages “scoring, financial decisioning and disbursements” to support lending decisions and improve access to small-scale financial products.
Optasia also disclosed that it shares part of the financial risk associated with airtime lending. The company stated, “As part of the airtime credit service, the Group also commits to indemnify the MNO for the amount of advance so granted, in case the subscriber fails to pay the same within a specified period of time from the date of grant of advance.”
Nigeria remains one of the company’s strategic markets despite ongoing discussions around expanding participation in the country’s airtime lending sector.
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Regulatory authorities have been considering measures that could allow more local fintech firms to enter the market, potentially increasing competition and widening access to digital credit services.
As economic pressures continue to affect household budgets, the growing demand for airtime credit and nano-loans suggests that small-value digital lending products are becoming increasingly important in helping Nigerians stay connected and manage short-term financial needs.
