With the average revenue per user (ARPU) falling 40.87 percent to $1.85 in Q3 2024 from $3.12 in the same period previous year, Nigerian telecom businesses’ financial performance has suffered a serious hit.
This drop demonstrates the negative impact of the depreciating naira on the sector, as telco profits are still being squeezed by inflation and growing currency rates.
In Q3 2024, MTN Nigeria’s ARPU dropped to $2.09 from $5.03 in Q1 2023, when it was the highest-performing MTN Group company. A steep decline was also seen by Airtel Nigeria, which saw its ARPU drop from $3 in 2023 to just $1.60 in the third quarter of 2024.
Both firms’ revenue growth has been impacted by these declines; MTN’s service revenue increased by 33.6 percent in naira but had a steep decline when converted to dollars, while Airtel Nigeria had a 46.87 percent drop in revenue to $755 million.
Due to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s unification of the foreign exchange market in 2023, the naira’s decline has resulted in significant foreign exchange losses for telcos, which has raised operating expenses and contributed to Nigeria’s record-high inflation.
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Telecom businesses’ finances are under increasing strain due to the skyrocketing cost of energy, with diesel prices having increased by 90%. The first nine months of 2024 saw an almost 96 percent increase in MTN’s operating expenses, while Airtel has experienced a similar strain.
Both businesses have responded by cutting back on their investments; MTN has done so by about 28%, while Airtel has done so by more than 36%. Telcos are renegotiating contracts with tower providers and exploring renewable energy solutions to lessen their reliance on costly diesel in an attempt to offset rising expenses.
Without significant price increases or a change in operational tactics, telecom companies might still experience financial difficulties, according to industry experts. According to MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola, “pricing is needed for survival,” highlighting how urgent it is that the industry handle the mounting financial strain.
