ADvTECH’s Africa expansion lifts operating profit past $120 million in 2025

ADvTECH Group, Africa’s largest private education provider, reported its strongest results to date, crossing the $120 million mark in operating profit for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025. The company said operating profit rose 14 percent to R2.04 billion ($120.7 million), up from R1.8 billion ($106.5 million) a year earlier, as steady enrollment gains and measured fee increases supported growth across its core units.

Revenue followed a similar pattern, climbing 10 percent to R9.33 billion ($552 million) from R8.5 billion ($503 million) in 2024. The education division remained the main driver, with revenue up 13 percent as more students enrolled across both school and tertiary segments.

Margins also edged higher. Group operating margin improved to 21.8 percent from 21 percent, while the education division margin rose to 24.7 percent from 24.2 percent, reflecting tighter cost control and better use of existing capacity.

Africa expansion lifts revenue 28%

Normalized earnings increased 17 percent to R1.3 billion ($77 million), compared with R1.11 billion ($65.6 million) in the prior year. CEO Geoff Whyte said the performance reflects a combination of enrollment growth, disciplined pricing and improved collections. He added that ongoing investment in staff, systems and infrastructure is helping the group maintain its position in a competitive market.

In South Africa, the company’s largest market, revenue rose 10 percent to R3.44 billion from R3.12 billion, supported by consistent enrollment growth across its brands. Operating profit in the region increased 13 percent to R721 million from R640 million.

Outside South Africa, the group continued to expand its footprint. Revenue from the rest of Africa jumped 28 percent to R574 million from R449 million, helped by new campuses, the full-year contribution from Flipper International Schools and a partial-year boost from the Regis Runda acquisition.

The tertiary division also posted solid gains. Revenue increased 13 percent to R3.85 billion ($227.6 million) from R3.4 billion ($201 million), while operating profit rose 14 percent to R1.03 billion ($61 million) from R903 million ($53.4 million). Demand for established brands and a broader mix of programs supported the growth, with distance learning continuing to attract more students.

Expansion spans Ghana, Kenya, Botswana, Ethiopia

Founded in 1993, ADvTECH operates more than 118 institutions across Africa, including well-known brands such as Crawford International and IIE Rosebank College. The group has built a presence in countries including Ghana, Kenya, Botswana and Ethiopia, as it continues to widen access to private education.

The balance sheet also strengthened over the period. Total assets increased to R11.29 billion ($667 million) as of Dec. 31, 2025, from R10.78 billion ($637.1 million) a year earlier, reflecting continued investment in campuses and learning infrastructure.