New Delhi, June 17 -- Airtel Africa is entering a critical phase in its long-awaited plan to take Airtel Money public, with just six weeks remaining before a contractual deadline that could carry major financial consequences for the telecom giant.

The company is working toward listing Airtel Money on the London Stock Exchange, a move that would mark one of Africa's most significant fintech public offerings in recent years. However, the timetable has become increasingly tight after previous delays, placing pressure on management to complete the transaction before July 31.

The urgency stems from agreements signed with strategic investors that reportedly allow them to exercise rights requiring Airtel Africa to buy back their stakes if the ...