Airtel Africa is taking bold steps to accelerate technology education and digital skills development in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The company’s philanthropic arm, Airtel Africa Foundation, announced plans to fund 100 undergraduate scholarships for Nigerians and establish two technology hubs, one in Nigeria and another in the DRC.
These initiatives are part of a broader goal to empower millions of Africans with digital skills and provide access to technology resources by 2030.
Nigeria at the core of ICT growth
Nigeria is central to Airtel Africa’s strategy, as the largest market on the continent. The tech hub planned for Nigeria will support startups and digital talent focused on fintech, software development, and other tech solutions.
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At a Lagos press briefing, Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Group Chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation, said, “We are assessing partners who will help deliver this tech hub that complements Nigeria’s 3 Million Technical Talent programme.” The foundation already supports 25,000 Nigerians training for this initiative and has committed ₦1 billion to help scale technical talent development. CEO of Airtel Africa, Sunil Taldar, emphasised the foundation’s role as “the vehicle to catalyze transformation” by investing in digital connectivity and talent.
Expanding education through scholarships and digital access
Airtel Africa Foundation recently awarded two Nigerian students full scholarships to study tech-related fields at Plaksha University, India. This move aligns with their plan to provide 100 additional local scholarships to Nigerian undergraduates.
The foundation’s broader efforts include connecting 2,500 public schools to the internet, upgrading classrooms with smart technologies, and equipping over 100,000 young people with digital skills across Africa.
Ogunsanya remarked, “Our mission is not just about giving but empowering communities to thrive in the digital economy.” Through strategic investments in education and tech infrastructure, Airtel Africa seeks to build a digitally skilled workforce that contributes actively to economic growth across their 14 African markets.
These projects demonstrate Airtel Africa’s commitment to combining infrastructure with human capital development. They have created tangible impacts in Nigeria and the DRC while setting a benchmark for digital empowerment across the continent.