Airtel Africa has announced plans to connect 5,000 schools across its African markets to the internet by 2027 through the Airtel Africa Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund. The initiative builds on a $57 million collaboration launched in 2021, which has already connected 3,296 schools, benefiting more than two million learners and about 40,000 teachers across the continent.
Speaking during a visit to St. Monica’s Girls School in Lusaka, Zambia, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, said the programme is expanding access to quality digital education through free internet connectivity, zero rated learning platforms and teacher training. He added that 64 educational platforms have been made accessible at no cost, reaching more than 11 million users.
Headmistress of St. Monica’s Girls School, Sr Matilda Soloko, said the initiative has significantly improved learning by giving students access to digital educational resources, while UNICEF’s Country Representative in Zambia, Dr Saja Farooq Abdullah, described the partnership as a major step towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring equal learning opportunities for children.
The programme currently operates in 13 African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia, with a focus on supporting underserved communities. Airtel Africa Foundation said the initiative aligns with its broader commitment to promoting education, digital inclusion, financial inclusion and environmental sustainability across the continent.