COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION EXPANSION, DIGITAL ACCESS AND INCLUSION IN AFRICA

As the ESG (environmental, Social &Governance) concept takes root among firms mainly in private sector echelons, many firms and institutions/organizations are learning that mere business that does not impact Society and communities for good and thus improve lives is no longer sensible and progressive.                                                                                                                                  And in tandem with this evolving realities, Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, has reported an investment of K sh 799.8 million (M) ($6.2 M) in financial inclusion, education, environmental sustainability, and digital inclusion initiatives across Africa during its first full year of operations. This has impacted millions of learners and communities across Africa, with education receiving the largest share of investment; it was reported on June 12th, 2026 following the release of the Airtel Africa Foundation 2025/26 Annual Report.

Key achievements include connecting 1,028 schools to the internet through the foundation’s partnership with UNICEF during the time under review with this bringing the total to 3,296 schools connected across 13 countries. This has reached over 2 M learners and nearly 39,000 teachers. In addition, 64 zero-rated digital platforms have enabled over 11 million learners to access free educational content.

The Foundation has also improved the condition of public schools, with 7 fully renovated and 43 undergoing upgrades under the School Adoption Programme, which integrates infrastructure improvements with digital access and holistic student development. Through the Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship, 257 full university scholarships have been awarded in Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda, expanding access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and building a pipeline of high-potential African technology leaders. In addition to this, 30,530 youth and women have been trained in digital skills initiatives delivered with national, multilateral, and private-sector partners.

According to Mr Segun Ogunsanya, Chair, Airtel Africa Foundation, the Airtel Africa Foundation was established to help dismantle barriers caused by unequal access to opportunity. “While talent and ambition are abundant, access to education, digital tools, and economic participation remains uneven. Through partnerships and our continental reach, we are committed to investing in communities furthest from opportunity,” Mr Ogunsanya is quoted affirming.

The report also underscores the Foundation’s growing focus on measurable outcomes and long-term systems change.

The Foundation aims to scale proven interventions in the rest of year 2026 including in expanding its School Adoption Program to over 80 schools, increasing scholarships to more than 600 youth, providing free internet connectivity to an additional 2000 schools, and extending digital skills and financial inclusion initiatives to underserved communities.

“As a Foundation, we are positioned to deliver skills development and lasting change at the individual and household level, while partnering with governments to unlock Africa’s economic transformation,” further affirmed Mr Ogunsanya.

The Airtel Africa Foundation 2025/26 Annual Report is available at www.airtelafricafoundation.org  

Fundamentally, Airtel Africa Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services in 14 countries in Africa. The Foundation’s mission is to empower Africa through Financial Inclusion, Education, Environmental Protection and Digital Inclusion.