Airtel Africa Foundation has launched a new strategy to directly improve the lives of 10 million people across the continent by 2030, focusing on financial empowerment, education, environmental protection and digital inclusion.
The Foundation says its mission will be driven by flagship projects such as Connecting Schools, which provides free internet access and devices and the Airtel Africa Fellowship, which will fund undergraduate studies in STEM fields and offer mentorship and internships.
Chairman of the Foundation Dr. Segun Ogunsanya described the plan as a measurable commitment to Africa’s future by tapping into the continent’s talent pool to spur growth.
“We are building a pipeline of talent and fostering innovation to ensure the global digital revolution leaves no African behind. This is a strategic, measurable commitment to unlocking the continent’s demographic dividend,” Ogunsanya said.
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A partnership with UNICEF has already connected more than 1,800 schools, reached over one million students and trained 17,000 teachers in digital learning across Airtel’s 14 markets. The Foundation also plans to expand its employee volunteer programme, channeling staff skills into community projects in countries including Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the Foundation reflects the company’s wider strategy of giving back to the society where it operates, thus ensuring mutual benefits.
“It is our vehicle to catalyse transformation by systematically investing in the pillars that underpin a resilient and dynamic society,” he said.
The pledge comes as Africa grapples with a wide digital divide. World Bank data shows nearly 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa remain offline, raising questions over how corporate-led programs can scale and how success will be measured.
