Airtel Africa has announced plans to connect 5,000 schools across its African markets to free internet access by 2027 through the Airtel Africa Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The commitment was announced by Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar during a visit to St. Monica Girls’ School in Lusaka, Zambia, one of the 300 schools already connected under the initiative. The programme aims to expand access to digital learning resources for millions of students across the continent in collaboration with national governments.
The school connectivity programme, backed by a US$57 million partnership launched in 2021, has already connected 3,296 schools, providing internet access to more than two million students and approximately 40,000 teachers. In addition, 64 digital learning platforms have been zero-rated, enabling more than 11 million users to access educational content without incurring data charges.
Speaking during the visit, Taldar said the initiative has significantly improved access to quality education by expanding learners’ access to digital educational resources.
“Students have access to world-class education through the programme developed by UNICEF in partnership with various Ministries of Education and delivered via Airtel’s connectivity,” Taldar said. “We are also training teachers so they can effectively deliver this digital education. Our goal is to continue strengthening connectivity in schools by providing free internet access, zero-rated educational platforms and training teachers across the continent.”
St. Monica Girls’ School Headmistress Sister Matilda Soloko said the programme has had a positive impact on students since the school became one of the first beneficiaries during the initial phase.
“As one of the first schools connected during the initial phase, our students have been able to learn through the learning portal, and this has strengthened their education,” Soloko said. “We remain grateful to Airtel and UNICEF.”
UNICEF Zambia Representative Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah said the partnership is helping reduce educational inequalities and bridge the digital divide by ensuring children can continue learning regardless of their location.
“This partnership is truly helping to reduce inequalities and bridge the digital divide,” Abdullah said. “It ensures that every child can learn, wherever they are. It was inspiring to see and hear the girls explain how they can learn at their own pace, review their lessons, and complete their homework with confidence.”
Yvonne Mwemba Chulu, Director of Secondary Education at Zambia’s Ministry of Education, praised the collaboration, saying it complements government efforts to expand access to digital education.
“At the Ministry of Education, we cannot do this alone, and we are grateful for the partnership we are benefiting from today,” Chulu said. “Our children can now benefit from hybrid learning through teachers who also use digital devices.”
The School Connection programme currently operates in 13 African countries: Chad, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. By providing schools with internet connectivity and equipping teachers with digital skills, the initiative aims to improve access to quality education, particularly for learners in underserved and remote communities.
