LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Malawi plc and in partnership with the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), has successfully concluded the beneficiary selection process for the Airtel Nzeru Tech Scholarship Programme, with 25 students selected to receive full scholarships for undergraduate studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Launched in January 2026 by Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, the Airtel Nzeru Tech Scholarship Programme forms part of the Foundation’s wider Airtel Africa Fellowship, which promotes higher education and careers in STEM for young Africans.
Implemented through Airtel Malawi in partnership with MUST, the programme was established to support academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students pursuing STEM programmes, helping expand access to quality education while contributing to Malawi’s digital skills and innovation pipeline.
The selected cohort comprises 25 academically gifted students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, including 8 female and 17 male students, who were selected based on academic merit and enrolment in eligible STEM
programmes at MUST.
The students are enrolled in approved STEM programmes, including Bachelor of Engineering in Sustainable Energy Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Disaster Risk Management, Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Geo-Information and Earth Observation Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems and Security, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Manufacturing Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Science Education.
The beneficiaries will commence their studies when the MUST 2026/27 academic year
begins on 31 August 2026.
Speaking on the completion of the selection process, Airtel Malawi Managing Director, Aashish Dutt, said the scholarship programme reflects Airtel Africa Foundation’s long-term commitment to empowering Malawi’s youth through education and technology.
“We are delighted to announce the first cohort of beneficiaries under the Airtel Nzeru Tech Scholarship Programme. These young people represent the future of Malawi’s digital economy.
“Through the support of Airtel Africa Foundation, this scholarship is not only investing in their academic success but also in the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers and technology leaders who will help shape Malawi’s future,” he said.
The scholarship programme is designed to remove financial barriers that prevent talented students from accessing higher education.
In addition to covering tuition fees, beneficiaries will receive hostel accommodation support, a monthly stipend, monthly data bundles and a laptop to ensure they have the connectivity and resources needed to excel in their studies.
MUST Vice Chancellor, Professor Mauakowa Malata, commended the partnership and congratulated the selected students.
“The Airtel Nzeru Tech Scholarship Programme is a transformative investment in Malawi’s human capital. We congratulate the successful beneficiaries and thank Airtel Africa Foundation, Airtel Malawi and MUST for their commitment to creating opportunities for talented young people who may otherwise struggle to access higher education.
We are confident these students will become leaders in science, technology and innovation”.
