Tag Archives: Airtel Africa Foundation

Business, Technology

Airtel Africa Foundation aids MK80m towards 2026 MACRA ICT Innovation Awards

MaraviPost Leave a comment

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Airtel Africa Foundation through Airtel Malawi has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing and nurturing Malawi’s digital innovation ecosystem and the country’s Vision 2063 by announcing a MK80 million contribution to the 2026 MACRA ICT Innovation Awards.

The support will go beyond recognition to invest in capacity building, equipping Malawian innovators with the skills, tools, and platforms they need to thrive.

Through its CSR pillars of education, Airtel Africa Foundation continues to drive digital inclusion across all levels of learning.

This support builds on the Foundation’s ongoing work to equip Malawian youth with digital skills and quality education.

Through its Adopt-A-School and Airtel Nzeru Connect initiatives, Airtel Africa Foundation is equipping primary and secondary schools with digital and ICT labs.

At the tertiary level, the Airtel Africa Fellowship, known locally as the Airtel Nzeru Fund provides full STEM scholarships at the Malawi University of Science and Technology.

These efforts are complemented by the zero-rating of 12 e-learning websites and platforms, expanding access to digital education for learners nationwide, directly contributing to the Foundation’s goal of positively impacting 10 million lives across Africa by 2030.

In addition to supporting education, Airtel Malawi announced a major milestone: MACRA has approved Direct-to-Cell (D2C) trials, powered by SpaceX/Starlink.

This breakthrough will ensure seamless connectivity even in areas with little or no coverage, guaranteeing resilience during outages and disasters.

Airtel Malawi is also continuously reimagining how it serves customers, making their lives simpler, smarter, and more secure.

From protecting them through innovative AI spam Fraud Alerts via SMS, to seamless voice and data experiences with VoLTE, and an all-in-one digital ecosystem through the Airtel App, the company is building solutions that work for real people, in real time.

With the introduction of Chat Bot, Airtel is stepping into the future, bringing intelligent, personalized experiences directly into the hands of its customers.

The innovations reflect Airtel’s commitment to intentional, inclusive solutions that create a pipeline from ideas to impact, fully aligned with Malawi Vision 2063.

Speaking at the event, Airtel Malawi Managing Director, Aashish Dutt, said: “At Airtel, we believe innovation is not just about technology, it is about people. It is about unlocking human potential, nurturing talent, and creating opportunities that transform lives.

“Through our scholarships, connectivity programmes, and platforms like these awards, Airtel Africa Foundation is here to walk alongside Malawi’s innovators, helping them take their ideas from the classroom to the marketplace, from concept to impact.”

MACRA Director General, Mayamiko Nkoloma, welcomed the support, noting: “This support from Airtel Africa Foundation through Airtel Malawi is a significant step in strengthening Malawi’s innovation ecosystem.

“By investing in education, capacity building, and connectivity, Airtel is helping us empower young innovators and equip them with the skills and opportunities needed to drive Malawi Vision 2063 forward.”

Airtel Malawi commended MACRA for its leadership in creating inclusive platforms that strengthen innovation and regulatory capacity.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to driving digital and financial inclusion, empowering communities, and unlocking opportunities through technology.

“The future is not something we wait for—the future is already here. And together, with you, the innovators, we are building it,” concluded Dutt.

Education, Malawi

Airtel Africa Foundation rollout “Nzeru Fund” Tech scholarships for Malawi’s needy students

MaraviPost

…..The scholarship aims at nurturing next generation digital leaders…


LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 launched scholarship fund for Malawi’s needy students.

The localized initiative called “Nzeru Fund’ will award 25 Tech Scholarships to Malawi undergraduates from low-income households, enabling them to pursue degrees in STEM fields at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST).

The programme directly tackles the financial and skills barriers that prevent young Africans from accessing the digital economy.

In partnership with the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) , “Nzeru Fund ’will support high-achieving first-year students requiring financial support to pursue programs in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Technology, Software Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity for the full duration of their courses at the university’s Thyolo and Blantyre campuses.

Speaking during the launch ceremony, Airtel Malawi plc Managing Director, Mr. Aashish Dutt, said, “Education is at the heart of nation-building. ‘Nzeru Fund’ scholarships represents Airtel’s belief that every brilliant young Malawian deserves a fair chance to succeed regardless of their background. By investing in these future STEM leaders, we are investing in Malawi’s digital future, ensuring that no capable student is left behind.”

Commending the initiative, The Malawi University of Science and Technology Vice Chancellor, Mauakowa Malata emphasized its impact on national development; “We are deeply grateful to Airtel Malawi and the Airtel Africa Foundation for this extraordinary
commitment to our students. Many bright young people lose opportunities due to financial
constraints.

“The ‘Nzeru Fund’ scholarships will not only transform their lives but will also contribute significantly to Malawi’s advancement in science, technology, and innovation.”

In addition to a full tuition scholarship, beneficiaries of the programme will also receive a monthly stipend, hostel accommodation fees, a monthly data bundle, and a once-off pocket Wi-Fi device.

This holistic approach ensures that scholars are well equipped for academic success and can develop into well-rounded individuals.

Meanwhile applications are open for interested students via the following emails: aracademics@must.ac.mw or dosa@must.ac.mw

Business, Regional

Airtel Africa Foundation unveils plan to improve 10 million lives by 2030

MaraviPost

LAGOS-(MaraviPost)-Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, unveiled
its plans to directly improve the lives of 10 million people across the continent by 2030.

The strategy will be delivered through targeted initiatives under four core pillars namely Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection and Digital Inclusion (FEED).

Outlining the ambitious target, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, stated, “Our 2030 vision is a transformed Africa where over 10 million lives are directly improved through our interventions.

“We are not just donating resources, 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.”

The Foundation’s mission will be executed by creating a cycle of empowerment through targeted
programmes.

These include ‘Connecting Schools’, which provides free connectivity and devices, and the ‘Airtel Africa Fellowship’, offering full undergraduate scholarships in tech and STEM fields, complemented by mentorship and internships.

According to the company, key early success underscoring the Foundation’s impact is its ongoing partnership with UNICEF.

Airtel Africa observes that “This collaboration has already connected more than 1,800 schools, benefitted over one million students, and trained more than 17,000 teachers in digital education across the Foundation’s 14 markets of operation.

“Foundation will leverage its dedicated Employee Volunteer Programme, channelling the skills and passion of its people directly into community initiatives”.

For the 2025/26 financial year, the Foundation has set specific expansion targets, with programmes now active across all its operating countries, from Nigeria to Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Commenting on the company’s support for the Foundation, Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer,
Sunil Taldar, said, “We cannot thrive in a place that is not thriving. This understanding is the very reason
the Airtel Africa Foundation was born. It is our vehicle to catalyse transformation, by systematically
investing in the pillars that underpin a resilient and dynamic society.

“We have remained dedicated to transforming lives both as a business imperative as well as our overarching philosophy. For us, helping to connect the unconnected, banking the unbanked and enabling businesses and economies to thrive are the three most significant objectives of our business.”

Education, Regional

Airtel Africa Foundation offers fellowship program to IIT Madras Zanzibar students

Maravi Post Reporter

ZANZIBAR-(MaraviPost)-The Airtel Africa Foundation on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 announced the launch of the prestigious ‘Airtel Africa Fellowship Program’ for the undergraduate students at IIT Madras Zanzibar.

This is the first-ever foreign campus established by an IIT.

The Foundation says the Fellowship aims to support deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) in Zanzibar.

“Starting with an outlay of US$500,000, the program will benefit 10 undergraduate students, for their entire course duration of 4 years.

“Founded in 2024 with a vision to foster a prosperous Africa, the Airtel Africa Foundation is dedicated to
advancing digital and financial inclusion across the continent along with key focus on education and
environmental protection,” reads the Foundation statement in part.

It adds, “This Fellowship is the maiden initiative undertaken to enhance educational opportunities for meritorious students, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, enrolled at IIT M Zanzibar.

“It is designed to support students from 14 African countries, which are namely Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, DRC, Niger, Chad, Congo B, Gabon, Madagascar and Seychelles”.

The Foundation explains further, “Recipients of this scholarship will be known as ‘Airtel Africa Fellows’. They will receive 100% of their college fees i.e. US$12,000 as per the course fee structure of the for a 4-year program.

“Additionally, to cover the living expense cost, US$500 will be given to all eligible students. This initiative will aspire to transform, shape lives and nurture future leaders who will contribute to technological innovation and economic growth of Africa”

Commenting on the fellowship scheme, Zanzibar’s Minister of Education and Vocational Training, H.E. Ms Lela Mohamed Mussa said, “IITM Zanzibar is charting a wonderful path in technical education in the region.

“Providing access to this high quality education to students from Tanzania and the rest of the continent, who are topping the IITM Zanzibar screening and test processes, through financial assistance, is an important priority for us.

He lauds, “We are thankful to this support from Airtel Africa Foundation, which will enhance our own efforts in this direction.”

The Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr. Olusegun Ogunsanya said, “We are pleased to partner with IIT Madras Zanzibar to provide opportunities for young Africans to access quality education. This initiative aims to contribute towards creating a prosperous and sustainable continent.

“We look forward to creating even more opportunities not just in education, but also in financial and digital inclusion, and environmental protection”.

The Director of IIT Madras, Prof. V. Kamakoti said, “IIT Madras is committed to establishing a world class campus in Zanzibar. We are delighted that Airtel Africa Foundation is joining hands with us in this effort.

“We look forward to welcoming the second cohort of bright young students to the IITM Zanzibar campus this year.

“We are immensely grateful to Airtel Africa Foundation for providing financial assistance for these future global leaders.”

Airtel Africa Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with a presence in 14 countries in Africa, primarily in East Africa and Central and West Africa.

The vision of the Airtel Africa Foundation is a prosperous Africa for all.

It is working to increase digital and literacy and skills, expand digital infrastructure in underserved areas, promote economic empowerment for women, expand access to education and address environmental degradation by advocating for and implementing sustainable practices.