Airtel Africa, a leading telecommunications provider, and UNICEF have announced the success of their five-year partnership to improve digital education across the continent. The initiative, launched in 2021, has connected more than 1,500 schools to the internet, trained 17,000 teachers, and provided nearly 1 million children with access to quality digital learning resources
The partnership, supported by Airtel Africa’s $57 million investment, aims to bridge the digital divide for vulnerable children in remote communities. Collaborating with governments across 13 African countries, it has expanded access to online learning platforms and provided training for teachers to use digital tools in classrooms.
Speaking on World Children’s Day, Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar reflected on the program’s achievements:
“Through our collaboration with UNICEF, we are transforming lives. Every school connected and teacher trained brings us closer to bridging the digital divide and ensuring educational equality for Africa’s children.”
He emphasized the program’s focus on equipping schools with internet access and training educators, particularly in underserved areas, to prepare students for a technology-driven future.
Since its launch, the partnership has expanded to schools in Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
UNICEF has praised the initiative as a significant step toward achieving educational equity in Africa, highlighting the importance of public-private collaborations in addressing barriers to learning.
This partnership underscores Airtel Africa’s commitment to empowering communities through technology and creating opportunities for children across the continent.
