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Airtel Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital education across the continent, announcing plans to provide free internet connectivity to 5,000 schools in its 14 African markets by 2027 through a partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The initiative, spearheaded by the Airtel Africa Foundation, builds on a $57 million partnership launched in 2021 to bridge Africa’s digital divide by improving access to online learning resources for students and teachers in underserved communities.
Providing an update on the programme during a visit to St. Monica’s Girls School in Lusaka, Zambia, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, said the project has already connected 3,296 schools, benefiting more than two million learners and approximately 40,000 teachers across the continent. In addition, 64 educational digital platforms have been zero-rated, allowing over 11 million users to access learning materials without incurring data charges.
According to Taldar, the initiative is transforming classroom learning by giving students access to high-quality digital educational content developed by UNICEF in collaboration with various Ministries of Education. He noted that the programme also includes teacher training to ensure educators can effectively integrate digital tools into classroom instruction.
“We aim to continue expanding meaningful connectivity in schools by providing free internet access, zero-rated learning platforms and training teachers across the continent,” Taldar said.
The programme currently spans 13 African countries—Chad, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia—with Airtel and UNICEF working alongside governments to strengthen digital learning infrastructure.
Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Sr. Matilda Soloko, Headmistress of St. Monica’s Girls School, said internet connectivity has significantly improved students’ learning experience by enabling access to online educational resources and learning portals both in school and at home.
Also commenting on the partnership, UNICEF Zambia Country Representative, Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah, described the programme as a critical step toward narrowing the digital divide and ensuring children, regardless of location, have equal opportunities to learn at their own pace using digital resources.
Similarly, Yvonne Mwemba Chuulu, Director of Secondary Education at Zambia’s Ministry of Education, commended Airtel and UNICEF for supporting blended learning. She noted that the collaboration is helping schools integrate technology into teaching while extending learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
The announcement underscores Airtel Africa’s broader strategy of leveraging connectivity to drive digital inclusion and improve educational outcomes across the continent. As the company works toward its 2027 target, the initiative is expected to play a significant role in expanding access to quality education and equipping millions of African students with essential digital skills.
