The Airtel Africa Foundation, in collaboration with UNICEF, has unveiled a plan to directly impact over 10 million lives across the continent by 2030 through education, digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, and financial literacy programs.
The announcement was made at a press conference in Lagos State, where the foundation was formally launched.
Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said the foundation was committed to improving Africa’s socio-economic landscape through education and digital empowerment.
“We gather today to officially present the Airtel Africa Foundation to the world. This foundation carries forward our tradition of social investment and multiplies its reach with a sharper focus, a stronger platform, and a groundbreaking vision,” Balsingh said.
He explained that the foundation was equipping schools with devices, internet connectivity, and teacher training to prepare young Africans for self-reliance in the digital economy.
Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Sunil Taldar, described the goal as both a business imperative and a guiding philosophy.
“We have visited over 1,200 schools, impacted more than one million students, and trained 17,000 teachers in digital education across our 14 markets. A very large portion of the foundation’s investment will go into Nigeria,” Taldar stated.
Since its inception in July 2024, the foundation has been active in Nigeria and 13 other African countries, bridging the digital divide, equipping young people with 21st-century skills, and promoting economic resilience.
Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, described the initiative as a catalyst for change and a lasting legacy.
“What makes you rich is not what you have, but what you give,” he said.
Ogunsanya highlighted the foundation’s focus on creating pathways to higher learning through zero-rated educational platforms, device donations, and school refurbishment projects.
“We’ve given IT materials to teachers, installed smart TVs in classrooms, and reconstructed six schools across Nigeria — one in each region. Our target is to reach 10 schools for a geo-balanced impact,” he said.
The foundation has also introduced the Airtel Africa Fellowship, which offers full undergraduate scholarships in technology and STEM fields, mentorship opportunities, internships, and exchange programs to groom Africa’s next generation of innovators.
Ogunsanya revealed that the foundation is currently sponsoring two Nigerian students in a university in India and will award 100 additional scholarships to Nigerians.
