Airtel Africa has announced plans to connect 5,000 schools across its operating countries in Africa to the internet by 2027 through its philanthropic arm, Airtel Africa Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The initiative aims to expand access to digital learning resources for learners, especially those in underserved communities, by providing internet connectivity, digital platforms and training for teachers.
In Malawi, the programme is being implemented through Airtel Nzeru Connect, which has so far connected 36 schools to the internet, with nine more schools expected to be connected in 2026.
The initiative has established ICT laboratories in connected schools equipped with smart TVs, tablets and free Airtel internet services. It has also zero-rated 12 local online e-learning websites, allowing learners and teachers to access digital educational content at no cost.
More than one million users have accessed the platforms in Malawi, while the project is directly benefiting over 32,000 learners and more than 900 teachers who are using ICT laboratories to improve teaching and learning.
Speaking during a visit to St. Monica’s Girls’ School in Lusaka, Zambia, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the initiative is helping improve the quality of education by giving learners access to digital resources developed through collaboration between UNICEF and education authorities.
Taldar said Airtel Africa will continue providing free internet access, zero-rated learning platforms and training for teachers to support digital education across the continent.
UNICEF Zambia Country Representative Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah said the partnership is helping to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that children can access learning materials regardless of their location.
The School Connectivity Programme is being implemented in 13 African countries, including Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with a focus on equipping young people with digital skills needed in the modern economy.
Since the partnership was launched in 2021, the $57 million programme has connected 3,296 schools across Africa, benefiting more than two million learners and about 40,000 teachers.
The programme has also zero-rated 64 digital learning platforms, allowing over 11 million users to access educational content without data charges.