AIRTEL AFRICA TO CONNECT 5,000 SCHOOLS TO FREE INTERNET BY 2027

Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar.

Airtel Africa Foundation and UNICEF Expand Digital Education Across 13 African Countries

LUSAKA, Zambia; July 8, 2026 – Airtel Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital education across the continent by announcing plans to connect 5,000 schools to free internet access by 2027 through the Airtel Africa Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The announcement was made by Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, during a visit to St. Monica's Girls' School, one of more than 300 schools already benefiting from the initiative in Zambia.

The ambitious programme forms part of a 57-million-US-dollar partnership launched in 2021 between the Airtel Africa Foundation and UNICEF to improve digital access to education across Africa.

MILLIONS OF LEARNERS ALREADY BENEFITING

Since the partnership began, significant progress has been achieved:

• 3,296 schools connected to the internet across Africa.
• More than 2 million learners benefiting from digital education.
• Approximately 40,000 teachers supported through digital training.
• 64 digital learning platforms zero-rated, enabling over 11 million users to access educational content free of data charges.

These achievements demonstrate the growing impact of digital connectivity in improving educational opportunities, particularly for children in underserved communities.

COMMITMENT TO MEANINGFUL CONNECTIVITY

Speaking during the school visit, Sunil Taldar said the initiative is transforming education by giving learners access to high-quality digital learning resources developed through collaboration between UNICEF and various Ministries of Education.

He noted that Airtel Africa is not only providing free internet connectivity but also ensuring teachers receive the necessary digital skills training to effectively integrate technology into classroom learning.

According to Taldar, the company remains committed to expanding meaningful connectivity through free internet access, zero-rated educational platforms and teacher capacity-building programmes across the continent.

POSITIVE IMPACT IN ZAMBIA

The Headmistress of St. Monica's Girls' School, Sr Matilda Soloko, praised the initiative, saying learners have significantly improved their studies through access to the digital learning portal since the school became one of the first beneficiaries.

She expressed appreciation to Airtel Africa and UNICEF for helping improve learning outcomes through digital education.

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

UNICEF Zambia Country Representative, Dr Saja Farooq Abdullah, described the partnership as a critical step toward reducing educational inequality and closing Africa's digital divide.

She noted that the programme enables children to learn at their own pace, revisit learning materials whenever needed and comfortably complete school assignments using digital resources.

GOVERNMENT COMMENDS THE PARTNERSHIP

The Director of Secondary Education in Zambia's Ministry of Education, Yvonne Mwemba Chuulu, applauded the collaboration, saying government alone cannot achieve digital transformation in education.

She highlighted that learners are now benefiting from blended learning, where classroom teaching is complemented by digital tools, while also accessing educational content from home.

13 AFRICAN COUNTRIES INCLUDED

The School Connection Programme is currently expanding digital learning opportunities across 13 African countries:

• Chad
• Congo
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Gabon
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Zambia

By providing internet connectivity and teacher training, the initiative is equipping children—especially those in remote and underserved communities—with the digital skills needed to succeed in an increasingly connected world.

AIRTEL AFRICA FOUNDATION'S BROADER MISSION

Beyond education, the Airtel Africa Foundation continues to promote inclusive development through four strategic pillars:

• Financial Inclusion
• Education
• Environmental Sustainability
• Digital Inclusion

These initiatives reinforce Airtel Africa's commitment to supporting sustainable development and empowering communities across the continent.

LOOKING AHEAD

With more than 3,200 schools already connected and a target of 5,000 schools by 2027, Airtel Africa and UNICEF are accelerating efforts to bridge Africa's digital education gap. The initiative is expected to empower millions more learners and teachers by providing free internet access, digital learning platforms and essential technology skills that will help prepare young Africans for the future.

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