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Airtel Africa Foundation has introduced the Airtel Africa Fellowship Program at IIT Madras Zanzibar with a significant initial investment of $500,000. Announced on September 10, the fellowship will provide financial support to 10 undergraduate students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program.

The initiative is aimed at enhancing educational opportunities, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds across Africa. In addition to promoting education, the foundation prioritizes digital and financial inclusion, as well as environmental sustainability.

Students from 14 African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Niger, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon, Madagascar, and Seychelles, are eligible to benefit from the fellowship. Each recipient, known as an “Airtel Africa Fellow,” will receive full coverage of their college fees, amounting to $12,000, and an additional $500 to cover living expenses, ensuring their financial needs are met over the four-year program.

Speaking on the initiative, Zanzibar’s Minister of Education and Vocational Training, H.E. Lela Mohamed Mussa, expressed her support, noting the importance of providing financial assistance to talented students. “IITM Zanzibar is charting a wonderful path in technical education in the region. Providing access to high quality education to students from Tanzania and the rest of the continent who are topping the IITM Zanzibar screening and test processes through financial assistance is an important priority for us,” said Zanzibar’s. 

Dr. Olusegun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, emphasized the long-term goals of the initiative: “This initiative aims to contribute towards creating a prosperous and sustainable continent,” said the chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr. Olusegun Ogunsanya, in a statement by the Airtel Africa Foundation. Ogunsanya further added that this initiative will help improve the quality of education in Africa.  

The Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa, has long been committed to empowering underserved communities through digital literacy programs, infrastructure development, and women’s economic empowerment. This latest initiative aligns with their broader mission of fostering sustainable growth in Africa.

 This fellowship program also reflect India’s growing focus on strengthening ties with the African Union. In recent years, India has deepened diplomatic relations with several African nations, with visits from various heads of state. As part of India’s G20 Presidency, the country has placed a stronger emphasis on partnerships with the African Union, demonstrating a commitment to supporting educational and economic development in the region.