A transformative partnership between Airtel Africa Plc and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has connected one million African children to digital education, offering a lifeline to learners in underserved and remote regions.
Launched in 2021, the five-year collaboration spans 13 African countries and aims to bridge the digital divide by providing internet connectivity, training teachers, and equipping schools with essential digital resources. To date, over 1,500 schools have been connected to the internet, and approximately 17,000 teachers have undergone training to enhance their digital teaching skill.
Airtel Africa has committed $57 million to the initiative, working closely with African governments to ensure access to education for children in vulnerable communities. “Our mission is to transform lives,” said Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar, in a statement marking World Children’s Day.
“For every school we have connected and for each teacher trained on using these digital tools, we are taking tangible steps toward realizing our commitment to bridging the digital divide, advancing educational equality, and securing a better future for Africa’s children,” Taldar noted.
The program has touched learners in 13 nations, including Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. By equipping schools with internet access and empowering teachers with digital tools, the partnership is laying a foundation for a more equitable, technology-driven education system.
“As we celebrate World Children’s Day, we dedicate this success to the children and the effort to secure their future,” added Taldar.
With Africa’s rapidly growing population, initiatives like this are critical to ensuring children, especially those in underserved regions, are prepared for the challenges of a technology-driven world. By investing in connectivity and digital skills, Airtel and UNICEF are setting an example for public-private collaborations aimed at reducing the education gap and creating opportunities for young learners.
This partnership underscores the transformative power of connectivity, helping to foster a generation of digitally empowered learners ready to thrive in the global economy.