Airtel Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital education across the continent, announcing plans to connect 5,000 schools in Nigeria and 12 other African countries to the internet by 2027 through its partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The initiative, implemented by the Airtel Africa Foundation, forms part of a $57 million collaboration launched in 2021 to improve access to quality digital learning for children across Africa.
Speaking during a visit to St. Monica’s Girls’ School in Lusaka, Zambia—one of the 300 schools already connected under the programme—Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, said the project is transforming education by giving students and teachers access to digital learning resources developed in partnership with governments and UNICEF.
According to Taldar, the programme has already connected 3,296 schools, benefiting more than two million learners and approximately 40,000 teachers across participating countries.
He added that Airtel has also zero-rated 64 digital learning platforms, allowing over 11 million users to access educational content free of charge.
“Our goal is to continue deepening meaningful connectivity in schools by providing free internet access, zero-rated educational platforms and teacher training across the continent,” Taldar said.
He noted that beyond internet connectivity, the initiative is equipping teachers with digital skills needed to deliver technology-driven education effectively.
The Headmistress of St. Monica’s Girls’ School, Sr. Matilda Soloko, described the partnership as a game-changer for students, saying access to the digital learning portal has significantly improved learning outcomes.
She expressed appreciation to Airtel Africa and UNICEF for selecting the school among the first beneficiaries of the programme.
UNICEF Zambia Country Representative, Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah, said the partnership is helping to bridge Africa’s digital divide by ensuring children, regardless of location, have equal access to quality education.
She noted that students can now learn at their own pace, review lessons and complete assignments from home, making education more accessible and inclusive.
Also speaking, Zambia’s Director of Secondary Education, Yvonne Mwemba Chuulu, commended Airtel Africa and UNICEF for supporting the country’s education sector.
She said the initiative has enabled schools to adopt blended learning, combining classroom teaching with digital tools while allowing students to continue learning beyond the classroom.
The School Connection programme currently operates in 13 African countries—Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Through internet connectivity, digital learning platforms and teacher training, the programme aims to equip children, particularly those in underserved and remote communities, with the digital skills needed for future opportunities.