Airtel Africa aims to connect 5,000 schools across its African markets to the internet by 2027 through its philanthropic arm, the Airtel Africa Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
The telecoms operator said the US$57 million partnership, launched in 2021, has so far connected 3,296 schools and provided internet access to more than two million learners and about 40,000 teachers.
It has also zero-rated 64 digital learning platforms, enabling more than 11 million users to access educational content at no cost.
The School Connectivity programme is currently being rolled out in 13 countries: Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Speaking during a visit to St Monica's Girls School in Lusaka, one of 300 schools already connected in Zambia, Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, said the initiative is enhancing access to digital learning resources through collaboration with governments.
"Students are accessing education from curricula developed by UNICEF, in partnership with various ministries of education, and delivered through Airtel's connectivity. We are also training teachers so they can deliver digital education effectively. We aim to continue expanding school connectivity by providing free internet access, zero-rated platforms and teacher training across the continent," Taldar said.
The programme provides schools with internet connectivity and trains teachers to use digital tools, helping expand access to online educational resources in underserved and remote areas.
Dr Saja Farooq Abdullah, UNICEF Zambia country representative, said the partnership was helping to address inequality and the digital divide.
"What this partnership has brought is really bridging the equality gap and the digital divide. It is making sure that every child learns wherever they are," she said.
Yvonne Mwemba Chuulu, director of secondary education at Zambia's Ministry of Education, said the initiative supports blended learning by enabling teachers to use digital devices and allowing learners to access educational resources remotely.
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