Airtel Networks Zambia Plc says it will invest ZK22 into a digital training programme, in partnership with the Smart Zambia Institute, to encourage the pursuit of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)-focused careers

One hundred-and-fifty school girls will be selected from three provinces to participate in the programme this year, organised as part of the Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) initiative launched by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and Cisco.

Airtel will provide routers and data for the duration of the programme to ensure connectivity during all training sessions, as well as mentorship for the candidates and job opportunities post-training.

The DTC initiative aims to support countries in developing digital skills at basic and intermediate levels across their population, focusing on under-privileged and marginalised communities.

Airtel Zambia Managing Director Apoorva Mehrotra said the initiative aligns with the company’s vision to not only connect citizens, but also empower them to create opportunities for inclusive and sustainable development.

He said, “We are excited to be part of this initiative to empower schoolgirls in Zambia to navigate the digital world effectively. Without mathematics and technology, we in the telecommunications space will not have a future workforce of technicians and engineers needed for expanding, maintaining and innovating (the) mobile platforms.”

ITU Africa regional director Andrew Rugege added: “In today’s world, digital skills are essential to closing the global digital divide and empowering people and communities. This is the inspiration behind this new programme which aims to impact these digital skills to schoolgirls in Zambia so they can enjoy the full benefits and capabilities of today’s technology while bridging the widening digital gender gap.”