Airtel Africa has unveiled plans to provide free internet connectivity to 5,000 schools across Nigeria and 12 other African countries by 2027 as part of efforts to bridge the continent’s digital education gap.
The initiative is being implemented through the Airtel Africa Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) under a $57 million programme launched in 2021.
So far, the partnership has connected 3,296 schools, providing digital learning opportunities to more than 2 million students and 40,000 teachers across Africa.
Additionally, 64 digital learning platforms have been zero-rated, allowing over 11 million users to access educational content without incurring data charges.
Speaking during a visit to St. Monica’s Girls’ School in Lusaka, Zambia, one of the 300 schools already connected under the programme, Sunil Taldar, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, said the initiative is transforming education by expanding access to digital learning resources.
According to him, the project is being implemented in collaboration with governments to improve learning outcomes for children across the continent. “Students are accessing best-in-class education from the curriculum developed by UNICEF in partnership with various Ministries of Education and provided through Airtel’s connectivity,” Taldar said.
He added that the programme also focuses on equipping teachers with digital skills to maximise the benefits of technology in classrooms. “We are also training teachers so that they deliver digital education effectively. We aim to continue deepening meaningful connectivity in schools by providing free internet access, zero-rated platforms and training teachers across the continent.”
Sr. Matilda Soloko, the Headmistress of St. Monica’s Girls’ School, said internet connectivity has significantly enhanced teaching and learning at the school. “Being among the first schools connected in the initial stage, our learners have been able to study using the learning portal and their studies have been intensified. We remain grateful to Airtel and UNICEF,” she said.
Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah, UNICEF’s Country Representative in Zambia, described the initiative as an important step toward reducing educational inequality.
She said the programme is helping to bridge the digital divide by ensuring children can continue learning regardless of their location.
According to her, students now have the flexibility to study at their own pace, review lessons and complete assignments more conveniently.
The Director of Secondary Education at Zambia’s Ministry of Education, Yvonne Mwemba Chuulu, commended Airtel and UNICEF for supporting the country’s education sector.
She noted that the partnership has enabled schools to adopt blended learning, combining classroom teaching with digital resources, while allowing students to continue learning from home.
The School Connection programme currently operates in 13 African countries: Chad, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
By expanding internet access, zero-rating educational platforms and training teachers, Airtel and UNICEF aim to equip children, particularly those in underserved and remote communities, with the digital skills needed to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The initiative forms part of Airtel Africa’s broader commitment to expanding digital inclusion and improving access to quality education across the continent.
