Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa Plc, has announced plans to directly impact 10 million people across the continent by 2030.
The initiative will be delivered through four focus areas: financial empowerment, education, environmental protection and digital inclusion.
Chairman of the foundation, Segun Ogunsanya, said the vision is to build talent and foster innovation through measurable programmes.
“Our 2030 vision is a transformed Africa where over 10 million lives are directly improved through our interventions. We are not just donating resources, we are building a pipeline of talent and fostering innovation to ensure the global digital revolution leaves no African behind. This is a strategic, measurable commitment to unlocking the continent’s demographic dividend”, he said.
Key projects under the plan include connecting schools, which provides free connectivity and devices and the Airtel Africa Fellowship, which will offer undergraduate scholarships in technology and STEM fields, with mentorship and internships.
The foundation highlighted its partnership with UNICEF as an early success, noting that over 1,800 schools have been connected, more than one million students reached and 17,000 teachers trained in digital education across its 14 operating countries.
It also plans to expand its Employee Volunteer Programme, directing staff skills into community projects across all its markets including Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar, said the Foundation serves as a vehicle to invest in areas that support stronger societies and economies, adding that the company remains committed to connecting the unconnected, banking the unbanked and supporting business growth.
