Airtel Africa Foundation to train 26,000 youths, connect 300 schools in Nigeria by 2026

…Targets 14 African markets with digital inclusion, education drive

By Sodiq Adelakun

Airtel Africa Foundation has unveiled an ambitious plan to train 26,000 Nigerian youths in digital skills and connect 300 additional schools to the internet by 2026, as part of a wider programme across 14 African countries.

The announcement was made at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, where Airtel executives presented the company’s new social impact strategy.

Mr Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, described the initiative as a milestone in Airtel’s corporate social responsibility journey.

According to him, the new platform “brings our work in education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and digital skills under a single, sharper platform with greater ambition.” He stressed that Nigeria, being Airtel’s largest market, would remain central to the Foundation’s focus.

“In Nigeria, our plan is clear: we will train 26,000 youths, provide 100 scholarships, connect 300 schools, and adopt 10 schools for long-term support. These schools will benefit from renovations and the establishment of smart classrooms,” Balsingh explained.

Also speaking, Mr Sunil Taldar, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, underscored that the Foundation’s work extends beyond providing connectivity. “Our purpose goes beyond connecting people,” he said. “We aim to be a genuine partner in Africa’s progress.”

The programme will also extend to other African countries. In Uganda, Airtel Foundation plans to train 50,000 youths, connect 415 schools, and train 100 women in technology. Kenya will see 5,000 youths trained, 50 digital communities established, 100 women empowered with tech skills, 100 schools connected, and 10 schools adopted.

Tanzania will benefit from the connection of 1,000 schools, while in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 25 schools will be adopted and 50 scholarships awarded. Additional projects are ongoing in Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Seychelles, Niger, and Chad, with focus areas including school connectivity, teacher training, and youth empowerment.

Also, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, emphasised that the initiative is designed to deliver measurable impact over the long term. “The real question is: what legacy will we leave?” he asked. “Legacy is measured by the lives we touch and the opportunities we create.”

He further noted that the Foundation’s target of impacting 10 million lives by 2030 will be anchored on education, which he described as the cornerstone for unlocking digital and financial inclusion. According to him, Airtel’s staff members are already contributing by volunteering their time, sharing expertise, and mentoring students.

“Giving is not just writing a cheque; it is giving time and presence,” Ogunsanya stressed, adding that accountability will remain a guiding principle through measurable outcomes.