Airtel Africa to Connect 5,000 Schools to Free Internet Across Africa by 2027

 Airtel Africa to Connect 5,000 Schools to Free Internet Across Africa by 2027

Airtel Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital education across the continent, announcing plans to connect 5,000 schools to free internet access by 2027 through a partnership between the Airtel Africa Foundation and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

LUSAKA, Zambia – Airtel Africa has announced plans to connect 5,000 schools across its 13 African operating countries to free internet access by 2027 through its philanthropic arm, the Airtel Africa Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The announcement was made by Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, during a visit to St. Monica's Girls' School in Lusaka, Zambia, one of the 300 schools already benefiting from the initiative.

The school connectivity programme is part of the $57 million partnership launched by Airtel Africa and UNICEF in 2021 to improve digital learning opportunities for children across Africa.

According to Airtel Africa, the initiative has so far connected 3,296 schools, providing internet access to more than two million learners and about 40,000 teachers. In addition, 64 digital learning platforms have been zero-rated, enabling over 11 million users to access educational content free of charge.

Speaking on the impact of the programme, Taldar said the initiative is transforming education by expanding access to quality digital learning resources while supporting governments in strengthening education systems.

"Students are accessing best-in-class education from curricula developed by UNICEF in partnership with various Ministries of Education and delivered through Airtel's connectivity. We are also training teachers to effectively deliver digital education. Our goal is to continue deepening meaningful connectivity in schools by providing free internet access, zero-rated platforms and teacher training across the continent," he said.

The Headmistress of St. Monica's Girls' School, Sr. Matilda Soloko, said the internet connectivity had significantly improved learning outcomes at the school.

"As one of the first schools connected under the programme, our learners have greatly benefited from the learning portal, which has strengthened their studies. We remain grateful to Airtel and UNICEF," she said.

UNICEF's Country Representative in Zambia, Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah, described the partnership as a major step towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to education.

She noted that the initiative enables children to learn at their own pace, revisit learning materials and complete assignments conveniently, regardless of their location.

Also speaking, Zambia's Director of Secondary Education, Yvonne Mwemba Chuulu, commended the collaboration, saying partnerships such as this are essential to improving educational outcomes.

She said the programme has promoted blended learning by enabling teachers to integrate digital tools into classroom instruction while allowing students to continue learning from home through the online learning portal.

The School Connection Programme currently operates in Chad, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Through the initiative, schools are provided with reliable internet connectivity while teachers receive training on the effective use of digital technologies, helping learners—particularly those in underserved and remote communities—develop the digital skills needed for the future.

The Airtel Africa Foundation said the programme aligns with its broader commitment to inclusive development through four strategic focus areas: financial inclusion, education, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion.