Airtel Africa Foundation has introduced the ‘Airtel Africa Fellowship Program,’ aimed at supporting undergraduate students at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) Zanzibar. The program, with an initial funding of USD 500,000, will provide financial aid to 10 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at IITM’s first overseas campus.

Empowering African Students through Technology Education

The Fellowship targets students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds across 14 African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. By providing full tuition coverage and an additional stipend for living expenses, Airtel Africa aims to bridge educational inequalities and foster technological innovation on the continent. Each recipient, known as an ‘Airtel Africa Fellow,’ will receive USD 12,000 in tuition fees over four years, alongside USD 500 per year for living expenses.

This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Airtel Africa Foundation, which focuses on enhancing digital and financial inclusion across Africa. As the tech industry grows in importance globally, access to quality education in emerging fields like Data Science and Artificial Intelligence can significantly boost local economies and foster leadership in digital transformation.

Voices from Leadership

Zanzibar’s Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Lela Mohamed Mussa, highlighted the importance of supporting students pursuing technical education:”Providing access to high-quality education, especially through financial assistance, helps us nurture talent from across Tanzania and Africa. Airtel Africa Foundation’s support bolsters our efforts to ensure that students can thrive at IITM Zanzibar.”

Airtel Africa Foundation Chairman, Dr. Olusegun Ogunsanya, underscored the program’s mission to shape Africa’s future through education:
“This initiative is a crucial step towards building a more prosperous continent. By partnering with IITM Zanzibar, we are investing in the future leaders of Africa, who will drive technological innovation and economic growth.”

Strategic Significance of the Partnership

IIT Madras Director, Prof. V. Kamakoti, emphasized the importance of partnerships in expanding educational opportunities:
“Establishing a world-class campus in Zanzibar is just the beginning. Through this partnership with Airtel Africa Foundation, we are enabling more students to access top-tier education and contribute to Africa’s technological and economic landscape.”

Technological and Educational Growth in Africa

As Africa pushes towards greater digital transformation, programs like the Airtel Africa Fellowship aim to equip the next generation with critical skills in technology. The fields of Data Science and AI are essential for the future of tech innovation, and initiatives that enable access to such fields will be crucial in shaping the continent’s future. This fellowship program supports that vision by providing African students the opportunity to study at one of the world’s leading technical institutions.

With the growing importance of digital and financial inclusion, this fellowship is more than just an educational initiative; it is a step towards creating a more sustainable and competitive tech ecosystem in Africa.