Airtel Africa has announced a $500,000 investment to fund the “Airtel Africa Fellowship Program” at IIT Madras Zanzibar, supporting ten undergraduate students for the full duration of their four-year course.

The fellowship will cover 100% of tuition fees, amounting to $12,000, and provide an additional $500 for living expenses. This initiative aims to assist deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program at the institution.

Established in 2024, the Airtel Africa Foundation focuses on advancing digital and financial inclusion, education, and environmental protection across the continent. This fellowship is the foundation’s first major educational initiative, targeting students from 14 African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda. The program seeks to enhance educational opportunities and foster future leaders who will drive technological and economic progress in Africa.

Zanzibar’s Minister of Education, H.E. Ms. Lela Mohamed Mussa, and IIT Madras Director, Prof. V. Kamakoti, praised the partnership for its role in improving technical education and supporting students across the region. Airtel Africa Foundation Chairman, Dr. Olusegun Ogunsanya, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative’s potential to contribute to a prosperous and sustainable Africa, emphasizing future plans for broader educational and developmental opportunities.