Airtel Africa Foundation
Empowering communities and transforming futures through sustainable impact
In June 2024, Airtel Africa established the Airtel Africa Foundation to scale its social impact. The Foundation is our dedicated philanthropic arm: it was created to formalise and expand Airtel Africa’s commitment to transforming lives across its 14 markets in sub-Saharan Africa.
Airtel Africa Foundation
Empowering communities and transforming futures through sustainable impact
In June 2024, Airtel Africa established the Airtel Africa Foundation to scale its social impact. The Foundation is our dedicated philanthropic arm: it was created to formalise and expand Airtel Africa’s commitment to transforming lives across its 14 markets in sub-Saharan Africa.
Chaired by former Airtel Africa CEO, Olusegun Ogunsanya, the Foundation has been set up to be a long-term driver of inclusive growth and social transformation. By focusing on strategic, scalable initiatives, the Foundation aligns its mission with Airtel Africa’s sustainability strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Focused on impact: four pillars of change
The Airtel Africa Foundation has set its sights on four objectives where it can deliver the greatest impact:
Increase financial literacy and access to digital financial services
By expanding internet access and promoting digital literacy, the Foundation aims to bridge the digital divide. It also supports initiatives that improve access to mobile financial services, helping underserved populations, especially women and small business owners, participate more fully in the economy.
Expand access to education
Education is central to the Foundation’s vision of socio-economic empowerment. Through scholarships, partnerships and digital learning platforms, it seeks to equip future generations with the STEM1 skills and opportunities, particularly among young women, to thrive in a digital world.
Promote sustainable environmental services
Climate change poses a growing threat across the continent. The Foundation is investing in community-based environmental programmes that foster sustainability – from protection of natural resources and renewable energy to climate education and resilience-building.
Enhance access to digital technologies
This is crucial for driving economic growth, improving education, healthcare and financial inclusion across underserved populations. Enhancing access to digital technologies also empowers individuals and businesses to participate in the global digital economy, reducing inequality and fostering innovation.
1. STEM is an umbrella term used to group together the distinct but related technical disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Highlights in 2024/25
In its first nine months, the Airtel Africa Foundation has focused on empowering young people with the skills and support needed to thrive in a digital future.
In September 2024, the Foundation launched its first fellowship programme, an investment in the continent’s next generation of technology leaders. It awarded four-year scholarships to support ten exceptional students – five men and five women – to pursue degrees in data science and artificial intelligence at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in Zanzibar, Tanzania. With tuition and living expenses fully covered for up to $500,000, these students represent the first cohort of what will become a growing network of African digital innovators equipped to shape the region’s technological future.
Alongside this, the Foundation extended its support to grassroots technical education, funding the training of 25,000 young people through Nigeria’s ‘Three million technical talents’ (3MTT) initiative. This government-led programme focuses on equipping youth with market-ready digital skills, opening doors to employment and entrepreneurship in one of Africa’s most dynamic tech ecosystems.
Together, these early initiatives reflect the Foundation’s commitment to unlocking potential – investing in the individuals and skills that will power Africa’s digital transformation in the years ahead.
