Airtel Africa Foundation connects over 1,000 schools to internet in first year

The Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, has released its inaugural annual report, detailing its impact over its first full year of operation. The report highlights significant progress in connecting learners and communities across Africa.

Through a partnership with UNICEF, the foundation successfully connected 1,028 schools to the internet during the 2025/2026 reporting period. This achievement brings the total number of connected schools to 3,296 across 13 countries, benefiting over two million learners and nearly 39,000 teachers. Additionally, 64 zero-rated digital platforms provided free educational content to more than 11 million learners.

Segun Ogunsanya, Chair of the Airtel Africa Foundation, stated that the foundation was established to address barriers caused by unequal access to opportunities. "While talent and ambition are abundant, access to education, digital tools and economic participation remains uneven," Ogunsanya said. He emphasized the foundation's commitment to investing in communities with the least access through partnerships and its continental reach.

The foundation is focusing on measurable outcomes and long-term systemic change. Future plans include expanding its School Adoption Programme to over 80 schools, increasing scholarships to more than 600 youths, providing internet connectivity to an additional 2,000 schools, and extending digital skills and financial inclusion initiatives to underserved communities.

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The Airtel Africa Foundation was established to help dismantle barriers caused by unequal access to opportunity. While talent and ambition are abundant, access to education, digital tools and economic participation remains uneven. Through partnerships and our continental reach, we are committed to investing in communities furthest from opportunity.