The Airtel Africa Foundation has announced the launch of the prestigious ‘Airtel Africa Fellowship Program,’ designed to support undergraduate students enrolled at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) Zanzibar, the first-ever foreign campus of an IIT. This Fellowship, with an initial investment of $500,000, aims to provide financial support to deserving students from socio-economically diverse backgrounds pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at IITM Zanzibar.
The Fellowship will benefit 10 undergraduate students throughout the four-year program, covering their entire course duration. Students from 14 African nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Malawi, will be eligible for this program. Recipients, known as ‘Airtel Africa Fellows,’ will receive full tuition support, valued at $12,000 for the four-year program. Additionally, a living stipend of $500 will be provided to all eligible students to assist with living expenses.
The Airtel Africa Foundation, established in 2024, is committed to advancing digital and financial inclusion, as well as promoting education and environmental sustainability across Africa. This Fellowship marks the Foundation’s first major initiative to enhance educational opportunities for high-achieving students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, across the continent.
Zanzibar’s Minister of Education and Vocational Training, H.E. Ms. Lela Mohamed Mussa, expressed her gratitude for Airtel’s support, emphasizing the significance of the Fellowship. “IITM Zanzibar is paving a new path for technical education in the region. This financial assistance will enable top students from Tanzania and across Africa to access world-class education. We are deeply appreciative of Airtel Africa Foundation’s contribution to our shared educational goals.”
Dr. Olusegun Ogunsanya, Chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation, shared the organization’s broader vision. “We are honored to partner with IIT Madras Zanzibar to provide quality education opportunities to young Africans. This Fellowship is part of our broader commitment to fostering a prosperous and sustainable Africa. We hope this will be the first of many initiatives in education, digital inclusion, and environmental protection.”
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, echoed the sentiment, stating, “We are thrilled that Airtel Africa Foundation is supporting our mission to build a world-class educational institution in Zanzibar. This Fellowship will help us welcome a second cohort of talented students and nurture future leaders who will drive innovation and economic growth across Africa.”
The Airtel Africa Fellowship Program represents a significant step toward empowering young African minds and fostering educational excellence across the continent.
