Since its launch in 2021, the $57m partnership has connected 3,296 schools, providing internet access to over 2m learners and 40,000 teachers.

Airtel Africa has set a target of connecting 5,000 schools across its African markets to the internet by 2027 through the Airtel Africa Foundation, as it expands its digital education partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The initiative forms part of a $57m, five-year partnership launched in 2021 to accelerate digital learning across Africa by improving school connectivity, providing free access to educational platforms and equipping teachers with digital skills. Airtel Africa was the first African private-sector company to support UNICEF’s Reimagine Education initiative through a multi-million-dollar commitment.

The telecommunications operator said the programme has already connected 3,296 schools across 13 African countries, giving internet access to more than two million learners and around 40,000 teachers. It has also zero-rated 64 digital learning platforms, allowing more than 11m users to access educational content without data charges.

The School Connectivity programme is currently being implemented in Chad, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

The latest milestone was highlighted during a visit to St Monica’s Girls School in Lusaka, Zambia, one of 300 schools connected under the initiative.

Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, said the programme is improving access to digital education through partnerships with governments and ministries of education across the continent.

He said students are accessing curriculum developed by UNICEF in collaboration with education ministries using Airtel’s connectivity, while teachers are receiving training to deliver digital education effectively. He added that the company plans to continue expanding school connectivity by providing free internet access, zero-rated educational platforms and teacher training.

The programme combines internet connectivity with teacher training, digital tools and online educational resources, with a particular focus on underserved and remote communities. According to Airtel Africa and UNICEF, the partnership also supports governments through data-driven planning and aligns with the UNICEF-ITU Giga initiative to expand school connectivity sustainably across Africa.

Dr Saja Farooq Abdullah, UNICEF’s Country Representative in Zambia, said the collaboration is helping bridge inequality and the digital divide by ensuring children can access quality education regardless of where they live.

Yvonne Mwemba Chuulu, Director of Secondary Education at Zambia’s Ministry of Education, said the initiative supports blended learning by enabling teachers to use digital technologies while allowing students to access learning resources both in classrooms and remotely.

Airtel Africa said the programme remains central to its sustainability strategy and aims to improve digital inclusion by expanding educational opportunities for millions of children across the continent.