UNICEF, Airtel partnership connects 1 million African children to digital education

By Peter Ochieng

Airtel Africa has announced that its five-year partnership with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has ensured the much-needed transformation in schools.

Aimed at transforming education across the continent, the program has connected over 1,500 schools to the internet, trained 17,000 teachers, and reached nearly a million learners with quality digital education resources across 13 African countries.

The partnership was launched in 2021 as part of Airtel Africa’s $57 million commitment to support the development of education and bridge the digital gap, for vulnerable children in remote communities in collaboration with African governments.

Since the commencement of the partnership, Airtel Africa has prioritised the accessibility of online learning resources, including zero-rated educational platforms and teacher training, to support equitable learning opportunities for Africa’s children.

Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar, speaking on the success of the partnership while marking this year’s World’s Children’s Day said:

"Our mission is to transform lives, and through our collaboration with UNICEF, we are witnessing the profound impact that connectivity and digital resources can have on Africa’s children and teachers.”

He added, “For every school we have connected and for each teacher trained on using these digital tools, we are taking tangible steps toward realising our commitment to bridging the digital divide, advancing educational equality and restating our commitment to the relentless pursuit of a better future for African children on the continent.”

According to Taldar, by equipping these schools with internet connectivity and training teachers on how to use the digital tools, Airtel Africa and UNICEF are providing Africa’s children, particularly those in underserved and remote regions, with the digital tools and skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven world.

The partnership has expanded digital learning to learners in 13 countries since its launch.

The countries include Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.