By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian
The Airtel Africa Foundation has launched the ‘Airtel Africa Fellowship Program’ for undergraduate students at IIT Madras Zanzibar, the first foreign campus established by an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
The Fellowship is aimed at supporting talented students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program at IIT Madras (IITM) in Zanzibar. With an initial investment of $500,000, the program will provide full financial support to 10 undergraduate students for the entire 4-year course duration.
Established in 2024 with a mission to promote a prosperous Africa, the Airtel Africa Foundation focuses on digital and financial inclusion, education, and environmental protection. The Fellowship is its first initiative to expand educational opportunities for talented students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, at IITM Zanzibar. The program is open to students from 14 African countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Gabon, Madagascar, and Seychelles.
Recipients, known as ‘Airtel Africa Fellows,’ will receive a full scholarship covering their tuition fees of $12,000, along with an additional $500 to help with living expenses. This initiative aims to transform lives by nurturing future leaders who will drive technological innovation and economic growth in Africa.
Zanzibar’s Minister of Education and Vocational Training, H.E. Ms. Lela Mohamed Mussa, praised the program, stating, “IITM Zanzibar is paving the way for technical education in the region. Providing access to high-quality education to top-performing students from Tanzania and the rest of the continent through financial assistance is a key priority for us. We appreciate Airtel Africa Foundation’s support, which will bolster our efforts in this direction.”
Dr. Olusegun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said, “We are excited to partner with IIT Madras Zanzibar to provide young Africans access to quality education. This initiative contributes to creating a prosperous and sustainable continent. We are committed to expanding opportunities not only in education but also in financial and digital inclusion, and environmental protection.”
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, added, “IIT Madras is dedicated to establishing a world-class campus in Zanzibar. We are delighted to have the support of the Airtel Africa Foundation in this endeavor and look forward to welcoming the second cohort of bright students this year. We are deeply grateful for the Foundation’s financial assistance in nurturing these future global leaders.”
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