Airtel Africa Foundation launches fellowship program at IIT Madras Zanzibar

In a significant step towards supporting education in Africa, the Airtel Africa Foundation has introduced the ‘Airtel Africa Fellowship Program’ at IIT Madras Zanzibar. This initiative aims to provide financial aid to undergraduate students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras’ (IITM) newly established campus in Zanzibar, the first of its kind outside India.

With an initial funding of US$500,000, the Fellowship program will assist 10 undergraduate students throughout their four-year course. These students will be selected from 14 African nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The program seeks to support talented individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have access to world-class education and opportunities to excel in the digital and technological sectors.

A Vision for Africa’s Future

The Airtel Africa Foundation, founded in 2024 with a vision to drive Africa’s digital and financial inclusion, is also committed to fostering education. By sponsoring students at IITM Zanzibar, it seeks to empower the next generation of African leaders in technology and innovation.

Zanzibar’s Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Ms. Lela Mohamed Mussa, praised the partnership, stating, “IITM Zanzibar is setting a new standard for technical education in the region. The support from Airtel Africa Foundation will greatly enhance our efforts to provide high-quality education to deserving students across Africa.”

Empowering the Next Generation

Students chosen for the Fellowship will be known as ‘Airtel Africa Fellows’ and will have their entire tuition fee of US$12,000 covered. In addition to the tuition, the program provides each student with an annual stipend of US$500 to cover living expenses, ensuring that financial burdens do not hinder their academic journey.

Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr Olusegun Ogunsanya, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “This partnership with IIT Madras Zanzibar represents our commitment to helping young Africans access top-tier education. Through this Fellowship, we aim to contribute to Africa’s sustainable growth by investing in future leaders who will drive technological and economic advancements.”

Collaboration for Excellence

Professor V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration, highlighting the impact it will have on the students and the region: “We are proud to establish a world-class campus in Zanzibar and are excited to welcome the second cohort of students this year. We thank the Airtel Africa Foundation for their generous support, which will enable these bright minds to become future global leaders.”

This Fellowship program reflects the shared commitment of Airtel Africa Foundation and IIT Madras Zanzibar to promote education and innovation across Africa, offering young minds the tools and opportunities to transform their futures and contribute to the continent’s prosperity.