Airtel Africa Foundation Connects 1,028 Schools to the Internet

Emma Okonji

Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, has published its first annual report, documenting its inaugural full year of impact on millions of learners and communities across the continent.

The 2025/2026 report states that the foundation connected 1,028 schools to the internet through a partnership with UNICEF, bringing the total number of connected schools to 3,296 across 13 countries. This expansion reached more than two million learners and nearly 39,000 teachers. Additionally, 64 zero‑rated digital platforms enabled over 11 million learners to access free educational content.

Chair of the foundation, Segun Ogunsanya, explained: “The Airtel Africa Foundation was established to help dismantle barriers caused by unequal access to opportunity. While talent and ambition are abundant, access to education, digital tools and economic participation remains uneven. Through partnerships and our continental reach, we are committed to investing in communities furthest from opportunity.”

The report also highlights the foundation’s increasing emphasis on measurable outcomes and long‑term systems change.

Ogunsanya added that the foundation plans to scale proven interventions in the coming year, including expanding its School Adoption Programme to more than 80 schools, increasing scholarships to over 600 youths, providing free internet connectivity to an additional 2,000 schools, and extending digital skills and financial inclusion initiatives to underserved communities.