By Ayomide Otitoju
The Airtel Africa Foundation has announced the launch of the prestigious ‘Airtel Africa Fellowship Program’ for undergraduate students at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) Zanzibar, the first international campus established by an IIT. This fellowship aims to support students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
With an initial funding of $500,000, the program will benefit 10 students over the course of their four-year degree. It is designed to assist students from 14 African nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, DRC, Niger, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon, Madagascar, and Seychelles.
The selected students, known as ‘Airtel Africa Fellows,’ will receive full financial coverage of their tuition fees, amounting to $12,000 per student for the four-year program. Additionally, each fellow will receive $500 to cover living expenses. The initiative aims to nurture future leaders who will drive technological innovation and contribute to Africa’s economic growth.
Commenting on the fellowship, Zanzibar’s Minister of Education and Vocational Training, H.E. Ms. Lela Mohamed Mussa, praised the program, stating, “IITM Zanzibar is setting a remarkable precedent in technical education across the region. This fellowship from Airtel Africa Foundation will provide vital financial support to top-performing students, enhancing our efforts to offer world-class education.”
Dr. Olusegun Ogunsanya, Chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We are pleased to collaborate with IIT Madras Zanzibar to create educational opportunities for young Africans. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering a prosperous and sustainable continent, not only through education but also through financial and digital inclusion and environmental protection.”
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of the collaboration. “IIT Madras is dedicated to building a world-class campus in Zanzibar, and we are excited to have Airtel Africa Foundation supporting our mission. Their contribution will help shape the next generation of global leaders,” he said.
The Airtel Africa Fellowship marks a significant step in the foundation’s broader mission to promote digital and financial inclusion, with a focus on education and environmental sustainability across Africa. The program is expected to provide transformative opportunities for the continent’s brightest young minds.
