Airtel Africa Foundation Connects 1,028 Schools to the Internet

Emma Okonji

Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, has released its inaugural annual report, marking its first full year of impacting millions of learners and communities across Africa.

In the 2025/2026 annual report, the foundation said it connected 1,028 schools to the internet through its partnership with UNICEF, bringing the total to 3,296 schools connected across 13 countries, reaching over two million learners and nearly 39,000 teachers. In addition, 64 zero-rated digital platforms enabled over 11 million learners to access free educational content.

Speaking about the report, Chair, Airtel Africa Foundation Segun Ogunsanya, said: “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 underscored the foundation’s growing focus on measurable outcomes and long-term systems change. 

According to Ogunsanya, the foundation aims to scale proven interventions in the year ahead, including expanding its School Adoption Programme to over 80 schools, increasing scholarships to more than 600 youth, providing free internet connectivity to an additional 2000 schools, and extending digital skills and financial inclusion initiatives to underserved communities.