The Airtel Africa Foundation has launched its inaugural ‘Airtel Africa Fellowship Program’ for undergraduate students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras in Zanzibar, Tanzania. This marks a significant milestone as IIT Madras Zanzibar is the first international campus of the renowned Indian institution.
The fellowship program, backed by a $500,000 investment, aims to support ten deserving students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Over the next four years, the program will cover 100% of the college fees, amounting to $12,000, as well as provide an annual stipend of $500 for living expenses.
Open to students from 14 African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, DR Congo, Niger, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Gabon, Madagascar, and Seychelles, the fellowship aims to foster educational opportunities and enhance digital and financial inclusion across the continent.
The Airtel Africa Foundation, established earlier this year and led by former Airtel Africa CEO Segun Ogunsanya, is dedicated to advancing education and environmental conservation in Africa. This initiative reflects its commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders in technology and innovation.
Zanzibar’s Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Lela Mohamed Mussa, praised the program, emphasizing its importance in providing high-quality education to top-performing students across Africa. The support from Airtel Africa Foundation aligns with the region’s educational goals and will significantly bolster efforts to promote academic excellence.
The launch of the Airtel Africa Fellowship Program represents a strategic investment in Africa’s future, aiming to nurture talent and drive progress in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence, thereby contributing to the continent’s growth and development.
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