Airtel targets more Malawi schools with internet

More Malawian learners are set to gain access to digital education after Airtel Africa announced plans to expand its school internet connectivity programme, building on a project that has already connected 36 schools across the country. The telecommunications company says the initiative aims to improve learning opportunities by expanding internet access and digital resources in schools, especially in underserved communities. Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the company, through the Airtel Africa Foundation and in partnership with UNICEF, is targeting to connect 5,000 schools across 13 African countries by 2027. “Students are accessing best-in-class education through content developed by UNICEF in partnership with various Ministries of Education. We are also training teachers so that they deliver digital education effectively. We aim to continue deepening meaningful connectivity in schools by providing free internet access, zero-rated platforms and training teachers across the continent,” said Taldar. In Malawi, Airtel’s Nzeru Connect programme has connected 36 schools to the internet, while another nine schools are scheduled to be connected in 2026. The initiative has also established ICT laboratories equipped with smart TVs, tablets and free Airtel internet in participating schools. It has further zero-rated 12 local e-learning websites, allowing learners and teachers to access educational content at no cost. According to Airtel, more than 32,000 learners and over 900 teachers are benefiting directly from the programme, while more than one million users have accessed the free digital learning platforms. Across Africa, the US$57 million Airtel Africa Foundation and UNICEF partnership has connected 3,296 schools since its launch in 2021, reaching more than two million learners and about 40,000 teachers. The programme is currently being implemented in Malawi, Zambia, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. The telecommunications company says the initiative aims to improve learning opportunities by expanding internet access and digital resources in schools, especially in underserved communities. Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the company, through the Airtel Africa Foundation and in partnership with UNICEF, is targeting to connect 5,000 schools across 13 African countries by 2027. “Students are accessing best-in-class education through content developed by UNICEF in partnership with various Ministries of Education. We are also training teachers so that they deliver digital education effectively. We aim to continue deepening meaningful connectivity in schools by providing free internet access, zero-rated platforms and training teachers across the continent,” said Taldar. In Malawi, Airtel’s Nzeru Connect programme has connected 36 schools to the internet, while another nine schools are scheduled to be connected in 2026. The initiative has also established ICT laboratories equipped with smart TVs, tablets and free Airtel internet in participating schools. It has further zero-rated 12 local e-learning websites, allowing learners and teachers to access educational content at no cost. According to Airtel, more than 32,000 learners and over 900 teachers are benefiting directly from the programme, while more than one million users have accessed the free digital learning platforms. Across Africa, the US$57 million Airtel Africa Foundation and UNICEF partnership has connected 3,296 schools since its launch in 2021, reaching more than two million learners and about 40,000 teachers. The programme is currently being implemented in Malawi, Zambia, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Sponsored