Onome Amuge
Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, has unveiled an ambitious strategy to impact 10 million lives across the continent by 2030, positioning itself as more than a charitable platform but as a catalyst for Africa’s human capital development and digital inclusion.
Speaking at the unveiling held recently in Lagos, Segun Ogunsanya, chairman of the foundation and former CEO of Airtel Africa, described the initiative as a deliberate shift from traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) to a long-term investment in Africa’s demographic dividend.
“We are not just donating resources, we are building a pipeline of talent and fostering innovation to ensure that the global digital revolution leaves no African behind. This is a strategic, measurable commitment to unlocking the continent’s demographic dividend,” Ogunsanya said.
The foundation’s strategy rests on four pillars including education, financial empowerment, environmental protection, and digital inclusion. Through programmes such as Connecting Schools, Airtel will provide free connectivity and devices, while the Airtel Africa Fellowship will deliver scholarships in STEM fields, mentorship, and internships.
Already, its partnership with UNICEF has yielded measurable outcomes, connecting over 1,800 schools and reaching more than one million students while training 17,000 teachers in 14 African countries.
Sunil Taldar, chief executive officer of Airtel Africa, said the foundation represents a strategic alignment of business and development goals. “We cannot thrive in a place that is not thriving. This understanding is the very reason the Airtel Africa Foundation was born. It is our vehicle to catalyse transformation, by systematically investing in the pillars that underpin a resilient and dynamic society,” he noted.
This approach reflects a broader trend among African corporates embedding sustainability and social impact into their growth models, recognising that long-term profitability is inseparable from community well-being.
The foundation also plans to scale its Employee Volunteer Programme (EVP), tapping into the skills of Airtel staff to deliver community projects. For the 2025/26 financial year, Airtel Africa Foundation will roll out its flagship programmes across all operating markets, including Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
