Airtel Africa Foundation Launches Fellowship Program at IITM Zanzibar

Airtel Africa Foundation has introduced the 'Airtel Africa Fellowship Program' at IITM Zanzibar, aligning with PM Narendra Modi's vision of strengthening India-Africa ties. The program aims to empower students from 14 African nations with world-class education in Data Science and AI, furthering Africa's integration into the global economy.

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of deepening ties with the African Union, the Airtel Africa Foundation has launched the 'Airtel Africa Fellowship Program' at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras Zanzibar (IITM Zanzibar). This initiative symbolizes PM Modi's goal of integrating Africa into the global economy, recently highlighted by the African Union's inclusion as the 21st member of the G20.

Launched with an initial funding of USD 500,000, the program aims to empower talented students from 14 African nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Selected Fellows will receive full tuition coverage for a four-year Bachelor of Science program in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, along with a stipend for living expenses.

Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal emphasized the importance of private sector investments in Africa during his tenure as chair of the B20 India Action Council on African Economic Integration in 2023. The Airtel Africa Fellowship Program complements this effort by providing African students access to world-class education at IITM Zanzibar, aligning with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Dr. Olusegun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with IIT Madras Zanzibar, aiming to boost educational, financial, and digital inclusion across Africa. The foundation's efforts align with IITM Zanzibar's commitment to delivering high-quality technical education to deserving students of the continent.

The program has received praise from Zanzibar's Minister of Education and Vocational Training, H.E. Lela Mohamed Mussa, who emphasized its role in offering high-quality education to top-performing students across the continent. IIT Madras Director, Prof. V. Kamakoti, highlighted the institution's commitment to establishing a world-class campus in Zanzibar and expressed gratitude for the financial assistance provided by the Airtel Africa Foundation for nurturing future global leaders.

(With inputs from agencies.)