from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – AIRTEL Zambia has connected 300 schools to the internet, reaching more than 292 000 learners and empowering 5 189 teachers with access to digital learning tools and resources.
The telecommunications operator has trained more than 500 innovators, supported the commercialisation of over 30 start-ups and contributed to the creation of more than 200 direct jobs.
More than 300 women and young people have received digital and entrepreneurial skills training, including 200 women trained in specialised technology skills and 100 young people equipped with entrepreneurship capabilities, helping to bridge the digital gender gap and unlock economic opportunities.
This is according to Sunil Taldar, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, who spoke at a media roundtable in Lusaka over the weekend, where he shared the Group’s 2025/26 Sustainability Scorecard.
“Together, these achievements demonstrate our commitment to transforming lives, supporting national development priorities and ensuring that more Zambians can benefit from the opportunities created by a connected, inclusive and sustainable future,” he said.
He said that in Zambia, the power of partnerships and purpose-driven investments was transforming lives and expanding opportunities for communities across the country.
The schools were connected through Airtel’s partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Zambia.
Through the School Adoption Programme, Airtel reports that it has invested in classroom infrastructure, computer laboratories, internet connectivity and sanitation facilities in schools across the country, creating better learning environments for young Zambians.
The India-headquartered operator is also supporting the country’s digital economy through the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) Innovation Challenge, which has trained more than 500 innovators, supported the commercialisation of start-ups and contributed to job creation.
As of early 2026, Airtel Zambia has a subscriber base of 12,53 million customers. It controls approximately 49 percent of the total mobile market, securing its position as the market leader in the country’s telecommunications sector.
In June, it reached a historic US$1 billion market capitalisation on the Lusaka Securities Exchange.
– CAJ News