from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – AIRTEL, the telecommunications operator, has launched the Airtel Africa Fellowship, a five-year, fully funded scholarship programme to provide scholarships to 50 disadvantaged students in Zambia.
Supported by the Airtel Africa Foundation, it will enable gifted students from vulnerable backgrounds pursuing technology-related programmes at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and Copperbelt University (CBU).
Each university will receive 25 scholarships.
Each selected student will receive fully paid tuition for five years, paid accommodation for the full duration of the programme, a new laptop to support their studies, monthly data connectivity, a monthly allowance throughout the five-year period and internship placements to make students job-ready.
Airtel stated the initiative was a testament to its commitment to education and digital inclusion, as well as a sustained effort to create opportunities for young Zambians and equip them with the skills they need to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
“We are not here simply to connect people; we are here to impact livelihoods, and there is no better way to create lasting impact than by investing in the education of our citizens,” Hussam Baday, Managing Director, said at the launch.
Brian Makufele, Director of University Education in the Ministry of Education, commended Airtel’s contribution to education and recognised the broader work the company is undertaking beyond the education sector.
Prof. Mundia Muya, UNZA Vice Chancellor, and CBU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Imasiku Nyambe, attended the event.
– CAJ News