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10-Mar-2025

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Airtel Africa Commits to Empowering Over 25,000 Nigerians with Digital Skills Training 3 months ago

Airtel Africa has reaffirmed its dedication to Nigeria's digital transformation by pledging to support the training of 25,000 young Nigerians in crucial digital and technology skills. This initiative is a key component of the government's 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) program designed to equip youth from 80 local government areas with the essential expertise needed to flourish in the digital economy.

In addition to this significant training program, Airtel Africa has introduced a Fellowship, providing 10 scholarships for Nigerian students pursuing technology-focused courses at Plaksha University in India. Spearheaded by the Airtel Africa Foundation, this initiative aims to cultivate advanced digital capabilities and innovation skills, bridging the talent gap in Nigeria's technology sector and supporting the nation's ambition to become a global technology hub.

These impactful initiatives were announced during a high-level meeting that took place at the State House in Abuja, attended by Airtel Africa's Chairman, Sunil Bharti Mittal, KBE, and Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar, alongside Nigeria's President, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The discussions centered on Airtel Africa's ongoing investments in Nigeria's telecom sector and its broader digital economy.

"Nigeria is a strategic market for Airtel Africa, and we are wholeheartedly committed to supporting the government's digital transformation agenda," stated Mittal. "Through initiatives like the Airtel Africa Fellowship and our investment in 3MTT, we aim to provide Nigerian youth with access to world-class education and digital skills. We commend President Tinubu's vision for a technologically advanced Nigeria and are eager to contribute to making it a reality."

Airtel Africa's focus on digital education is further underscored by its partnership with UNICEF under the Reimagine Education Programme. This initiative has successfully enrolled 1,260 schools and over 600,000 students onto digital learning platforms, including the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP), thereby enhancing access to technology-driven education.

Beyond human capital development, Airtel Africa has emphasized its ongoing efforts in network expansion, service quality, and financial inclusion. The recent designation of telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) has been welcomed by the company, as this move is crucial for safeguarding and enhancing Nigeria's digital backbone. Additionally, through its subsidiary, SmartCash PSB, Airtel Africa is advancing financial inclusion, ensuring that more Nigerians can access digital financial services.

"Airtel is deeply invested in Nigeria's digital future," remarked Taldar. "We are actively expanding our network, promoting financial inclusion, and creating opportunities through technology and innovation. Our collaboration with the government through initiatives like the Airtel Africa Fellowship and 3MTT ensures that Nigeria remains at the forefront of Africa's digital revolution."

As Airtel Africa continues to collaborate closely with the Nigerian government and various stakeholders, its investments in connectivity, digital skills training, and financial inclusion reaffirm Nigeria's position as a leader in Africa's digital economy.

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