Airtel Africa empowers Nigeria’s youth in tech

Airtel Africa, a major telecommunications and mobile money services provider operating in 14 African countries, has pledged to train 25,000 Nigerian youth in digital and technology skills across 80 local government areas

This initiative falls under the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, a presidential mandate aimed at equipping young Nigerians with essential digital expertise.

Empowering Nigeria's youth

Additionally, Airtel Africa has announced 10 scholarships for Nigerian students to pursue technology-focused courses at Plaksha University in India through the Airtel Africa Fellowship. Managed by the Airtel Africa Foundation, these scholarships aim to bridge the technology talent gap and support Nigeria’s goal of becoming a global tech hub.

The commitments were unveiled during a meeting between Airtel Africa chairman, Sunil Bharti Mittal, KBE, and CEO, Sunil Taldar, with Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. Discussions also covered Airtel Africa’s continued investments in Nigeria’s telecommunications and digital economy.

Sunil Bharti Mittal stated, "Nigeria remains a strategic market for Airtel Africa, and we are fully committed to support the government’s digital transformation agenda. Through initiatives like the Airtel Africa Fellowship and our investment in 3MTT, we are ensuring that the youth of Nigeria have access to world-class education and digital skills. We commend President Tinubu’s vision for a technologically advanced Nigeria and are committed to play our part in making that vision a reality.”

Airtel Africa also highlighted its ongoing efforts through the Airtel-UNICEF Reimagine Education Programme, which has already integrated 1,260 schools and over 600,000 students into digital learning platforms like the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP).

The company reaffirmed its commitment to network expansion, service quality, and financial inclusion. It also welcomed the designation of telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), recognising its importance in securing and enhancing Nigeria’s digital framework.

Sunil Taldar emphasised Airtel Africa’s dedication to Nigeria’s digital future, "Airtel is deeply invested in Nigeria’s digital future. We are expanding our network, driving financial inclusion, and creating opportunities for the people of Nigeria 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.”

Airtel Africa remains steadfast in its collaboration with the Nigerian government and key stakeholders to enhance connectivity, develop digital skills, and drive financial inclusion—strengthening Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s digital economy.