Airtel Africa Foundation announces fellowship for undergrad students at IIT Madras Zanzibar

Airtel Africa Foundation has introduced a 'Airtel Africa Fellowship Program' worth $500,000 for the undergraduate students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras Zanzibar.

It is the first-ever international campus established by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).

The fellowship will be granted to students in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the Zanzibar campus, said a release by Airtel Africa Foundation.

The scholarship will benefit 10 students for their entire course duration of four years.

Established in 2024, Airtel Africa Foundation, aims to advance digital and financial inclusion across Africa with key focus on education and environmental protection, the release said.

This fellowship is the first initiative undertaken to enhance educational opportunities for meritorious students, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, enrolled at IITM Zanzibar, it added.

The fellowship will be available to students from 14 countries which include Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, DRC, Niger, Chad, Congo B, Gabon, Madagascar and Seychelles.

It will cover 100% of their college fees along with an additional $500 to cover their living expenses.

This initiative will aspire to transform, shape lives and nurture future leaders who will contribute to technological innovation and economic growth of Africa, it said.

Zanzibar's Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Lela Mohamed Mussa praised IITM Zanzibar for charting a "wonderful path" in technical education.

Olusegun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation said the initiative aims to create a prosperous and sustainable continent.

Meanwhile, IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti asserted that the institute is committed to establishing a world class campus in Zanzibar.

"We are delighted that Airtel Africa Foundation is joining hands with us in this effort. We look forward to welcoming the second cohort of bright young students to the IITM Zanzibar campus this year," he said.