Airtel Zambia has awarded 50 full academic scholarships to top-performing students enrolled in tech-focused programs at the University of Zambia and Copperbelt University.

Speaking during the official launch of the Airtel Tech Fellowship University Scholarship Program held at the UNZA main campus in Lusaka, Airtel Zambia Managing Director Hussam Baday said the initiative aims to build a robust pipeline of future professionals, including software developers, cybersecurity experts, data scientists, and engineers, to participate in the fourth industrial revolution.

“This fellowship aligns with our broader mission of digital inclusion and follows previous investments such as the Airtel Africa Advocate Program, which contributed over K12 million toward school infrastructure across five districts,” Baday said.

Baday announced that the five-year Airtel Tech Fellowship initiative will sponsor 50 financially disadvantaged students enrolled in ICT and technology-related fields and will be distributed evenly, benefiting 25 students from UNZA and 25 from CBU respectively.

Baday added that the fellows will receive full financial and technical support, allowing them to focus entirely on their studies without financial stress.

“The support package includes full payment of tuition fees for up to five years, accommodation coverage for five years, provision of a brand new laptop and data connectivity, a monthly student allowance/stipend and access to career development opportunities and internship placements to provide practical industry experience.”

The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the University of Zambia and Copperbelt University, transcends basic financial aid by actively preparing high-potential Zambian youth for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Speaking during the launch of the Airtel Tech Fellowship University Scholarship Program, Education Ministry Permanent Secretary Kennedy Mambwe praised the initiative for investing directly in Zambia’s future innovators, entrepreneurs, and digital solution-providers.

Dr. Mambwe commended Airtel Zambia that the initiative reflects the kind of private sector leadership that Zambia needs in its quest towards building a prosperous and resilient country.

“As we pursue the ambition of Grow Zambia Agenda, we require a workforce that is technological skill, technological skill, innovative, and ready-to-eat opportunities in maintaining sectors of employment. Partnerships such as the Airtel Tech Fellowship University Scholarship Program is instrumental to realise that goal,” Dr. Mambwe stated.

Speaking at the same event, UNZA Vice Chancellor Prof. Mundia Muya noted that the initiative aligns with the university’s 2023–2027 strategic plan. He emphasized UNZA’s vision to become a globally renowned institution driven by research, innovation, and social responsiveness, while delivering higher education that actively shapes society’s future.

“Today’s partnership, with one of the country’s leading technology companies, is precisely such a linkage on digital and physical infrastructure. We see Airtel Zambia as a natural partner for the digital transformation of the university,” Prof. Muya said.

Meanwhile, CBU Vice Chancellor Professor Imasiku Nyambe highlighted the critical role of the scholarships in closing the divide between potential and access, guaranteeing that financial hardship never stands in the way of a student’s academic future.

Prof. Nyambe paid tribute to Airtel Zambia and noted that the initiative aligns with the philosophy of ‘Ubuntu’ and supports national development by investing in human capital.

“I wish to express our sincere gratitude to Airtel Zambia for this generous and life-changing support. Today, Airtel Zambia is opening doors, restoring hope, and giving 50 young Zambians an opportunity to pursue their dreams without the constant fear that financial burden may bring their education to an end.”