IIT Madras Zanzibar: Airtel Africa Foundation Introduces Fellowship Program for UG Students
In a landmark initiative aimed at advancing education in Africa, the Airtel Africa Foundation has launched the ‘Airtel Africa Fellowship Program’ at IIT Madras Zanzibar. This groundbreaking program is designed to offer financial support to undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at IIT Madras’ newly established Zanzibar campus, the first IIT campus situated outside India.
With an initial endowment of US$500,000, the Fellowship will support 10 undergraduate students over the course of their four-year program. Recipients will be selected from 14 African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The program targets talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have access to premier education and opportunities in the digital and technological fields.
A Vision for Africa’s Future
Founded in 2024 with a mission to enhance digital and financial inclusion across Africa, the Airtel Africa Foundation is dedicated to promoting education. By sponsoring students at IIT Madras Zanzibar, the Foundation aims to empower the next generation of African leaders in technology and innovation.
Ms. Lela Mohamed Mussa, Zanzibar’s Minister of Education and Vocational Training, lauded the collaboration, noting, “IIT Madras Zanzibar is setting a new benchmark for technical education in the region. The Airtel Africa Foundation’s support will significantly bolster our efforts to offer high-quality education to deserving students throughout Africa.”
Empowering Future Leaders
The selected students, known as ‘Airtel Africa Fellows,’ will have their full tuition fees of US$12,000 covered. Additionally, each fellow will receive an annual stipend of US$500 to help with living expenses, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede their academic progress.
Dr. Olusegun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, highlighted the significance of the initiative: “Our partnership with IIT Madras Zanzibar underscores our dedication to providing young Africans with access to top-tier education. This Fellowship is a key part of our strategy to support Africa’s sustainable growth by investing in future leaders who will drive technological and economic progress.”
A Commitment to Excellence
Professor V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration, emphasizing its positive impact: “We are delighted to establish a world-class campus in Zanzibar and look forward to welcoming our second cohort of students this year. We are grateful to the Airtel Africa Foundation for their generous support, which will enable these bright individuals to emerge as global leaders.”
The Airtel Africa Fellowship Program exemplifies the shared commitment of Airtel Africa Foundation and IIT Madras Zanzibar to advance education and innovation across Africa, equipping young minds with the resources and opportunities needed to shape their futures and contribute to the continent’s growth.
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