Nigerian youth to benefit from Airtel Africa’s digital skills initiative

Lagos. Airtel Africa has pledged to support the training of 25,000 young Nigerians in digital and technology skills under the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, a presidential initiative aimed at equipping youth with essential digital competencies.

The telecommunications and mobile money service provider, which operates in 14 African countries, made the commitment during a meeting between its Chairman, Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal, KBE, and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sunil Taldar, with Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the State House in Abuja.               

Airtel Africa also announced 10 scholarships for Nigerian students to pursue technology-focused courses at Plaksha University in India under the Airtel Africa Fellowship.

The initiative, managed by Airtel Africa Foundation, seeks to equip young Nigerians with cutting-edge digital and innovation skills, supporting the country’s vision of becoming a global technology hub.

Speaking after the meeting, India’s Bharti Enterprises founder, Sunil Bharti Mittal reaffirmed Nigeria’s importance as a strategic market for Airtel Africa and pledged the company’s full support for the government’s digital transformation agenda.

“Through initiatives like the Airtel Africa Fellowship and our investment in 3MTT, we are ensuring that young Nigerians have access to world-class education and digital skills. We commend President Tinubu’s vision for a technologically advanced Nigeria and remain committed to making that vision a reality,” he stated.

Mr Mittal also highlighted the impact of the Airtel-UNICEF Reimagine Education Programme, which has enrolled 1,260 schools and over 600,000 students in Nigeria on digital learning platforms such as the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP).

Meanwhile, Airtel Africa welcomed the Nigerian government’s designation of telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), describing it as a significant step in safeguarding and expanding the country’s digital backbone.

Reiterating Airtel’s commitment to network expansion, service quality, and financial inclusion, Mr. Taldar said the company would continue to support the government’s efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy.

“Airtel is deeply invested in Nigeria’s digital future. We are expanding our network, driving financial inclusion, and creating opportunities for Nigerians 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,” he said.

Airtel Africa reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Nigerian government and stakeholders to drive connectivity, digital skills development, and financial inclusion, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.