Airtel Zambia to Sponsor 50 Students in Technology Programmes

By Alain kabinda 

AIRTEL Zambia will sponsor 50 students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue technology-related programmes at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and Copperbelt University (CBU) over the next five years.

Under the Airtel Tech Fellowship, 25 students at each university will have their tuition and accommodation costs covered for up to five years.

The beneficiaries will also receive laptops, data connectivity and monthly allowances, alongside mentorship and career development support.

Speaking at the launch Airtel Zambia Managing Director Hussam Baday announced the initiative during the official launch of the Airtel Tech Fellowship at UNZA in Lusaka.

                                                                 Mr. Hussam Baday

Mr Baday said the programme was aimed at ensuring that financial difficulties did not prevent talented young people from accessing higher education and pursuing careers in technology.

“Today is a declaration of belief. A belief in the immense potential of Zambia’s young people, and a belief that no young person should be denied an opportunity to pursue their dreams because of financial hardship,” he said.

He said applications for the scholarships had officially opened, giving first-year students with an interest in technology an opportunity to apply.

Mr Baday said the fellowship would help prepare a new generation of innovators, engineers, scientists and technology leaders who would contribute to Zambia’s social and economic progress.

Speaking on behalf of Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary-Technical Services Kelvin Mambwe, Director of University Education Brian Makufele welcomed the initiative, saying financial vulnerability should not be mistaken for a lack of ability or ambition.

“Financial vulnerability must never be mistaken for lack of ability, ambition or potential,” Mr Makufele said.

He said the programme demonstrated the importance of collaboration between Government, universities and the private sector in expanding access to higher education.

Mr Makufele called on other private-sector players to support education through scholarships, infrastructure development, mentorship, digital literacy, research and skills development.

“When we support a learner, we support a family. When we educate a young person, we empower a community. And when we invest in the skills of our youth, we strengthen our nation’s capacity to grow and compete,” he said.

And UNZA Vice-Chancellor Professor Mundia Muya commended Airtel for investing in students, saying the fellowship would strengthen links between universities and industry.

Professor Muya said the initiative would help UNZA produce graduates with skills relevant to the country's development needs.

“The greatest threat to a bright student is the lack of funding, and this programme removes that barrier for beneficiaries,” he said.

Meanwhile, CBU Vice-Chancellor Professor Imasiku Nyambe thanked Airtel for extending the fellowship to students at the university.

Professor Nyambe said the initiative reflected the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasises concern for others and recognises that individual progress is connected to the progress of the wider community.

The fellowship will provide selected students with financial, technological and professional support throughout their university studies, with the aim of improving their preparation for careers in technology and related fields.