Airtel Africa Foundation has joined forces with the International Telecommunication Union – ITU, the Rwanda Information Society Authority [RISA], and Cisco to strengthen digital capacity and expand access to online learning in underserved communities across Rwanda. The partnership, under the ITU’s Digital Transformation Centres [DTC] Initiative, aims to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusion through free internet connectivity and digital skills training.
The collaboration supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aligning with Rwanda’s goal of becoming a knowledge-based economy. ITU will contribute digital training content and facilitate regional networking to promote digital literacy, while Airtel Africa Foundation through Airtel Rwanda will provide routers, Wi-Fi, and data packages at no cost to ensure smooth training rollout.
Speaking during the launch, Mr. Sujay Chakrabarti, Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda, described the initiative as a model of public-private collaboration:
“Today’s partnership marks a significant step in bridging the digital divide and empowering Rwandan youth with essential skills. It’s a strong example of what happens when government, private sector, and international organizations come together to empower communities.”
Ms. Esi Asare Prah, Head of Programs at Airtel Africa Foundation, emphasized the Foundation’s regional commitment to inclusive digital growth, while Dr. Emmanuel Mannaseh, ITU’s Regional Director, noted that the Rwanda launch sets the stage for expanding the program to other African countries.
Mr. Antoine Sebera, CEO of RISA, underscored the urgency of digital inclusion, noting that over 900 million Africans remain unconnected. “These centres will play a transformative role in equipping young people to leverage technology and artificial intelligence for development,” he said.
The initiative complements national programmes such as Connect Rwanda, reinforcing the country’s digital transformation agenda.
