Airtel Africa, one of the continent’s leading telecommunications groups, has unveiled plans to establish tech hubs in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to improve digital skills across its 14 markets in Africa and empower millions of young people with future-ready opportunities.
The announcement was made by Airtel Africa Foundation CEO, Segun Ogunsanya, during a World Press Conference in Lagos.
Building Tech Talent in Africa
According to Ogunsanya, the tech hubs will provide resources for startups and foster innovation in sectors such as fintech, software development, and digital solutions.
He emphasized Nigeria’s strategic role in Airtel’s mission, describing it as the company’s largest market and a key driver of its 2030 vision to directly improve 10 million lives across Africa.
“We are currently accessing partners that we’re going to work with to deliver this tech hub. We’re also talking to other tech companies that have similar projects. Once we are done, we will build one in Nigeria and the second one in the DRC,” Ogunsanya stated.
Supporting Government’s 3MTT Programme
The Airtel Africa Foundation’s plan to build a tech hub in Nigeria will complement the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme initiated by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
- Airtel Foundation is currently supporting 25,000 Nigerians under the 3MTT programme.
- The Foundation also provided a ₦1 billion grant in March 2025 to boost the federal initiative.
- This grant follows an earlier ₦1 billion deal signed in 2023 with IHS Towers to expand learning communities for the programme.
Airtel’s Vision: Improving 10 Million Lives by 2030
The Airtel Africa Foundation has committed to improving lives under four core pillars of its FEED strategy:
- Financial Empowerment
- Education
- Environmental Protection
- Digital Inclusion
Ogunsanya explained that the vision is to ensure that the global digital revolution leaves no African behind.
Some targeted programmes under this mission include:
- Connecting Schools: Providing free connectivity and devices.
- Airtel Africa Fellowship: Offering full undergraduate scholarships in tech and STEM fields, coupled with mentorship and internships.
Seed Funding for Community Impact
Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar, confirmed that the Group has committed a seed fund to its Foundation to deliver tailored solutions that meet community needs while maximizing impact.
“Our 2030 vision is a transformed Africa where over 10 million lives are directly improved through our interventions. We are not just donating resources, we are building a pipeline of talent and fostering innovation,” Ogunsanya added.
Final Thoughts
The plan to establish tech hubs in Nigeria and the DRC reflects Airtel Africa’s ongoing commitment to digital inclusion, education, and youth empowerment. By complementing national programmes like 3MTT, Airtel is not only bridging the digital divide but also building Africa’s next generation of innovators and tech leaders.
