The Airtel Africa Foundation has launched a collaborative digital empowerment initiative in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), and Cisco to expand digital access and skills training among underserved communities in Rwanda.
The project, implemented under the Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) Initiative, aims to reduce the digital divide by providing free internet connectivity and practical digital skills development for young people, women, and small business owners. The initiative seeks to enhance digital literacy, innovation, and entrepreneurship to improve productivity in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Through this collaboration, ITU will supply training content and create networking opportunities to promote knowledge sharing and innovation across Africa.
Sujay Chakrabarti, Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda, said, “Today’s partnership between Airtel Africa Foundation, ITU, RISA, and Cisco marks a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide. It’s a powerful example of what happens when the government, private sector, and international organisations come together to empower communities.”
The Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Rwanda, will provide routers, Wi-Fi access, and data packages free of charge to enable seamless implementation of the training programmes.
Esi Asare Prah, Head of Programmes at Airtel Africa Foundation, said “This partnership complements national programmes such as Connect Rwanda, which promotes access to smartphones and digital services for underserved communities.” She added, “We are honoured to partner with ITU to contribute to Rwanda’s journey toward becoming a digitally empowered society.”
Dr Emmanuel Mannaseh, “Our partnership with Airtel Africa Foundation begins in Rwanda, where we are strengthening digital skills in underserved communities. This initiative will form the basis for broader collaboration as we expand to other Digital Transformation Centres across Africa.”
“Statistics show that 900 million people in Africa remain unconnected. These centres will play a transformative role in educating youth to leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Digital transformation is driving the world, and Africa cannot be left behind,” said RISA CEO Antoine Sebera.
The Digital Transformation Centres Initiative, jointly run by ITU and Cisco, aims to equip individuals and entrepreneurs with digital and business skills to drive inclusion, innovation, and job creation across Africa.
