Airtel Africa Boosts Futures: New Fellowship Program for IITM Zanzibar Scholars

The Airtel Africa Foundation has unveiled the 'Airtel Africa Fellowship Program' at IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus, marking a significant milestone as the first international campus established by an IIT.

This initiative aims to support exceptional undergraduate students from various socio-economic backgrounds pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at IIT Madras in Zanzibar.

With an initial funding of USD 500,000, the fellowship will assist ten students over the four-year duration of their program. Each student will receive full coverage of their tuition fees, amounting to USD 12,000 for the entire course, along with an additional USD 500 to help with living expenses.

The program is designed to assist students from 14 African nations: Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, DRC, Niger, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon, Madagascar, and Seychelles.

Zanzibar's Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Ms Lela Mohamed Mussa, emphasised the importance of providing high-quality education to students from Tanzania and other African nations. She highlighted the role of financial support in achieving this goal.

Mr Olusegun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, expressed that the program is part of a broader vision to foster a prosperous and sustainable continent. He anticipates the foundation's work's transformative impact, bringing hope and optimism for a better future.

Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, restated the institution's unwavering commitment to developing a world-class campus in Zanzibar. This underscores the partnership's dedication to excellence in education and global outreach, instilling confidence in the program's quality.