Digitizing access to quality education,powering classrooms across the country

The Airtel SmartWASOMI Education Project(“WASOMI” a Swahili word meaning Learners) is an Airtel-led digital education initiative for Secondary Schools funded by the Airtel Africa Foundation, aimed at transforming learning in Tanzania by connecting government-owned secondary schools to Airtel's high-speed internet for Teachers and Students to access learning platforms.

Airtel SmartWASOMI initiative was officially launched on 31 May 2024 in Tanga, Tanzania, during the National Education, Skills and Innovation Week. The Airtel SmartWASOMI launch was officiated by the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa, alongside our partners, UNICEF, and the Government of Tanzania through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Airtel SmartWASOMI continues to play a significant role in advancing digital education and supporting Tanzania's e-learning agenda. Implemented by Airtel Tanzania in collaboration with UNICEF and the Government of Tanzania, the five-year programme targets the connectivity of 3,000 public secondary schools, with 1,000 schools planned to be connectied by 2025/26. To date, 534 schools have been connected and are benefiting from enhanced digital learning opportunities.

Airtel SmartWASOMI project has directly benefited approximately 9,700 teachers and 381,162 students through free access to digital learning platforms and educational content. In addition, 50 Airtel  SmartClasses are being established to promote technology-enabled teaching and learning.

By expanding digital infrastructure in schools, Airtel SmartWASOMI supports the Government's efforts to modernize the education sector, bridge the digital divide, and foster an inclusive, technology-driven learning environment that equips students with the skills needed for the digital economy.

Airtel Africa Fellowship Program is a regional education initiative by the Airtel Africa Foundation in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Zanzibar Campus, aimed at building Africa's expertise in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Officially launched on 10 September 2024, the initiative supports high-potential students from across Africa in acquiring advanced digital skills that will contribute to the continent's technological transformation. 

With an initial investment of USD 500,000, the fully funded scholarship programme supports 10 undergraduate students over a four-year period (2024-2028), with a strong focus on empowering women and youth. The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees and provides additional support for living expenses, enabling recipients, known as Airtel Africa Fellows, to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at IIT Madras Zanzibar. 

Through Airtel Africa Fellowship Program, the Airtel Africa Foundation is helping to nurture the next generation of African innovators, data scientists, and AI professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to drive digital innovation and economic growth across the continent. 

Based in Zanzibar, Airtel Africa Fellowship Program contributes to developing a skilled digital workforce by expanding access to advanced STEM education. 

Airtel VSOMO is Tanzania’s first vocational digital learning platform and an official national platform for online vocational training under VETA. Airtel VSOMO provides Tanzanians with the opportunity to learn vocational skills anytime and anywhere through any digital device powered by Airtel network i.e phones, laptop, tablet, smart TV, in a flexible and accessible way.

Driving youth self-employment through digital skills training

Airtel VSOMO is funded under the Airtel Africa Foundation CSR programs to provide zero-rated digital vocational training, enabling over 6,700 trainees to access learning content without data costs. It also features Fundi Connect, a job-matching platform that links graduates directly to employment opportunities, improving transition from training to work.

Aligned with VETA’s broader skills development strategy, Airtel VSOMO supports the training of 400 students annually, strengthening practical, industry-relevant competencies and expanding access to technical education. The Airtel VSOMO enhances youth employability by combining digital learning with direct labour market linkages.

Improving Learning Environments, Enhancing Educational Outcomes

The Airtel ShuleYetu School Adoption Program ("Shule Yetu" meaning Our School in Swahili) is an education initiative under the Airtel Africa Foundation dedicated to improving learning environments in underserved government-owned primary schools through the renovation of classrooms, sanitation facilities, establish ICT classroom, and other essential school infrastructure.

The Airtel ShuleYetu School Adoption Program aims to create safe, inclusive, and conducive learning environments that support improved student attendance, retention, and academic performance from the early stage. Implemented in communities such as Bagamoyo and Songwe, the Airtel ShuleYetu addresses critical infrastructure challenges that often hinder access to quality education.

The programme has already demonstrated a positive impact on school enrolment and access to education. At Kiromo Primary School in Bagamoyo, student enrolment has increased from approximately 700 to more than 1,400 students, reflecting enhanced learning conditions and increased community confidence in the school. Similarly, at schools supported in Songwe Region, enrolment is projected to increase from approximately 400 students to over 800 students following the completion of ongoing renovation works.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, the Airtel ShuleYetu School Adoption Program is expected to contribute significantly to improved learning outcomes by creating an environment that promotes effective teaching and learning. The enhanced facilities are anticipated to improve student performance, increase examination pass rates, and support the Government's broader efforts to provide equitable access to quality primary education across Tanzania.

Airtel Tanzania remains committed to environmental sustainability through its E-Waste Go Green Initiative, Airtel Go- Green which promotes the responsible management of electronic waste by raising awareness, encouraging safe disposal practices, and supporting internal recycling campaigns.

The Airtel Go-Green Initiative is implemented across Airtel’s operations promoting proper handling and disposal of electronic waste to minimize environmental impact in schools and other designated community locations. Through these efforts, Airtel contributes to reducing pollution while fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among employees, students, and the wider community.

As part of Airtel’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, Airtel Go- Green initiativehas transitioned more than 50% of its network sites from diesel-powered generators to gridified electricity. This shift has significantly improved energy efficiency and reduced the company's environmental footprint.

In addition, Airtel partners with the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) to enhance environmental awareness among the public. Through annual SMS campaigns, Airtel disseminates educational messages that encourage customers to adopt environmentally responsible practices.

Further strengthening this partnership, Airtel and NEMC launched the “Let’s Go Green Together” programme during the celebration of World Environmental Day 2026. The Let’s Go Green Together” focuses on a range of environmental conservation activities, including beach clean-up campaigns and tree-planting exercises involving both fruit and shade trees in schools and communities across various regions of Tanzania.

The Airtel Go- Green programme was officially launched at Kiromo Primary School in Bagamoyo, where 100 trees were planted as part of efforts to promote environmental conservation, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

Collectively, Airtel Go- Green initiatives demonstrate Airtel Tanzania’s commitment to sustainable operations through cleaner energy adoption, responsible e-waste management, recycling of digital devices, environmental education, and community-driven conservation efforts. Through these actions, Airtel continues to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for Tanzania.