Airtel Africa Foundation launches fellowships for IIT Madras Zanzibar students; covers 100% college fee

NEW DELHI: The Airtel Africa Foundation has announced the launch of the 'Airtel Africa Fellowship Programme' for undergraduate students at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Zanzibar, the first international campus established by an IIT. The fellowship aims to support deserving students from 14 African nations at IIT-M Zanzibar campus by covering 100% of their college fees.

As per the IIT Madras press release, Airtel Africa Foundation which was established in 2024 with the goal of promoting a prosperous Africa, is committed to enhancing digital and financial inclusion throughout the continent, with a strong emphasis on education and environmental sustainability.

V Kamakoti, IIT Madras, director, said, “IIT Madras is committed to establishing a world class campus in Zanzibar. We are delighted that Airtel Africa Foundation is joining hands with us in this effort. We look forward to welcoming the second cohort of bright young students to the IITM Zanzibar campus this year. We are immensely grateful to Airtel Africa Foundation for providing financial assistance for these future global leaders.”

IIT Madras Airtel Africa Fellowship: Scholarship benefits

Scholarship recipients will be recognized as 'Airtel Africa Fellows' and will receive full coverage of their college fees, amounting to US$12,000 based on the Institute's 4-year program fee structure. In addition, eligible students will be granted US$500 to help cover living expenses. The official press release read, “This initiative will aspire to transform, shape lives and nurture future leaders who will contribute to technological innovation and economic growth of Africa.”

Support students pursuing data science and AI

As per the official press release, the Fellowship programme seeks to assist deserving students from various socio-economic backgrounds pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the IIT Madras in Zanzibar. With an initial funding of US$500,000, the programme will support 10 undergraduate students throughout their 4-year course.

Also read IIT Madras Zanzibar plans new courses, shift to permanent campus in 2025

Airtel Africa Fellowship: Aims to support students from 14 African nations

According to the official statement, this fellowship programmes marks the first initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for talented students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, studying at IIT M Zanzibar. It is intended and aimed to support students from 14 African nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon, Madagascar, and Seychelles.

Zanzibar’s minister of education and vocational training, HE Lela Mohamed Mussa said, “IITM Zanzibar is charting a wonderful path in technical education in the region. Providing access to this high quality education to students from Tanzania and the rest of the continent, who are topping the IITM Zanzibar screening and test processes, through financial assistance, is an important priority for us. We are thankful to this support from Airtel Africa Foundation, which will enhance our own efforts in this direction.”