In a major effort to close Africa’s digital divide, the Airtel Africa Foundation has partnered with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) and global technology giant Cisco to expand access to digital skills training and connectivity across Rwanda.
The collaboration, launched under the Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) Initiative, will equip learning hubs across the country with free internet connectivity and training resources, enabling Rwandans, particularly young people and underserved communities to acquire vital digital skills for the modern economy.
Under the initiative, Airtel Africa Foundation will provide routers, Wi-Fi connections and data packages at no cost to the selected DTCs, ensuring reliable access to online educational platforms. The ITU will supply the training content and coordinate knowledge-sharing across participating centres, while Cisco contributes its global expertise in digital learning technologies.
Mr Sujay Chakrabarti, Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda, described the partnership as a major step toward bridging the digital gap and empowering Rwandan youth with the skills they need to thrive in today’s connected world. He noted that access to digital knowledge was no longer a luxury but a necessity for national progress.
Speaking on behalf of Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chair of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Ms Esi Asare Prah reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting Rwanda’s digital transformation agenda. “We are proud to collaborate with government and industry partners who share our vision of inclusive growth through technology,” she said.
Dr Emmanuel Mannaseh, Regional Director of the ITU, applauded the initiative for establishing a model that could be replicated across the continent. “Rwanda’s leadership in digital innovation continues to inspire our broader efforts to equip communities across Africa with 21st-century skills,” he remarked.
RISA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Antoine Sebera, highlighted the urgency of expanding digital inclusion, noting that nearly 900 million Africans remain unconnected. “By investing in youth-centred programmes like the DTCs, we can transform education, innovation and livelihoods from basic digital literacy to advanced competencies such as artificial intelligence,” he said.
The initiative complements Rwanda’s national vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy and aligns with programmes such as Connect Rwanda, which promotes smartphone access and digital participation among all citizens.
As implementation progresses, the new partnership is expected to benefit thousands of Rwandans, equipping them with the tools and confidence needed to participate meaningfully in the digital era.