Telecommunications giant Airtel Africa has announced plans to establish technology hubs in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The initiative aims to expand digital skills and strengthen innovation across the company’s 14 operating countries.
Building Tech Talent in Nigeria
Speaking during a press conference in Lagos, Airtel Africa Foundation CEO, Segun Ogunsanya, revealed the new strategy. He explained that Nigeria, being the company’s largest market, plays a central role in Airtel’s 2030 vision of improving 10 million lives.
“The tech hub will complement the efforts of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to build tech talents across Nigeria,” Ogunsanya said.
The Foundation currently supports 25,000 Nigerians under the government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme. Ogunsanya added that Airtel is working with partners and other tech companies to deliver the project, stressing that “once we are done, we will build one in Nigeria and the second one in the DRC.”
Improving 10 Million Lives Across Africa
Airtel Africa is investing in targeted initiatives under its Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion (FEED) pillars. Ogunsanya highlighted that the company is not only donating resources but also building a pipeline of talent to ensure Africa is part of the global digital revolution.
“Our 2030 vision is a transformed Africa where over 10 million lives are directly improved through our interventions,” he stated.
Planned initiatives include ‘Connecting Schools’, which offers free internet and devices, and the ‘Airtel Africa Fellowship’, which provides scholarships in STEM and tech fields, alongside mentorship and internships.
Airtel Africa’s Contribution to Nigeria’s 3MTT Programme
In March 2025, Airtel Africa Foundation granted ₦1 billion to support the federal government’s 3MTT initiative. Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, confirmed that the funds are being used to train Nigerians in high-demand tech skills.
This grant marked the second major boost for the 3MTT programme. In November 2023, telecoms infrastructure firm IHS Towers also invested ₦1 billion to build learning communities nationwide.
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Driving Africa’s Digital Future
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the Group has committed seed funding to deliver solutions tailored to community needs. He emphasized that the planned hubs will provide the right environment for startups in fintech, software development, and digital innovation.
With Nigeria and DRC leading the project, Airtel Africa is positioning itself as a key driver of Africa’s digital transformation.
