Airtel Africa Foundation has partnered with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), and Cisco on capacity and digital skills development under the Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) Initiative.
The partnership aims to bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion by providing free Internet connectivity and digital skills training to underserved communities in Rwanda, in connection with the advancement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Dr. Emmanuel Mannaseh, Regional Director for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), noted that their partnership with Airtel Africa Foundation begins in Rwanda as they expand to other African nations. “This initiative lays the groundwork for broader regional collaboration, as we aim to expand this work to other Digital Transformation Centres across Africa,” he said. “We are joining forces to strengthen digital skills in underserved communities in Africa to advance connectivity.”
ITU will provide digital skills training content to the DTCs under the Initiative along with other ITU regional capacity development activities. Additionally, they will facilitate networking opportunities that promote digital literacy and inclusion, enabling access to expertise and best practices.
Speaking to the press, Mr. Sujay Chakrabarti, Airtel Rwanda Managing Director, said the partnership marks a significant step in bridging the digital divide and empowering Rwandan youth with digital skills. “This partnership is a powerful example of what happens when government, private sector, and international organizations come together to empower communities,” he said.
The Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Rwanda, will equip DTC locations with routers, Wi-Fi, and data packages at no cost, ensuring the effective rollout of training and access to digital educational platforms.
This partnership aligns with Rwanda’s ambition to become a knowledge-based economy and complements the country’s national programmes, such as ‘Connect Rwanda’, which promotes access to smartphones and digital services for underserved communities.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting national development goals and closing the digital divide through meaningful collaboration,” said Ms. Esi Asare Prah, Head of Programs at Airtel Africa Foundation, on behalf of Dr. Segun Ogunsaya, Chair of the Airtel Africa Foundation. “We are honoured to partner with ITU to bring this vision to life and contribute to Rwanda’s journey toward becoming a digitally empowered society,” she added.
Antoine Sebera, CEO of the Rwanda Information Society Authority, noted that the partnership positions Rwanda a step ahead by being intentional in involving the youth. “These Digital Transformation Centres are going to play a transformative role in educating the youth to leverage artificial intelligence (AI),” he said, while adding that digital transformation is driving the world, and Africa or Rwanda can not be left behind.
Sebera also emphasized that with nearly 900 million Africans still unconnected in today’s digital age, there is an urgent need for intensified efforts and inclusive strategies to ensure that no one is left behind in the continent’s digital transformation journey.
