Airtel Africa has pledged to support digital and technology skills training for 25,000 youth, drawn from 80 local government areas in Nigeria.
The support will be delivered under the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, a Presidential mandate aimed at training young Nigerians in digital and technology skills.
Airtel Africa also announced 10 scholarships for Nigerian students to study technology-focused courses at Plaksha University in India under the Airtel Africa Fellowship.
Driven by Airtel Africa Foundation, the scholarships will equip Nigerian youth with cutting-edge digital and innovation skills, reinforces commitment to bridge the talent gap in the technology sector while supporting the countryโs aspirations to become a global tech hub.
These pledges to develop Nigeriaโs future tech leaders were announced when Airtel Africaโs Chairman, Mr.ย Sunil Bharti Mittal, KBE and Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar met with Nigeriaโs leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at State House in Abuja.
The meeting also discussed Airtel Africaโs ongoing investments in Nigeriaโs telecom and digital economy.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal said:
โNigeria remains a strategic market for Airtel Africa, and we are fully committed to support the governmentโs digital transformation agenda. Through initiatives like the Airtel Africa Fellowship and our investment in 3MTT, we are ensuring that the youth of Nigeria have access to world-class education and digital skills. We commend President Tinubuโs vision for a technologically advanced Nigeria and are committed to play our part in making that vision a reality.โ

While noting the significant work currently ongoing via the Airtel-UNICEF Reimagine Education Programme which has onboarded 1,260 schools and over 600,000 students in the country to digital learning platforms such as the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP), Mr. Mittal restated Airtel Africaโs dedication to network expansion, service quality, and financial inclusion.
Airtel Africa welcomed the recent designation of telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), recognizing it as an essential step in safeguarding and expanding Nigeriaโs digital backbone.
It also emphasised its continued mission to drive financial inclusion across Nigeria, particularly through its subsidiary, SmartCash PSB.
Mr Taldar reiterated the continuing goal of Airtel to support government efforts that are aimed at accelerating Nigeriaโs digital economy, saying:
โAirtel is deeply invested in Nigeriaโs digital future. We are expanding our network, driving financial inclusion, and creating opportunities for the people of Nigeria through technology and innovation. Our collaboration with the government through initiatives like the Airtel Africa Fellowship and 3MTT ensures that Nigeria remains at the forefront of Africaโs digital revolution.โ
Airtel Africa remains committed to working closely with the Government of Nigeria and all stakeholders to drive connectivity, digital skills development, and financial inclusion, reinforcing Nigeriaโs position as a leader in Africaโs digital economy.