Airtel Africa Foundation has joined forces with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), and Cisco in a collaborative effort to boost digital skills and capacity building through the Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) Initiative.
This partnership is focused on bridging the digital gap and promoting inclusivity by providing free internet connectivity and digital skills training to underserved communities in Rwanda. The initiative aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and aims to enhance Rwanda’s digital landscape.
Under this collaboration, ITU will supply digital skills training content for the DTCs and lead regional capacity development efforts. ITU will also create networking opportunities to foster digital literacy and inclusion, enabling access to expert knowledge and best practices. Airtel Rwanda’s Managing Director, Mr. Sujay Chakrabarti, emphasized the importance of this partnership, saying:
“Today’s collaboration marks a significant milestone in addressing the digital divide and empowering Rwanda’s youth with critical digital skills. This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration between government, the private sector, and international organizations to uplift communities.”
Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Rwanda, will provide the DTCs with routers, Wi-Fi, and data packages free of charge, ensuring the smooth implementation of training and access to digital learning platforms.
The partnership complements Rwanda’s goal of transitioning into a knowledge-based economy and supports national initiatives such as Connect Rwanda, which aims to expand access to smartphones and digital services in underserved areas. Ms. Esi Asare Prah, Head of Programs at Airtel Africa Foundation, shared her thoughts on the initiative:
“This partnership exemplifies our commitment to supporting national development goals and reducing the digital divide through impactful collaboration. We are proud to work with ITU to help bring this vision to life and contribute to Rwanda’s efforts to become a digitally empowered society.”
Dr. Emmanuel Mannaseh, Regional Director for ITU, added:
“This partnership begins in Rwanda, where we are uniting to enhance digital skills and connectivity in underserved communities. We see this as a foundation for broader regional collaboration, with plans to expand the initiative to other Digital Transformation Centres across Africa.”
Mr. Antoine Sebera, CEO of RISA, commented:
“What we’re witnessing today is partnership in action. With 900 million people in Africa still without access to connectivity, we must work harder to ensure no one is left behind. This initiative places Rwanda ahead by prioritizing youth and their potential to leverage technologies like AI. Digital transformation is the key to the future, and Africa, especially Rwanda, cannot afford to be left behind.”