17/09/2026
AIRTEL LAUNCHES 50 FULL TECH SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CBU AND UNZA
Airtel Zambia has officially launched the Airtel Tech Fellowship, a five-year, fully funded scholarship programme sponsored by the Airtel Africa Foundation - with 25 scholarships each for CBU and UNZA first-year STEM students. Each beneficiary will receive fully paid tuition for five years, paid accommodation, a brand-new laptop, monthly data connectivity, a monthly living allowance, and a guaranteed internship placement.
Speaking at the launch in Lusaka, CBU Vice Chancellor Prof. Imasiku Nyambe thanked Airtel for "opening doors, restoring hope, and giving 50 young Zambians an opportunity to pursue their dreams" - reminding all that "financial vulnerability must never be mistaken for lack of ability, ambition or potential." Drawing on the proverb that it takes a village to raise a child, he said this scholarship was that proverb in action, reflecting the spirit of Ubuntu - "I am because we are" - since when one citizen is educated, a family is strengthened and the nation gains a skilled citizen. Talent, he noted, exists in every community, but opportunity does not always reach it equally, and Airtel had connected more than people today - it had connected potential and opportunity. He closed by affirming that "the true value of this scholarship will be measured in exams passed, degrees completed, and service rendered to Zambia."
Airtel MD Hussam Baday, UNZA VC Prof. Mundia Muya, and the Ministry of Education Representative Mr Brian Makufele, also graced the occasion, all affirming that closing Zambia's digital skills gap requires partnership between government, academia and industry.
Who can apply: First-year students admitted for 2026/2027 into STEM programmes at CBU or UNZA, who completed Grade 12 in 2022 or later, scored 5–7 points at first sitting, and can show financial need.
Deadline: 9 October 2026
Apply: apply.theafarainitiative.org
