Airtel Africa Foundation partners with ITU, RISA, and Cisco to advance digital skills development in Rwanda

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta

The Airtel Africa Foundation has entered into a strategic partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), and Cisco to boost digital skills development under the Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) Initiative.

The collaboration aims to bridge Rwanda’s digital divide by providing free Internet connectivity and digital literacy training to underserved communities, advancing the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

As part of the agreement, Airtel Rwanda will equip seven Yego Centres with routers, Wi-Fi, and data packages at no cost, facilitating access to digital education platforms and ensuring effective training delivery. The ITU will contribute digital training content and coordinate regional capacity development and networking initiatives to promote digital inclusion.

Speaking to the media, Sujay Chakrabarti, Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda, described the partnership as “a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide and empowering Rwandan youth with digital skills,” adding that it exemplifies “what happens when government, private sector, and international organizations come together to empower communities.”

Esi Asare Prah, Head of Programs at Airtel Africa Foundation, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting national development goals. “This partnership reflects our dedication to closing the digital divide through meaningful collaboration. 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 said on behalf of Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chair of the Airtel Africa Foundation.

Dr. Emmanuel Mannaseh, ITU Regional Director, emphasized the broader potential of the initiative. “Our partnership with Airtel Africa Foundation begins in Rwanda, where we are joining forces to strengthen digital skills in underserved communities. This initiative lays the groundwork for expanding to other Digital Transformation Centres across Africa,” he stated.

RISA CEO Antoine Sebera hailed the collaboration as “partnership in action,” noting that with nearly 900 million Africans still unconnected, concerted efforts are needed to ensure no one is left behind. “These centres will play a transformative role in educating youth to leverage AI and digital tools. Digital transformation is driving the world forward, and Africa—especially Rwanda—cannot be left behind,” he added.

The partnership reinforces Rwanda’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy, complementing national initiatives such as Connect Rwanda, which promotes digital access and inclusion across the country.