The Airtel Africa Foundation has committed Shs3.85 billion to support Uganda’s digital workforce through the Tech Fellowship targeting high-achieving students from low-income households pursuing higher education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The four-year initiative commenced after a rigorous selection process conducted between December 2025 and January 2026. It will provide a full scholarship to 20 students enrolled on the Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship Programme.
The fellowship covers tuition, accommodation, a laptop, a stipend, a data plan and structured mentorship throughout the academic programme. The foundation says the initiative is designed to nurture future tech leaders, innovators and contributors to Uganda’s digital economy.
More than 300 students applied when the programme was launched in December. After a detailed vetting process by Airtel’s partner, Q-Sourcing Servtec, 20 finalists were selected based on academic merit and financial need.
The beneficiaries are enrolled at Makerere University, Kyambogo University, ISBAT University, Uganda Christian University (UCU) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
In Uganda, the programme focuses on STEM disciplines including information technology, computer science, cybersecurity, software engineering and other ICT-related fields.
The telecom sector is increasingly shifting from traditional voice and SMS services to a data-driven ecosystem powered by artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data science. By sponsoring students in these fields, the foundation aims to address the country’s growing digital skills gap.
The foundation says the graduates will join the workforce with industry-relevant skills, reducing reliance on imported technical expertise and strengthening local capacity within the technology sector.
Higher education in Uganda, particularly in STEM fields, remains financially out of reach for many talented students. With an annual allocation of approximately Shs195 million for the Ugandan cohort, the programme is intended to ease the burden of tuition and related costs, allowing students to focus on their studies.
The investment comes at a time when Uganda’s ICT sector continues to expand rapidly. According to the World Bank, the sector contributes about nine percent to the national gross domestic product and is growing at an annual rate of 14.8 percent.
Research by the GSMA indicates that the sector’s full potential, estimated at an additional Shs14.6 trillion by 2030, is constrained by a shortage of skilled professionals.
By supporting 20 students each year under the four-year programme, the foundation expects to contribute to the goals of Uganda’s Digital Vision 2040 by building a pipeline of skilled graduates capable of driving innovation in areas such as fintech, agritech and cybersecurity.
The investment, valued at approximately $1.024 million over the four-year period, is part of the foundation’s broader strategy across 14 African countries where Airtel operates.
Similar initiatives are being rolled out across the continent to expand access to quality education and build a network of Airtel Fellows to support Africa’s digital transformation.
