KABWE, ZAMBIA — The University of Kabwe (UniKa) has held a strategic engagement with Airtel Zambia as part of its efforts to explore digital connectivity solutions that could expand access to education for its growing student population — particularly those enrolled through its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes.
The engagement comes as Airtel Zambia continues to deepen its investment in digital education across the country. The telecommunications giant is currently implementing the Airtel Africa Foundation and UNICEF School Connectivity Programme — a $57 million initiative launched in 2021 that has already connected 3,296 schools across 13 African countries and provided internet access to more than two million learners. In Zambia alone, 300 schools have been connected to date, with Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar reaffirming the company’s commitment to reaching 5,000 schools across its African markets by 2027.
Against this backdrop, UniKa’s engagement with Airtel Zambia explored areas of mutual interest relating to student connectivity, digital infrastructure and potential collaboration that could benefit learners — particularly those studying through ODL, where access to reliable internet remains one of the most significant barriers to participation.
ODL has become an increasingly important pathway for Zambian students who are unable to attend full-time classes due to geographic, financial or professional constraints. UniKa’s ODL programmes, which span Business and Leadership, Science and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, and Education, allow students to access learning materials and academic support remotely — making reliable internet connectivity a critical enabler of their academic success.
The University of Kabwe’s willingness to engage telecommunications partners reflects a growing recognition within Zambia’s higher education sector that digital infrastructure is no longer an add-on but a core component of delivering quality education. As universities across the continent race to modernise their learning environments, UniKa’s proactive approach to seeking industry partnerships positions it at the forefront of this shift.
The university, which is accredited by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) of Zambia, currently offers scholarships of up to 100% tuition support for qualifying students under its Sponsorship Programme. Applications for the June 2026 intake are open.
For more information, visit www.unika.edu.zm, email academic@unika.edu.zm or call +260 779 200176 | +260 963 339259.