Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF have reaffirmed their commitment to digital inclusion and youth empowerment in Nigeria. During a recent courtesy visit to Airtel’s Banana Island headquarters, the organisations discussed strategies to strengthen their ongoing partnership under the Generation Unlimited Naija (GenU 9ja) initiative. The goal: to transition 20 million young Nigerians from learning to earning by 2030.
Airtel Nigeria Hosts UNICEF Delegation at Banana Island Headquarters
The visit marked the first official meeting between Airtel Nigeria CEO Dinesh Balsingh and Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office. Mr. Balsingh, who took over leadership in November 2024, welcomed the UNICEF delegation as both organisations evaluated progress and planned future collaborations.
The meeting underscored Airtel Nigeria’s critical role in advancing youth-focused digital learning programs across the country.
GenU 9ja: Bridging the Digital Divide
Generation Unlimited Naija (GenU 9ja) is a joint initiative between UNICEF and Airtel Nigeria aimed at empowering Nigerian youth through access to digital tools, learning platforms, and job opportunities. The program focuses on equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive in a digital economy.
Airtel’s continued support for GenU 9ja includes offering zero-rated access to platforms like
- Nigerian Learning Passport: A key e-learning platform providing curriculum-based content.
- Yoma: A global skills development and employment portal connecting youth with training and job opportunities.
Digital Impact at Scale: 20 Million Visits to Yoma
Thanks to Airtel Nigeria’s zero-data initiative, the Yoma platform has seen explosive growth in user engagement. Visits have skyrocketed from 5 million to over 20 million in just a few months, with 95% of users enjoying free access.
This massive surge reflects the demand for accessible digital learning and employment tools among Nigeria’s youth population.
What UNICEF Says About Airtel’s Support
UNICEF’s Celine Lafoucriere praised Airtel Nigeria for its leadership in bridging the digital divide. She highlighted the telco’s strategic role in helping millions of young Nigerians gain essential skills for the future.
“Airtel is doing more than just providing connectivity. They are enabling opportunity,” Lafoucriere noted during the meeting.
2030 Vision: From Learning to Earning
The strengthened partnership between Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF aims to transition 20 million Nigerian youth from digital learning to income-generating activities by 2030. This ambitious goal will be powered by:
- Scaled access to zero-rated educational platforms
- Continued investment in digital skills development
- Broader outreach through partnerships with schools, NGOs, and government institutions
Airtel Nigeria’s deepening collaboration with UNICEF marks a pivotal moment in the quest to close Nigeria’s digital divide and unlock opportunities for its youth. By expanding access to free learning and skills development platforms like Yoma and the Nigerian Learning Passport, both organisations are setting the stage for a more digitally empowered generation.
