Twenty-five young Malawians from financially challenged backgrounds will have a chance to pursue science and technology careers after receiving full scholarships under the Airtel Nzeru Tech Scholarship Programme.
The scholarships, provided through Airtel Africa Foundation, Airtel Malawi plc and the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), are aimed at removing financial barriers that often prevent talented students from accessing higher education.
The first cohort of beneficiaries includes eight female and 17 male students who were selected based on academic merit and their enrolment in eligible Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes at MUST.
The students will pursue programmes including engineering, computer systems and security, mathematical sciences, business information technology, disaster risk management, geo-information and earth observation science, manufacturing engineering, metallurgy and materials engineering and science education.
Airtel Malawi Managing Director Aashish Dutt said the scholarship programme is an investment in young people who will drive Malawi’s digital transformation.
“We are delighted to announce the first cohort of beneficiaries under the Airtel Nzeru Tech Scholarship Programme. These young people represent the future of Malawi’s digital economy,” said Dutt.
He said the initiative will support students beyond tuition fees by providing resources needed for academic success, including hostel accommodation support, monthly stipends, data bundles and laptops.
The beneficiaries will begin their studies when the MUST 2026/27 academic year starts on 31 August 2026.
MUST Vice Chancellor Professor Mauakowa Malata said the partnership represents a major investment in developing Malawi’s human capital by creating opportunities for talented students who may otherwise fail to access university education.
“We are confident these students will become leaders in science, technology and innovation,” said Malata.
The selection process was jointly conducted by Airtel Malawi and MUST to ensure fairness and transparency, with candidates assessed based on their academic performance, financial background and STEM programme eligibility.
The scholarship is part of Airtel Africa Foundation’s wider Airtel Africa Fellowship initiative, which seeks to increase access to higher education and promote careers in STEM among young Africans.
