Airtel Tanzania champions youth empowerment through AI and digital skills
What you need to know:
- SMARTWASOMI is a collaborative initiative between Airtel Tanzania, UNICEF, the Airtel Africa Foundation, and the Government of Tanzania. It provides zero-rated access to educational materials developed by the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) and Shule Direct, allowing students in both urban and rural areas to benefit from interactive learning resources, revision tools, and quizzes — all without incurring data charges.
Dar es Salaam. Airtel Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment through technology by showcasing its innovative digital learning initiatives as the world marks Youth Skills Day 2025.
Aligned with this year’s global theme, “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills”, the telecom giant spotlighted its two flagship programmes — Airtel SMARTWASOMI and Fursa Lab — as transformative tools aimed at bridging the digital divide and boosting youth employability across Tanzania.
With over 60 percent of the country’s population under the age of 25, Airtel says it recognises the urgent need to equip young Tanzanians with the skills required in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.
“Our goal is to ensure that every young Tanzanian has access to the tools that can unlock their potential,” said Director of Corporate Communications at Airtel Tanzania, Ms Beatrice Singano, during a press briefing held at the company’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam.
“Through Airtel SMARTWASOMI, we are removing the cost barrier to learning by offering free access to curriculum content, while Fursa Lab gives young people and teachers the opportunity to build practical tech skills that are in demand in the modern workforce,” she added.
SMARTWASOMI is a collaborative initiative between Airtel Tanzania, UNICEF, the Airtel Africa Foundation, and the Government of Tanzania. It provides zero-rated access to educational materials developed by the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) and Shule Direct, allowing students in both urban and rural areas to benefit from interactive learning resources, revision tools, and quizzes — all without incurring data charges.
Meanwhile, Fursa Lab, launched in partnership with the Dar Teknohama Business Incubator (DTBi), serves as a digital skills hub based in Dar es Salaam. Since its inception, the programme has trained thousands of young people and hundreds of teachers in areas such as robotics, mobile app development, digital marketing, computer literacy, and 3D design.
“As we celebrate this important day, we are reminded that technology and partnerships are powerful tools in unlocking opportunities for youth,” said Ms Singano. “We are truly honoured to work hand in hand with our partners and the government to empower Tanzania’s future digital leaders.”
Airtel’s investment in digital empowerment aligns with Tanzania’s broader development goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — particularly in promoting inclusive education, innovation, and decent work for young people.
