* Under the Airtel Nzeru Tech Scholarship Programme which seeks to promote education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
* This opportunity is not simply a scholarship, it is a statement of belief in your talent, strength and abilities—Airtel Malawi MD Aashish Dutt
By Deborah Moyo, Malawi News Agency (MANA)
Airtel Malawi Plc has officially handed over scholarships to 25 students at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) that were awarded under the Airtel Nzeru Tech Scholarship Programme, which seeks to promote education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Airtel Malawi MD Aashish Dutt gets to meet the beneficiary students
During the meet-and-greet occasion held at MUST campus at Goliati in Thyolo on Thursday, Airtel Malawi Managing Director, Aashish Dutt said the scholarship goes beyond financial assistance as it represents an investment in young Malawians who have the potential to contribute to the country’s development.
”This opportunity is not simply a scholarship, it is a statement of belief in your talent, strength and abilities,” he said.
“We aim to promote students, particularly in STEM, because it aids in developing problem-solving, innovation and critical-thinking skills which are essential for Malawi’s digital transformation and the achievement of the MW2063 aspirations.”
The scholarship, facilitated by Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Malawi in partnership with MUST, covers tuition fees, medical aid, hostel allowance and a monthly stipend — along with monthly data bundles to support their studies and access to online learning resources.
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Dutt urged the beneficiaries to remain disciplined and focused on their studies, saying they were expected to become responsible citizens who can inspire others, create employment and solutions to national challenges.
MUST Deputy Assistant Registrar for Academic Affairs, Duncan Batizani, appreciated Airtel Malawi’s commitment to developing young people through education and technology.
Batizani described the partnership with Airtel Africa Foundation and Airtel Malawi as valuable and expressed hope that it will continue to grow and deliver lasting benefits to students and the country.
To the beneficiary students, Batizani wished them a productive induction programme, saying: “You must demonstrate commitment by attending all your classes, conducting yourselves well and excelling in your studies.”
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Emmanuel Tamanda, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems and Security, said the scholarship has given him an opportunity to continue his studies and work towards a sustainable future without any worry or financial strain.
“I am very excited for this scholarship; it is rare and far more needed in this country. I am grateful because I will be able to proceed with my care and have a sustainable future ahead of me,” he said.
Launched in January 2026 by Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, the Airtel Nzeru Tech Scholarship Programme “forms part of the Foundation’s wider Airtel Africa Fellowship, which promotes higher education and careers in STEM for young Africans”.
The programme — implemented through Airtel Malawi in partnership with MUST — was established to support academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students pursuing STEM programmes.
It will be helping expand access to quality education while contributing to Malawi’s digital skills and innovation pipeline.
The selected cohort comprises 25 academically gifted students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, including 8 female and 17 male students, who were selected based on academic merit and enrolment in eligible STEM programmes at MUST.
MUST Campus at Goliati in Thyolo
The students are enrolled in approved STEM programmes, including Bachelor of Engineering in Sustainable Energy Engineering (Honours); Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology; Bachelor of Science in Disaster Risk Management; Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences; Bachelor of Science in Geo-Information and Earth Observation Science.
Along with Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems & Security; Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Manufacturing Engineering; Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Metallurgy & Materials Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Science Education — whose beneficiaries will commence their studies when the MUST 2026/27 academic year begins on August 31, 2026.—Editing and additional reporting by Duncan Mlanjira; Maravi Express
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