Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera
Airtel Malawi has awarded full Nzeru Tech scholarships to 25 students at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), opening a new opportunity for young Malawians pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The scholarship programme, implemented by Airtel Malawi in partnership with MUST and supported by the Airtel Africa Foundation, is aimed at removing financial barriers facing academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The first cohort comprises 25 students — eight women and 17 men — drawn from 17 districts across Malawi. They have been selected based on academic merit, financial need and enrolment in eligible STEM programmes at MUST.
Speaking during a meet-and-greet and induction programme at MUST in Thyolo, Airtel Malawi Managing Director Aashish Dutt said the scholarship represents more than financial assistance.
“This opportunity is not simply a scholarship, it is a statement of belief in your talent, strength and abilities,” Dutt said.
He said Airtel was particularly interested in supporting STEM students because science and technology education develops problem-solving, innovation and critical-thinking skills that are increasingly important to Malawi’s digital transformation.
Dutt said the initiative was also aligned with the country’s long-term development aspirations under Malawi 2063, urging the beneficiaries to use their education to create solutions to national challenges.
He challenged the students to remain disciplined and focused on their studies, saying they should eventually become responsible citizens capable of inspiring others, creating employment and contributing to national development.
MUST welcomes Airtel scholarship investment
MUST Deputy Assistant Registrar for Academic Affairs, Dr Duncan Batizani, praised Airtel Malawi for investing in young people through education and technology.
Batizani described the partnership as valuable and expressed hope that it would continue to grow and provide lasting benefits to students and the country.
Speaking on behalf of MUST Vice Chancellor Professor Address Mauakowa Malata, Batizani urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity.
“As students who have been given this support, you must demonstrate commitment by attending all your classes, conducting yourselves well and excelling in your studies,” he said.
The university has previously described the initiative as a merit-based scholarship for students enrolled in STEM-related programmes.
What the Airtel Nzeru Tech Scholarship covers
The scholarship goes beyond tuition fees.
The beneficiaries will receive support for tuition, hostel accommodation, a monthly stipend and monthly data bundles. They will also receive laptops to provide them with the digital resources needed for their studies.
The students are pursuing programmes including computer systems and security, sustainable energy engineering, business information technology, disaster risk management, mathematical sciences, geo-information and earth observation science, manufacturing engineering, metallurgy and materials engineering, and science education.
One of the beneficiaries, Emmanuel Tamanda, who is studying for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems and Security, said the scholarship had relieved the financial pressure associated with university education.
“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 studies and have a sustainable future ahead of me,” Tamanda said.
Building Malawi’s technology future
The Airtel Nzeru Tech Scholarship is part of the Airtel Africa Foundation’s wider fellowship initiative, which seeks to expand access to higher education and encourage young Africans to pursue careers in STEM.
The programme was initially announced in January 2026 as the Nzeru Fund, with Airtel Malawi and MUST announcing plans to support 25 students in STEM-related programmes.
The first cohort is expected to begin studies with the opening of the MUST 2026/27 academic year on 31 August 2026.
For the beneficiaries, the scholarship provides more than an opportunity to complete university. It gives them access to the financial and digital resources needed to develop skills that could contribute to Malawi’s growing technology, innovation and digital economy.
Airtel Malawi’s investment therefore places the 25 students at the centre of a broader effort to develop the country’s next generation of engineers, technology specialists, innovators and problem-solvers.
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