Airtel Nigeria wins innovation, CSR awards

Airtel  Nigeria has received two awards at the 2026 Marketing EDGE Awards, winning the Leadership Award in Corporate Social Responsibility and Most Innovative Telecom Operator of the Year.

 The awards were presented at the 14th edition of the Marketing EDGE Awards at Ten Degrees Event Centre in Lagos. The annual event recognises companies and professionals for their contributions to marketing communications and the wider business environment.

 The telecom firm said the two awards recognise different areas of Airtel Nigeria’s operations, including its investments in telecommunications infrastructure and its social-impact programmes.

 The company’s CSR recognition follows its education and community initiatives, including the School Adoption Programme, through which it has renovated and upgraded public primary schools, including classrooms and information and communication technology facilities.

 Airtel Nigeria also partners with UNICEF on the Reimagine Education programme, which seeks to expand access to digital learning opportunities for children.

 The company has also supported technology education through the Airtel Africa Foundation’s Tech Fellowship. In March, the foundation inducted its first Nigerian cohort, providing full scholarships to 70 undergraduates studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related courses at public universities.

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Airtel Africa Foundation Chairman, Dr Segun Ogunsanya, said the programme was aimed at creating opportunities for young Africans and developing the skills needed for the continent’s participation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

 “The telecoms operator’s second award recognised its investments in network capacity, products and digital services as demand for connectivity continues to grow across Nigeria,” he said.

 Airtel, the second biggest operator has expanded its 4G and 5G networks while developing its broadband, fibre, data and enterprise businesses. It has also introduced digital and financial services aimed at individual and business customers.

 In August, the telco expanded its network of premium experience centres as part of efforts to improve customer access to support and services.

 Airtel Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, said the centres were intended to complement investments in network infrastructure by improving the customer experience.

 “Quality of service extends across the entire customer journey. It includes the strength and reliability of the network, the quality of our products and the ease with which customers can access support,” Balsingh said.