Airtel Niger was awarded by the independent organisation for Management Excellence that rates organisations and individuals distinguishing themselves for exceptional achievements during the year.
Airtel Niger's regulatory director, Karimou Salifou received the award on behalf of the managing director from Niger's Minister of Telecommunications in the presence of government officials, corporate officials and civil society representatives.
Speaking after the ceremony, Salifou said "This is in recognition of the tremendous contribution Airtel has made through its corporate responsibility in Niger, through the adoption and refurbishment of schools in underprivileged and remote areas of the country. We believe these investments, as with others we have made to better the lives of the communities in Niger, will help support some of the infrastructure needs in schools".
He added: "We are also extremely humbled because this award recognises what Airtel is doing in the 17 countries that we operate in across Africa, especially in the area of education. We believe this will go a long way in raising the literacy levels across the continent; we encourage more corporate organisations to join hands to help young students who we depend on for our future economic growth and development".
In awarding Airtel, it was noted that the company's contribution to underprivileged children was highly appreciated by communities, government and the civil society.
According to the United Nation's Development Programme (UNDP) index covering the years between 1980 and 2012, only 48% of the children in Niger are completing primary education, indicating a need for public-private partnerships in alleviating the challenge.
Tiemoko Coulibaly, CEO for the Francophone Africa Region at Bharti Airtel said " Our community engagement in the Francophone countries that we operate in appreciates that there are unique socio-economic challenges. This distinction recognises Airtel's efforts in trying to touch the hearts of the communities that we serve."
