Airtel Tanzania and the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) have renewed their partnership to scale the Airtel VSOMO platform, positioning mobile-based vocational training as a central pillar in efforts to widen access to skills and jobs in the country.
The strengthened Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on May 5, formally designates Airtel VSOMO as VETA’s official online vocational training platform.
The move reflects a broader shift toward digital delivery of technical education as Tanzania seeks to reach more young people beyond the limits of physical training centres.
Officials from both institutions say the model is intended to lower cost barriers and expand access, particularly for learners in rural areas and those already in employment.
“Airtel VSOMO is the official national platform for online vocational training under VETA. It enables Tanzanians to gain practical skills anytime and anywhere using their digital devices,” said Airtel Tanzania managing director Charles Kamoto.
He added that the telecom’s role extends beyond connectivity to include zero-rated access to learning content and sustained promotion of the platform.
“We are ensuring that cost is never a barrier for Tanzanians to learn and grow,” he said.
The partnership is supported by the Airtel Africa Foundation, which will continue backing digital infrastructure, awareness campaigns and integration with Fundi Connect, a platform linking certified graduates to clients and employers.
Data shared by Airtel indicates growing uptake of the platform. Airtel VSOMO has recorded 59,000 downloads, with about 27,000 registered users. Of these, more than 9,500 have enrolled in courses and over 6,700 have completed training.
Around 60 per cent of usage is through zero-rated access, allowing learners to use the platform without incurring data charges — a factor seen as key in improving accessibility.
The company estimates the platform has generated approximately Sh1.2 billion in economic value, while learners save an average of Sh180,000 compared to traditional training pathways. Airtel also reports reinvesting over Sh80 million from training fees into VETA to support content development and system improvements.
With over 23 million subscribers, Airtel says its nationwide network coverage positions the platform to reach both urban and rural communities.
VETA Director General Anthony Kasore said the next phase of the partnership will focus on strengthening the integration of practical training within the digital model.
“Some practical components should be fully integrated into Airtel VSOMO. Many people are already employed but can still study theory and complete practical assignments through their devices,” he said. “Tanzanians use mobile phones every day, and we encourage them to use them for skills that create jobs.”
Under the current structure, learners study theory online and complete practical sessions at VETA centres before earning certification. Further system improvements are expected to enhance this hybrid model.
Mr Kasore also cited ongoing government investment in vocational education, including more than Sh100 billion allocated for infrastructure and the construction of 15 VETA colleges.
Speaking at the event, Beatrice Singano, director of communication of Airtel Tanzania said the programme was designed in response to changing learner needs, particularly among young people balancing work and training commitments.
“We realised that long training programmes are difficult for many young people, especially those already employed. There was a need for flexible learning that fits their reality,” she said.
She added that some courses can now be completed within two to three months depending on learner progress and practical engagement.
Currently, the platform offers 13 vocational fields, including electrical installation, plumbing, welding, food production and mobile phone repair. More than 23,000 young people have enrolled to date.
Both Airtel and VETA have set a joint target of enrolling at least 400 new learners per month.
The initiative aligns with the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), which promotes regional recognition of vocational qualifications. It also supports broader national efforts to expand youth employment and digital skills development.
The long-term impact of such platforms will depend on affordability, training quality and the strength of links to employment opportunities. The integration of Fundi Connect is expected to play a key role in connecting graduates to the labour market.
