Airtel Nigeria has won two awards at the 2026 Marketing EDGE Awards, emerging as the recipient of the Leadership Award in Corporate Social Responsibility and the Most Innovative Telecom Operator of the Year award.
The awards were presented at the 14th edition of the Marketing EDGE Awards held at the Ten Degrees Event Centre in Lagos. The annual awards recognise companies and professionals for outstanding contributions to marketing communications and the broader business environment.
Airtel Nigeria said the awards recognised its investments in telecommunications infrastructure, digital services and community-focused initiatives.
The company’s CSR award was linked to its education and community programmes, including the School Adoption Programme, through which it has renovated and upgraded public primary schools, providing improved classrooms and information and communication technology facilities.
The telecom operator also partners with UNICEF on the Reimagine Education programme, which aims to expand access to digital learning opportunities for children. In addition, the Airtel Africa Foundation has supported technology education through its Tech Fellowship programme.
In March, the foundation inducted its first Nigerian cohort, awarding full scholarships to 70 undergraduates studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related courses at public universities.
Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr Segun Ogunsanya, said the initiative was designed to create opportunities for young Africans and equip them with skills needed to participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The second award recognised Airtel Nigeria’s investments in network capacity, products and digital services amid rising demand for connectivity.
Airtel, Nigeria’s second-largest telecom operator, has expanded its 4G and 5G networks while growing its broadband, fibre, data and enterprise businesses. It has also introduced digital and financial services for individual and business customers. In August, the company expanded its network of premium experience centres to improve customers’ access to support and other services.
Airtel Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, said the centres complemented the company’s investments in network infrastructure by providing customers with improved service. “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.
