In recent years, educational technology (EdTech) has shown its potential to transform learning environments worldwide, particularly in countries like India and China.
These nations have effectively leveraged EdTech to tackle major educational challenges such as resource shortages and teacher deficits, offering scalable, cost-effective, and high-quality learning materials.
Africa faces similar challenges, but the potential for EdTech here is particularly significant as the continent prepares for a demographic shift that will see its youth population represent over 40% of the global total by 2030.
This presents a critical opportunity for African countries to embrace EdTech as a key part of their educational strategies.
However, despite many governments dedicating around 5% of their GDP to education, the demand continues to outstrip the available resources.
Traditional education systems, often marked by overcrowded classrooms and a lack of trained teachers, are increasingly strained under the growing population.
UNESCO estimates that sub-Saharan Africa will need an additional 17 million teachers by 2030 to achieve universal primary and secondary education.
EdTech offers a promising solution by enabling remote learning, which can ease the pressure on physical classrooms and allow students to learn at their own pace.
Platforms like Edukoya in Nigeria and Kidato in Kenya are leading the way with online learning tailored to K-12 students.
Edukoya’s offerings, including 24/7 exam preparation tools and personalized performance tracking, demonstrate how technology can make quality education both accessible and affordable across the continent.
Similarly, ULesson has expanded its presence in Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and Ghana, helping students prepare for international exams with a freemium model.
However, the digital divide remains a significant barrier to realizing the full potential of EdTech in Africa.
With only 27% of sub-Saharan Africa having internet access, a large portion of the population is excluded from these digital advancements.
The World Bank estimates that $100 billion is needed to provide universal, good-quality, and affordable broadband access across the continent by 2030.
This investment must go beyond infrastructure, with 20% dedicated to building user skills and developing local content to ensure that EdTech solutions are relevant and effective.
Despite these challenges, innovative solutions are emerging. Companies like Syafunda and Snapplify are addressing connectivity issues by deploying “Wi-Fi boxes” preloaded with educational content to schools without internet access.
Additionally, Eneza and M-Shule in Kenya are using SMS-based platforms to reach students without smartphones, ensuring that education continues even in remote areas.
These efforts are crucial in narrowing the digital divide and enabling EdTech to thrive in challenging environments.
Globally, Africa’s EdTech landscape shares similarities with other developing regions like Southeast Asia and Latin America, where localized content and mobile learning platforms have successfully reached students in remote areas. India’s experience, particularly, offers valuable lessons.
Despite the surge in EdTech adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s sector faced significant challenges post-pandemic, including layoffs and a re-evaluation of business models.
This underscores the importance of sustainable, long-term strategies that complement rather than replace traditional teaching methods.
To ensure EdTech’s success in Africa, it must be thoughtfully integrated into existing educational frameworks. Rather than replacing traditional classrooms, EdTech should support teachers by providing remote coaching and enriching the learning experience.
This requires a collaborative effort from governments, private sector players, and civil society to create an environment where EdTech can flourish.
Policymakers need to prioritize infrastructure, support local content development, and equip educators with the skills to effectively use these new technologies.
Therefore, while the challenges of implementing EdTech in Africa are substantial, the potential benefits are even greater.
By addressing the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth, EdTech can play a transformative role in African education, equipping millions of young people with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
The success of this transformation will depend on collective action, sustained investment, and a commitment to long-term value over short-term gains.
As Africa stands on the verge of this educational revolution, embracing EdTech is not just an option—it is essential for securing the continent’s future.
*Mahmood Owolabi is the Co-founder, Transition School. Email: mahmood@transitionschool.uk.
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