This disconnect between talent and global opportunity is one of the biggest challenges in today’s digital economy, and a core reason why platforms such as Propel and AltSchool Africa were built. 

Taking a detailed look at these two organisations, both aim to help African tech talent reach global job markets, but they do so in different ways.

Top Digital Economy Policies to Watch in 2026

Propel is the Connector

Propel is a talent ecosystem platform focused on linking tech professionals, through communities, with job opportunities, projects, gigs and professional growth tools. 

It has built an ecosystem of 200+ specialised tech communities with over 600,000 members across more than 22 countries. 

Propel’s model integrates job listings, learning support, community networking and embedded financing (like device or cash loans) to help talent prepare for jobs, present themselves well and get hired. 

On the other hand, AltSchool Africa is the Educator

AltSchool Africa is an education platform aimed at training Africans with the skills employers want. It provides structured programmes, ranging from diploma courses in software engineering and cloud computing to short nano‑diplomas and masterclasses. 

More recently, it has launched continent‑wide initiatives like “AI for 10M Africans”, aimed at providing free foundational and advanced education in artificial intelligence to 10 million learners. 

How Each Addresses Global Job Access

This is where the contrast becomes most consequential.

Propel: A Direct Bridge to Opportunities

Propel’s global job board curates roles from international companies actively hiring African tech talent, not just adverts scraped from the web, but vetted positions updated weekly with direct application links and smart filters by skill, experience and job type. 

Its Opportunity Hub goes beyond jobs, including internships, hackathons, fellowships and gigs designed to grow your portfolio and visibility. 

The platform works through communities, meaning you don’t search alone, you apply within a network of peers, mentors, recruiters and global employers who value connections over mere CVs. 

Engineers and designers from Propel communities report securing roles with global companies (including household names in tech), now working remotely or in hybrid models with competitive pay. 

AltSchool Africa: Preparing You for the Game

AltSchool’s strength is in skills creation, not job placement per se.

Its programmes are designed to teach practical, in‑demand skills that global employers look for, from software development fundamentals to advanced cloud engineering and cybersecurity skills. 

Importantly, AltSchool runs scholarship programmes with partners such as Binance and Bybit, offering funded training in fields like software engineering and data analytics to hundreds of students. 

The “AI for 10M Africans” initiative goes even further to be a part learning movement and part skills movement. The goal is to demystify AI literacy and make AI education accessible across languages and regions, a cue that AltSchool sees future readiness as a form of job access. 

However, AltSchool does not operate a direct global job marketplace. Instead, its value is in giving learners the confidence, credentials and capacities to be considered for jobs, locally and globally.

Strengths and Limitations: The Practical View

What Propel is Great At

• Job access and matching: curated global listings and tailored opportunities. 
• Community network effects: jobs, knowledge and referrals flow through the community, not just postings. 
• Hindrance removal: tools such as device financing and learning support make career pathways tangible. 
• Feedback and mentorship loops: driven by active peers and professionals. 

Challenges: Being productive depends on engagement within the community, the more you participate, the more visible you become. If you’re not actively networking or building a profile, opportunities can be slower to materialise.

What AltSchool Africa is Great At

• Structured learning: clear step‑by‑step programmes from foundational to advanced skills. 
• Scale through initiatives: “AI for 10M Africans” and scholarships draw learners across the continent. 
• Credentials: recognised certifications and structured diplomas. 

Limitations: Training alone doesn’t guarantee jobs. Learners still need to reach employers, something AltSchool supports via career services but does not own in the way a job platform does.

So…

If you’re starting from scratch, with little coding knowledge and no formal tech education, AltSchool Africa is a strong first choice. You’ll build the skills recruiters globally want, and graduate ready to pass technical interviews.

If you already have some skills or experience, or you’ve completed training, Propel is the better place to connect with employers, project opportunities and international teams who are hiring now.

In many cases, the strongest path is both. Use AltSchool Africa to get qualified and Propel to get seen and hired.

Finally; Complementary, Not Competing

Here’s the honest conclusion, one isn’t categorically “better” than the other, they serve different roles in the talent pipeline.

• AltSchool Africa builds readiness. It helps Africans become competitive globally.
• Propel connects readiness to opportunities. It bridges the gap between ability and employment.

In that sense, they are two halves of an ecosystem, not competitors. Tech careers need platforms that can both groom talent and connect it with opportunity. Propel and AltSchool Africa each occupy an important space in this. 

This landmark commitment, now Africa’s largest crypto education initiative, marks a significant step in Luno’s continued efforts to strengthen trust in digital assets and support safer participation in the digital economy.

Africa’s fast-growing digital finance landscape has created the urgent need for credible, structured crypto education.

With 33% of the country’s population already engaged with digital assets, and a rapidly growing youth population eager to participate in the digital economy, the partnership aims to bridge the knowledge gap by providing structured, practical, and safe crypto education.

By combining Luno’s experience in promoting safe crypto participation with AltSchool Africa’s capability in delivering accessible digital skills training, the course directly addresses the misinformation and financial risks associated with unregulated digital assets, while demonstrating real-world applications tailored to African contexts.

Beginning in March 2026 and running through the year, the program will be led by Web3 expert Abdulsamad Tiamiyu, and will provide a practical, Africa-focused introduction to cryptocurrency, showing how it can be used for saving, remittances, global trading, and entrepreneurship.

The curriculum consists of five core modules and is designed to be completed within three to four weeks. Learners benefit from up to one year of access to all course materials, including online, self-paced video lessons, slides, quizzes, and case studies.

The course combines theory with hands-on experience, where learners interact with wallets, exchanges, stablecoins, and research tools like CoinGecko and Etherscan.

This approach gives learners the tools to confidently use digital currencies in everyday financial activities. Successful learners, upon passing the assessments, earn an AltSchool Africa Certificate of Completion.

Speaking on the partnership, Ayotunde Alabi, CEO of Luno Nigeria, said:

“This initiative is a crucial intervention in Africa’s digital ecosystem. As crypto adoption accelerates, formal literacy must grow alongside it, so individuals can benefit safely and meaningfully. Our partnership with AltSchool Africa is a deliberate step toward that goal and a foundational investment in the integrity of the industry. By delivering structured, high-quality education, Luno is helping ensure that Africans can participate confidently, securely, and sustainably – turning what is often seen as risk into real economic opportunity.”

Adewale Yusuf, co-founder and CEO of AltSchool Africa, said:

“This partnership between AltSchool and Luno is a major step toward financial education that truly serves Africans and helps people gain the knowledge and tools they need to understand crypto with confidence and use it in practical, life-changing ways. This is more than a course or partnership, I see it as an investment in economic empowerment and in the future of a continent that deserves every opportunity to participate fully in the global digital economy. AltSchool is proud to work with a partner that believes in access, clarity, and education that creates measurable impact.”

The initiative will be rolled out in three cohorts of 5,000 learners each:

• Cohort 1: Applications run January–February 2026; course runs in March 2026.
• Cohort 2: Course access in July 2026.
• Cohort 3: Course access in November 2026.

The program is open to Nigerian residents aged 18 and above who are able to commit to completing it within four weeks.

Applicants must have a Luno account or create one before enrolling. Starting January, Interested participants are encouraged to submit application through the AltSchool Africa portal, with scholarship decisions communicated within one week.

The initiative will break down AI concepts, address misconceptions, and equip individuals with knowledge to integrate AI into their careers and daily lives.

Adewale Yusuf, CEO of AltSchool Africa, emphasised the importance of the programme, stating,

“The future belongs to those who are prepared. AI is no longer a technology of the future; it is shaping industries, economies, and everyday life today. With this initiative, we are taking a bold step to ensure that Africans are not left behind. AI for 10M Africans is more than an educational programme; it is a movement to create opportunities and bridge the knowledge gap.”

The initiative is structured to cater to learners at all levels. It begins with foundational courses introducing AI concepts before progressing to advanced topics such as machine learning, data science, AI engineering, and real-world AI applications.

The programme is designed to be accessible, multilingual, and available in English, French, Swahili, Arabic, and other widely spoken African languages.

Foluso Folorunso, project lead for AI for 10M Africans, highlighted the need for AI education across the continent.

“Many people in Africa still see AI as something distant or even intimidating. Our goal is to change that. This initiative provides structured, accessible, and engaging learning experiences that will help Africans understand AI, leverage it for personal and professional growth, and even build AI-powered solutions. Our long-term vision is to create a thriving AI ecosystem in Africa,” she said.

The programme includes comprehensive learning pathways that begin with beginner-friendly content and gradually introduce technical skills such as coding and AI product development. Learners will engage in hands-on projects to gain practical experience in AI applications.

Strategic partnerships with universities, tech companies, and government agencies will support AI education at scale, while certification and career support will help learners apply AI skills in various industries.

Folorunso stressed the programme’s broader impact.

“This is not just another AI course. We are building a movement that will impact Africa’s technological and economic future. By empowering millions with AI skills, we are fostering innovation, creating jobs, and ensuring Africans are actively shaping the AI-driven world.”

AltSchool Africa is inviting organisations, government bodies, and industry leaders to support and collaborate on the initiative. Yusuf underscored the role of partnerships, saying,

“We believe in the power of collective effort. AI for 10M Africans is an opportunity for organisations to make a lasting impact by supporting AI education at scale. Whether through sponsorships, mentorship programmes, or employment opportunities for certified learners, there are many ways to contribute to this vision.”

Christine Ashimwe, business developer for East Africa, noted the importance of regional inclusion. The need for policy action, stating, “Policymakers must urgently integrate AI education into African school curricula. We’re working with governments in Cabo Verde, Nigeria, and Rwanda, but this needs to be continent-wide. Our current education systems are preparing students for a world that no longer exists—we can’t afford to leave another generation behind in the AI revolution.”

The initiative is launching at a time when AI adoption is accelerating worldwide. Yusuf acknowledged concerns about AI’s impact on jobs but emphasised the need for preparation. “There’s a lot of fear in the market—people ask, ‘Is my job going? What’s the future of work?’ We want Africans to understand their role in this global shift. AI might not replace you, but people who use AI will replace you.”

AltSchool Africa is calling for collaboration with governments, media, and organisations to integrate AI education into national curricula. Folorunso said, “AI is here to stay. Africa missed past tech advancements—we cannot miss this one.”

The AI for 10M Africans programme aims to equip individuals across the continent with knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving technological landscape.

AltSchool Africa is working with partners to make the courses as accessible as possible, with many offered free of charge. As the programme grows, it will continue expanding resources to support learners at all levels.

The initiative reflects AltSchool Africa’s commitment to positioning Africa at the forefront of AI innovation, ensuring that Africans are not only consumers of technology but also contributors and leaders in the AI space.

The organisation is encouraging individuals and institutions to be part of this movement, helping to build an AI-ready Africa.

It’s like a chain reaction: an economic downturn leads to high cost of operations. Even though companies try to manage and scale through, the recent doubling of data costs by telcos in Nigeria, following NCC’s approval, has almost completely killed the dream of digital learning for individuals, including the customer base of edtechs like Edukoya.

Edukoya was seen as one of the companies giving hope to Nigeria’s edtech sector, aiming to bolster learning through an AI-powered digital platform. 

However, its sudden shutdown has left us questioning the sustainability of the environment Nigeria presents to edtech startups. Despite investments and a growing demand for digital learning, many startups find it hard to stay afloat.

Edukoya’s shutdown is not an isolated case—other edtech startups in Nigeria, such as Quizac, now acquired by Tekedia Capital, have also failed to scale successfully. 

While Nigeria’s edtech sector is projected to reach $400 million in 2025, we find ourselves at a crossroads, unsure of the industry’s thriving ability in an economy where disposable income is low and infrastructure gaps haven’t changed much.

Some organisations go as far as providing laptops for their students, but how many focus on data provision among other necessities? Is Nigeria’s edtech sector truly prospering, or are these shutdowns indicative of deeper structural issues? 

Let’s examine the industry’s prospects, challenges, and what Edukoya’s closure means for the horizon of edtech in Nigeria.

The Assurance of Nigeria’s Edtech Sector

A Market Ripe for Disruption

Nigeria’s education system is affected by overcrowded classrooms, underfunded public schools, and a lack of quality teaching resources. Edtech was supposed to bridge this gap.

• Massive student population: With over 40 million primary and secondary school students, Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations globally.
• Growing internet penetration: Over 50% of Nigerians now have internet access, and mobile subscriptions have grown above 157 million.
• Increased smartphone adoption: As smartphone prices drop, more students can access online learning platforms.

With poorly funded public schools, an alarming student-to-teacher ratio of 46:1, and outdated teaching methods, digital learning was meant to leverage the improvements and bridge these gaps.

Investment in Edtech

Between 2019 and 2023, Nigeria’s edtech sector witnessed a surge in funding:

• uLesson raised $15 million in 2021.
• AltSchool Africa secured $3 million in 2023.
• Edukoya itself raised $3.5 million in a pre-seed round, one of the largest for an African edtech startup.

The expectation was that these investments would drive growth, but Edukoya’s shutdown points to deeper issues.

Challenges Facing Nigerian Edtech Startups

Funding Winter & Economic Obstacles

While Nigeria’s edtech sector once attracted investors, the global funding slowdown has hit startups hard. In 2023, African startup funding dropped by 47% compared to 2022, forcing many companies to rethink their strategies.

• High inflation has increased costs of operations.
• The naira’s depreciation has made it harder for startups to manage foreign-denominated expenses.

Startups that rely on continuous funding rounds to survive are at risk, as venture capitalists become more cautious.

Market Readiness

Edukoya admitted that the Nigerian market was not yet ready for its synchronous learning model. The company struggled with:

• Low disposable income: Most Nigerian parents cannot afford premium digital learning services.
• Macroeconomic instability: High inflation and naira depreciation made scaling difficult.
• Connectivity and device access: Many students lack stable internet and affordable smartphones/tablets.

Without an addressable market that could afford edtech services at scale, Edukoya had no path to profitability.

Low Monetisation & Profitability Issues

The biggest challenge for Nigerian edtech startups is monetisation.

• Who is paying for these services? The majority of Nigerian students attend public schools, where parents struggle to afford even basic education expenses.
• Subscription fatigue: Many edtech platforms offer freemium models, but converting free users to paying subscribers is difficult.
• Alternative learning methods: Traditional home tutoring and free YouTube educational content compete with paid platforms.

Without a sustainable revenue model, even well-funded startups risk collapse.

Infrastructure & Accessibility Gaps

Nigeria’s high data costs and frequent power outages make digital learning difficult.

• Internet access: While penetration is increasing, many students still lack reliable connectivity.
• Device availability: Smartphones and tablets are expensive for lower-income families.

Unlike in developed markets, edtech solutions in Nigeria must address these accessibility issues to succeed.

Regulatory and Policy Limitations

The Nigerian government has shown interest in edtech, but policies are still weak.

• Public-private partnerships are limited.
• Government curriculum restrictions make it hard for edtech startups to innovate freely.

Without better regulatory support, scaling edtech solutions will stay challenging.

At the 2024 Mastercard Foundation Edtech Conference, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Dr Bosun Tijani, emphasised that inclusion is essential to edtech success:

“If we fail to reach all learners, we fail to fulfil our potential to revolutionise education.”

Edukoya’s battle to scale says a lot about inclusion still being far from reality.

Edukoya’s Case Study: What Went Wrong?

Business Model & Growth Challenges

Edukoya set out to enhance online K-12 learning in Africa, providing Digital educational content, Online tutoring for students and parents and An AI-powered platform for personalised learning. The edtech company provided free learning resources and paid premium services. 

Despite its vision, the startup faced: 

• High burn rate: Rapid expansion and costs of operations outpaced revenue growth.
• User retention struggles: Converting free users to paying customers proved difficult.
• Market competition: uLesson and other platforms had already established themselves in the space.

Funding & Economic Pressures

Though the edtech company raised $3.5 million, Edukoya couldn’t sustain operations in Nigeria’s harsh economic climate. Rather than pivoting or depleting funds, Edukoya chose to wind down operations and return capital to investors.

The startup had considered:

• Partnerships and mergers but failed to find viable options.
• A potential pivot to fintech, though it later denied this was its plan.
• Layoffs and cost-cutting, with reports stating its office had been closed for six months before shutting down.

The company reached 80,000 students, answered 15 million questions, and hosted thousands of daily live classes, however, it concluded that scaling was impossible in Nigeria’s current market conditions.

Lessons from Other Failed Edtech Startups

• Relying solely on VC funding is risky.
• Sustainable revenue models are indispensable.
• Adaptation to local economic realities is necessary.

Is There Still Hope for Edtech in Nigeria?

Long-term success will depend on:

• Affordable pricing models: More flexible payment options to suit the Nigerian market.
• Government support: Stronger policies to integrate edtech into public schools.
• Infrastructure improvements: Better internet connectivity and access to learning devices.

What Can Startups Do Differently?

• Rethink monetisation models: Tiered pricing or government partnerships can help affordability.
• Improve accessibility: More offline learning solutions for students with limited connectivity.
• Adopt flexible pricing models: Tiered pricing or partnerships with schools can help improve affordability.
• Leverage AI & adaptive learning: AI-driven personalised learning could make services more cost-effective.
• Strengthen government partnerships: Working with public schools can drive scale and adoption.

Predictions: More Shutdowns or a Market Rebound?

If the funding winter continues and macroeconomic issues get worse, more edtech shutdowns are inevitable. 

• Market readiness is still low.
• Disposable income constraints limit adoption.
• Infrastructure gaps make digital learning inaccessible to many.

However, startups that adapt to both local and global economic realities and build sustainable models may still thrive.

Unless business models evolve to fit Nigeria’s unique economic and educational space, the so-called “edtech boom” may remain nothing more than a myth.

For Nigerian edtech to succeed, startups must focus on real, scalable impact.

The IT skill development and empowerment initiative is intended to bridge talent supply gaps while providing individuals with the opportunity to meet their training goals and launch careers in the tech industry.

About 40 young girls will receive full sponsorship from Unity Bank in the special training initiative which was conceived as part of activities to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day 2024.

With women making up just 33% of the tech-related workforce globally, this initiative seeks to boost women’s participation in the tech industry by delivering a sustainable, impact-driven programme that addresses gender disparity and deepens inclusion within the tech industry.

All beneficiaries of the programme will be trained on different aspects of software development and provided with mentorship and resources that they need to succeed, including learning life skills like critical thinking, communication, innovation & problem-solving.

Speaking on the partnership, Mrs. Tomi Somefun, the managing director/chief executive officer of Unity Bank Plc, said the initiative aligns with the theme of the IWD 2024, #InspireInclusion, adding that empowering young women reflects the Bank’s commitment to driving inclusion, equality and diversity across industries.

She stated, “As a bank committed to fostering economic empowerment and gender equality, we are proud to partner with SkillPaddy on this initiative to contribute to the training and empowerment of 1,000 female software engineers. Through this programme, we are not only investing in the future of these talented women but also driving innovation and diversity within the tech industry. By providing access to skills training and mentorship, we aim to unlock opportunities and create a more inclusive and thriving digital economy for all.”

You may recall that in line with the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility, it also recently partnered with a software training provider, AltSchool Africa to sponsor female students to acquire specialist software development skills.

The International Women’s Day, IWD is a day set aside globally to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and reflect on action to accelerate gender equality. This year’s theme #InspireInclusion emphasises the importance of creating environments where all individuals, regardless of gender, feel valued, respected, and included.

Edtech startup AltSchool Africa, often described as the African version of BloomTech, has set its sights on Kenya, its second-largest market by revenue. 

This expansion will aid AltSchool in achieving its mission to equip ten million Africans with in-demand skills by 2030.

Founded in 2021, AltSchool offers a unique alternative to traditional academic institutions. By leveraging modern technology and focusing on practical, hands-on learning, the platform empowers individuals to gain skills relevant to high-growth sectors like business, data, engineering, media, and the creative economy.

One of the biggest challenges facing Africa is the mismatch between the skills job seekers possess and the skills employers demand. With an estimated 10 million job seekers and only 3 million employed, AltSchool aims to bridge this gap by providing accessible, affordable, and effective training programs.

The company’s flexible pricing model, ranging from $20 to $50 per month, caters to a diverse range of learners. Additionally, AltSchool offers income-sharing agreements (ISAs), allowing students to pay a percentage of their future income instead of upfront fees. This innovative approach removes financial barriers and opens doors for even the most underprivileged individuals.

AltSchool’s expansion to Kenya is driven by the country’s strong potential and its position as the company’s second-highest revenue generator. In setting up a local office and appointing Tabitha Kayvu as Country Manager, AltSchool reiterates its obligation to provide dedicated support and faster processing of local payments for Kenyan learners.

The company’s success is not limited to Kenya. AltSchool has already established a presence in the United States and Rwanda, and its courses are attracting learners from over 105 countries. With partnerships secured with key stakeholders in Kenya and ongoing talks with agencies to expand access to its programs, AltSchool is set for further growth and impact.

Adewale Yusuf, co-founder of AltSchool, envisions a future where ten million Africans are equipped with the skills necessary to secure meaningful employment and contribute to the continent’s economic development. As the company focuses on practical, industry-relevant skills and utilising innovative learning models, AltSchool is focused on building a brighter future for African youth and the continent as a whole.

Skill-to-market platform AltSchool Africa, has expanded its learning faculty to introduce Creative Economy, and Business schools, following an impressive 40% completion rate in its first year.

Taking a non-conventional approach to learning, the tech-enabled platform has traditionally offered courses directly related to in-code and no-code courses.

Strengthening its push in the edtech sector, AltSchool Africa has included content creation, sales, and music business – using Afrobeats as a case study, to its existing nine courses, with applications now open for the first cohort of these new streams.

In the last two years, AltSchool Africa facilitated nearly 3 million hours of training for tech roles, including software engineering, data science, and product design.

The new programs are focused on non-traditional careers beyond the technology field, and are designed to provide a comprehensive and experiential upskilling platform for aspiring learners looking to forge careers in other growing sectors. With the ongoing adoption and expansion of technology on the continent, Africa has witnessed a burgeoning interest in its creative economy.

As a result, a new wave of nonconformist career paths have emerged (for example, music management, content creation, and influencer marketing). This shift in thinking has enabled young people to reimagine their goals as well as career prospects outside of technology; with AltSchool spearheading a new era in learning for the continent.  

Prolific Nigerian artist Falzthebahdguy (Folarin Falana) and well-known content creator and actor Mr. Macaroni (Adebowale Adedayo) have been named as two of the facilitators for the creative economy school while media personality Do2dtun (Oladotun Ojuolape Kayode) was recently named as the school’s Creator Relations Director. Other facilitators joining AltSchool Africa’s business faculty include Nigerian film director and cinematographer Nora Awolowo, multi award winning music journalist Joey Akan, and content creator Aproko Doctor (Chinonso Egemba). 

Africa’s music streaming market is projected to reach US$372.80M in 2023, with an annual growth rate of 8.89%. At this rate, the projected market volume will be approximately US$524M by 2027. With some of the most popular streaming services only introduced to the continent late in the last decade, the relevance of jobs within this and the wider creative economy has increased.

Co-founded by Adewale Yusuf, Akintunde Sultan, and Opeyemi Awoyemi in 2021, AltSchool Africa has, since its inception, received over 50,000 applications from at least 83 countries, with the majority of applicants coming from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, and the United Kingdom. The platform has successfully enrolled more than 20,000 learners.

Speaking on the launch and call for applications, Co-Founder and CEO of AltSchool Africa, Adewale Yusuf, said, “Our goal is to create a fun and communal learning platform for all Africans to develop their skills, regardless of their previous education or background. Our unique teaching methods have proven successful in helping our learners better retain information, demonstrating that we understand the complexities of how online education works. We are excited to announce the addition of these two new faculties, with qualified experts leading the courses. These industries were specifically chosen for their rapid growth, and we want to help people quickly enhance their careers in these fields. In Africa, many individuals earn low salaries due to a lack of essential job skills training. However, our platform aims to make a positive impact by connecting individuals with the necessary skills for the job market, enabling them to grow and reach their full potential. By doing so, we aspire to contribute to a brighter future for the continent”.

Dr. Ademola Akinrinola, Director of Curriculum and Learning Experience Design at AltSchool Africa, added, “As someone who joined AltSchool Africa from the University of Texas, I understand the significance of an upskilling platform like AltSchool in preparing individuals for career success – locally and internationally. The AltSchool curriculum is designed to cater to learners of all levels, from beginners to experts, who possess a natural curiosity and a drive to solve problems”.

Rachel Onoja, Head of Operations at AltSchool Africa shared, “We are committed to providing our learners with a fun, informative, and accessible learning experience. We believe that our learners should feel a sense of belonging as they learn in communities and that their time with us should be a profitable investment in their future”.

Over 90 percent of youths aged 15-24 in Africa are part of the informal sector with very low pay due to lack of relevant skills. This underscores the pressing urgency to enhance Africa’s workforce through upskilling initiatives. With about 321 million youths projected to enter the workforce by 2030, upskilling is vital for quality job prospects post-tertiary education.

AltSchool Africa is championing the mission to empower every individual with the knowledge, skills, and career opportunities they need to thrive in the modern world. The platform is empowering learners to thrive by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that will set them up for success.

The programmes offered have no educational requirements and can be completed in as little as six weeks with course fees starting from $100. 

Technology came in and gradually bridged that gap, facilitating the edtech sector; although not yet decentralized across the globe, as the recent Global Education Monitoring Report, and the UNESCO Institute for Statistics revealed that 244 million children and youth between the ages of 6 to 18 were still educationally excluded in 2021.

This was despite the heat of the pandemic which accelerated the edtech sector in 2020.

But then, players in the field are strongly coming together to tackle this issue. Ranging from primary and secondary education to digital skill acquisition and others, these startups are not limited across Africa; but to mention a few, they include:

1. uLesson

Leveraging technology to enable students learn at a convenient pace, uLesson is making education self-fulfilling and exciting for learners at primary and secondary levels.

Its simplified teaching methods are designed to carry students along individually and holistically, depending on their learning abilities, so no one is left behind.

Founded barely four years ago by Sim Shagaya, a technopreneur and serial investor who also founded 

Konga, Lesson has already raised $25.6 million, backed by investors such as Nielsen Ventures, TLcom Capital Partners, Founder Collective, Tencent, Owl Ventures, among others.

The startup affirms to have over 3.5 million downloads with increasing user interest, 10.6 million lessons watched, 810k+ live lessons attended and more than 3.6 million questions attempted.

2. AltSchool Africa

What makes AltSchool interesting is its non-traditional approach to grooming individuals from zero to hero within a targeted period. The edutech platform takes up students with or without technical knowledge and trains them to become experts in fields such as product design, product marketing, product development, software engineering, data analysis and data science.

AltSchool transitioned from TalentQL to build a broader foundation where students can kickstart their dream tech career; fresh out of high school, seeking extra education, or want to transition to a career in tech, anyone goes, AltSchool will give you the skills and insight to achieve the success you desire.

In February 2022, the startup raised $1 million in pre-seed funding to bolster its efforts in edutech. According to the founders Adewale Yusuf, Akintunde Sultan and Opeyemi Awoyemi, the fund was launched into building its content and curriculum, technology infrastructure and community concept, so students can meet offline to network and learn together.

3. Teesas

What I love most about Teesas is its connection to the African root and its zeal to bridge the educational gap in the continent through an inclusive approach. In its drive to enhance education in Africa through technology, the startup combines local and global learning, it provides educational tablets to students so they are not limited by a lack of technological reach to take part in education across the globe.

Founded by Osayi Izedonmwen, Teesas started a donate program last year, ensuring no child is left behind, but everyone gains access to quality education for free and collaborating to achieve its goal.

Teesas enables students learn alphabets, greetings, songs, folktales, history and lots more both in indigenous and English languages. Its expert tutors provide live classes with personalized experiences to every child, with gamified teaching methods, animations and musicals that will grasp every child’s learning interest.

4. Edukoya

Lagos- and London-based Edukoya was founded by CEO Honey Ogundeyi, who was also the founding CMO of Kuda, a Nigerian neobank. The startup was built on a model that reaches parents and learners 100% online, providing support for examinations and day-to-day learning, including homework.

Edukoya focuses on students in grades 10 to 12 and those taking exams into tertiary institutions. This is different from other edtech platforms that targets mainly grades 1 to 12.

The edtech kick-started its journey less than two years ago and is backed by Target Global and other angel investors such as Shola Akinlade, Ed Robinson, Raffael Johnen, Babs Ogundeyi and others.

5. Edves

Another edtech startup focused on ensuring the development of individuals with in-demand skills, Edves digitizes teaching and learning a secure School Management Software.

The startup, which has already enrolled over 400,000 students, is present in 10 countries, with 29,000+ educators, 25,000+ administrators and is currently leveraged by over 1500 schools. 

Backed by Launch Africa, Chinook Capital Limited, Future Africa, Beta Ventures, Growth Capital and Seedstars, Edves was founded by Dimeji Falana and Dare Adebayo Edves. Its partners include MTN, Paystack, Interswitch, Flutterwave and 9mobile.

Its technology enables users track daily expenses, generate bills, process payment receipts, manage inventory, track defaulters and automate every step of the financial reporting process, as well as real-time monitoring by parents.

6. RiseBack

RiseBack recently launched for African students in September 2022. The edtech company offers affordable college degrees to students in partnership with leading Indian Universities, enabling them gain quality education and higher-paying jobs after graduation, without worrying about student debt.

RiseBack offers Skill & Professional Training & Certification Programs, US Evaluation of Degrees assistance, Recruitment assistance, Internship assistance, Incubation & Acceleration services for Students Startups.

Its focus is currently on students getting the chance to study in Indian Universities because of the schools’ reputation over the years, having created super successful alumni who are heads of Fortune 500 companies, Noble Laureates, Scientists, Academicians, IT Professionals, Serial Entrepreneurs & investors.

7. GetBundi

GetBundi has developed digital skills and STEM-related courses for secondary school students based on the West African curriculum.

The edtech is taking advantage of time to help students get equipped for the future, taking hold of the millions of tech-related jobs springing up every day. From digital marketing, coding, graphics, video editing and cybersecurity, GetBundi equips students in less than 3 months.

Launched in July 2022, the startup was founded by Osita Oparaugo. It currently has over 1,008 hours of audio-visual content on the platform covering six years of secondary school curriculum.

8. Utiva

From training users on data and numbers, to designing and creativity, business analysis, programming, cloud development product marketing and many more, Utiva is a platform for learning digital skills virtually.

Present in over 30 countries, the edtech leverages partnerships to facilitate its drive and achievements. These partners include Flutterwave, Autochek, CredPal, Nomba, Bundle, Moove, TeamApt, Cowrywise, Opay and many more.

Having trained over 30,000 students across focus aspects, Utiva was founded by Nigerian tech entrepreneur,  Eyitayo Ogunmola.

9. Classera

Backed by 500 Global, Endeavor Catalyst, Global Ventures, Sanabil, Sukna Ventures, among other investors, Classera has raised a total funding of $40 million to scale its edtech solution.

Classera utilizes a Learning Super Platform (LSP) to enhance education and corporate e-training sectors. The Silicon Valley-founded edtech was built by Mohammad Almadani and his partner Mohammad Alashmawi. It leverages artificial intelligence and social learning to provide an integrated e-learning platform and e-payment gateway “C-Pay” for pocket money, tuition payments and financing, and a specialized educational marketplace for edtech and educational supplies products “Edumalls”.

Classera’s users include over 10 Ministries of Education, private K-12 schools, universities, and corporates for e-training. It affirms to have developed over 100 strategic partnerships with global and regional players including Microsoft, Zoom, Amazon, Intel, Udemy, and HP. 

10. LearnAm

LearnAm is a localized mobile platform focused on improving digital literacy and inclusion in Africa, taking out language barriers, through audio and visual educational content.

The edtech pivoted from ScholarX in 2016. Founded by Bola Lawal, Damilola Emuze, and Maxwell Ogunfuyi, it went beyond teaching students to helping them gain access to scholarships.

LearnAm currently provides an environment for learners to acquire digital skills, personal improvement and vocational skills. Students can take courses in Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, English and Pidgin languages, receive free learning resources and materials, after which they receive certificates.