Crandi

Education Technology In Africa Current Trends And Future Visions

Leo Migdal
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education technology in africa current trends and future visions

Part of the book series: Studies in National Governance and Emerging Technologies ((SNGET)) Civic Technology (civic tech) is an emerging field in Africa that can potentially improve urban and rural governance. Civic tech and technology, more broadly, offer several benefits for social, economic, and developmental progress. In the African context, multiple, sometimes reinforcing challenges threaten socio-economic well-being. However, the potential of Education Technology (EdTech) to address these challenges is significant. EdTech is a form of civic tech that uses technology to make education more accessible and suited to learners’ needs, representing a beacon of hope.

The trend of online teaching (and learning), sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic, will likely remain a feature of the global educational model. Leveraging EdTech for Africa will be a key strategy for skills development to attain more sustainable job creation. Based on secondary research and insights from five EdTech projects from the African continent, this chapter analyses the key opportunities and threats of the Edtech sector in Africa. While African EdTech initiatives equip learners with key skills and critical thinking approaches, challenges remain in implementing and sustaining EdTech in different African countries. Notable challenges include the widening digital divide, uneven accessibility to the internet, the threats of internet shutdowns in some African countries, and varying degrees of digital and technological literacy. We argue for greater government and policy support through delivering appropriate digital infrastructure and teacher training.

The EdTech initiatives presented in this chapter showcase an entrepreneurial spirit alongside greater youth participation and collaboration in design processes and, ultimately, students’ curricula. This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access. Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout CTIN African Civic Tech Atlas. For more details on CTIN’s Database, see: https://civictech.africa/databases/. These aren’t just numbers—they represent potential.

But potential, without access to education, means nothing. And that’s where the challenge lies. Digital transformation is sweeping across every sector, and education is no exception. In fact, it is one of the areas where digitalization is most urgently needed. Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under 30. By 2055, the global population will reach 10 billion, with 95% of that growth happening in low- and middle-income countries and Africa alone contributing 57% (1.4 billion people).

By 2050, over 60% of the continent’s population will be under 25, and Africa will have the largest share of the global workforce, with 22 million young people entering the job market every year. These aren’t just numbers—they represent potential. But potential, without access to education, means nothing. And that’s where the challenge lies. While the demand for skills is rising, 98 million children in sub-Saharan Africa are out of school. The traditional education model—relying on physical classrooms, limited teacher capacity, and a one-size-fits-all approach—is struggling to keep up with the sheer scale of Africa’s youth boom.

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Part of the book series: Studies in National Governance and Emerging Technologies ((SNGET)) Civic Technology (civic tech) is an emerging field in Africa that can potentially improve urban and rural governance. Civic tech and technology, more broadly, offer several benefits for social, economic, and developmental progress. In the African context, multiple, sometimes reinforcing challenges threaten ...

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The trend of online teaching (and learning), sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic, will likely remain a feature of the global educational model. Leveraging EdTech for Africa will be a key strategy for skills development to attain more sustainable job creation. Based on secondary research and insights from five EdTech projects from the African continent, this chapter analyses the key opportunities and ...

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The EdTech initiatives presented in this chapter showcase an entrepreneurial spirit alongside greater youth participation and collaboration in design processes and, ultimately, students’ curricula. This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access. Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout CTIN African Civic Tech Atlas. For more details on CTIN’s Database, se...

But Potential, Without Access To Education, Means Nothing. And That’s

But potential, without access to education, means nothing. And that’s where the challenge lies. Digital transformation is sweeping across every sector, and education is no exception. In fact, it is one of the areas where digitalization is most urgently needed. Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under 30. By 2055, the global population will reach 10 bi...

By 2050, Over 60% Of The Continent’s Population Will Be

By 2050, over 60% of the continent’s population will be under 25, and Africa will have the largest share of the global workforce, with 22 million young people entering the job market every year. These aren’t just numbers—they represent potential. But potential, without access to education, means nothing. And that’s where the challenge lies. While the demand for skills is rising, 98 million childre...