How Technology Is Reshaping Education In Africa

Leo Migdal

-Dec 10, 2025, 1:24 PM

how technology is reshaping education in africa

Across Africa, schools face outdated curricula and skills gaps. Experts say AI could transform learning and create new opportunities for African youth. DW looks at how African nations are embracing the change. In Accra's Chorkor neighborhood, young Ghanaians are using computers for the first time. Inside a modest digital lab, facilitators use smart tools to teach digital literacy — skills that could transform lives. Some students already dream big.

"I have learned a lot. I love technology and all that but coming to these classes, I have been able to gain knowledge. It has been inspirational," said Emmanuel Dwamena Tenkorang, an IT student. American social entrepreneur Patricia Wilkins is among those investing in artificial intelligence (AI) education for underprivileged youth in Ghana. Her organization, Basics International, runs the Chorkor Digital Lab, which teaches digital skills to young people. "We launched the program just a few months ago, and we've already had one cohort of students.

We're running our second cohort and we have almost 100 students and we have three classes," Wilkins told DW. "Technology is the future. This is where the jobs are. This is where people can work remotely." By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda Updated at 2322 EAT on Tuesday 15 July 2025 From solar-powered tablets in Malawian classrooms to Kenya’s Digital Literacy Program and Ghana’s nationwide teacher learning hubs, a quiet revolution is underway in the education systems of low-resource countries (LDCs).

At its heart is the promise that thoughtfully implemented digital courseware can bridge entrenched educational inequalities and prepare the next generation for a digital future. A comprehensive report released in March 2025 by the mEducation Alliance and the Spix Foundation gathers insights from over 40 education officials, donors, and implementers across eight African countries. The report offers a nuanced view of digital courseware in low-resource settings—a narrative of innovation confronting challenges, and of ambitious visions grounded in practical realities. 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. Across Africa, schools face outdated curricula and skills gaps. Experts say AI could transform learning and create new opportunities for African youth.

DW looks at how African nations are embracing the change. In Accra's Chorkor neighborhood, young Ghanaians are using computers for the first time. Inside a modest digital lab, facilitators use smart tools to teach digital literacy — skills that could transform lives. Some students already dream big. "I have learned a lot. I love technology and all that but coming to these classes, I have been able to gain knowledge.

It has been inspirational," said Emmanuel Dwamena Tenkorang, an IT student. Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines American social entrepreneur Patricia Wilkins is among those investing in artificial intelligence (AI) education for underprivileged youth in Ghana. Her organization, Basics International, runs the Chorkor Digital Lab, which teaches digital skills to young people. Lawalley Cole is Executive Director of the Coalition on Media and Education for Development Africa Forum (CAFOR) Access to education in Africa has undergone substantial growth in recent decades.

Yet despite gains, sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 57% of primary school-age children globally who lack access to education reside in this region. Today, around 97.5 million African children, from primary school age to secondary school age, do not attend school. The quality of education in Africa has also become a cause for concern, with the learning poverty rate (the inability to read and understand a simple text by age 10) for sub-Saharan Africa estimated... Addressing the education crisis in Africa requires a focus on at least three key areas: (1) increasing school attendance; (2) supporting students to complete their education; and (3) ensuring competency in essential education basics... The COVID-19 pandemic worsened existing vulnerabilities within African school systems, with partial or complete school closures during the pandemic resulting in massive learning losses. Limited access to learning resources during the pandemic, particularly for students at home, exacerbated declining academic achievement.

Technology has emerged as a powerful tool in shaping the future of education in Africa. Internet usage has seen rapid growth, with the continent having 570 million internet users in 2022, more than double the number in 2015. Countries like Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, and Uganda have become hotspots for education innovation (see data on the our world in data website). Digital education offers a cost-effective approach to enhancing a country's performance on the SDGs without significant physical infrastructure investments (Van Manen et al., 2021). Mobile devices, widely accessible across Africa, are catalysts. The widespread availability of mobile devices and internet connectivity enables students in urban and remote areas to access diverse educational content, engage in interactive learning experiences, and connect with educators and peers globally.

This inclusivity could bridge (to some extent) the gap between urban and rural communities and provide more equal educational opportunities for all African students. Digital education could leverage e-learning platforms and digital resources to offer personalized and flexible learning experiences, allowing students to study at their own pace. Furthermore, technology could also empower educators to create dynamic and interactive lessons, tailor instruction to individual student needs, and provide real-time feedback, thus improving the quality of teaching and learning. In recent years, technology has emerged as a powerful tool in reshaping education across Africa. The continent, historically faced with challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages and limited access to educational resources, is witnessing a transformative shift driven by digital solutions. From e-learning platforms to mobile education apps, technology is revolutionising how education is delivered, expanding access and offering new opportunities for students and educators alike.

This article explores the impact of technology on education in Africa, the challenges that remain and the potential for further growth. One of the most significant benefits of technology in African education is its ability to expand access to learning opportunities, particularly in remote and underserved areas. In many parts of Africa, physical infrastructure such as schools and learning materials are either inadequate or completely lacking. However, with the rise of digital tools, students can now access educational content online, even in areas where traditional schooling is limited. E-learning platforms like Ubongo and Khan Academy have made it possible for millions of African students to access quality educational materials from anywhere, provided they have internet access. These platforms offer interactive lessons, videos and quizses in subjects ranging from math and science to language and history, helping bridge the gap between urban and rural learners.

Additionally, mobile technology is playing a critical role in education. With more than 495 million people using mobile phones in sub-Saharan Africa, mobile learning apps have become an accessible solution for many. Apps like Eneza Education provide students with curriculum-aligned lessons via SMS, allowing those without internet access or smartphones to still engage with learning materials. Africa faces a significant shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in rural areas. The use of technology is helping mitigate this issue by providing teachers with the resources and training needed to enhance their skills and reach more students. Online teacher training programs and webinars allow educators to improve their teaching methods and stay updated on best practices, regardless of their location.

In addition, platforms like African Digital Schools Initiative (ADSI) are equipping teachers with the digital skills they need to integrate technology into their classrooms. By leveraging tools such as digital textbooks, video lessons and interactive whiteboards, teachers can engage students more effectively and provide a richer learning experience. In recent years, technology has become a transformative force in redefining education globally, and Africa is no exception. With the rapid advancement of digital tools and increasing internet accessibility, education on the continent is undergoing a remarkable change. Gone are the days when learning was confined to the four walls of a classroom. Today, technology is not only bridging educational gaps but also revolutionizing how knowledge is accessed, shared, and applied, offering hope and new opportunities to millions across Africa.

One of the most transformative impacts of technology in African education is its ability to bridge gaps through digital learning. Africa’s diverse landscape presents unique challenges, such as limited infrastructure, teacher shortages, and inadequate resources, particularly in remote and underserved areas. However, technology is dismantling these barriers and opening doors to quality education for millions. This digital revolution in education is not only breaking down traditional barriers but also empowering learners to take charge of their own academic journeys. By leveraging these technologies, Africa is paving the way for an inclusive and future-ready education system. Teachers are the backbone of any educational system, and technology is playing a pivotal role in enhancing their effectiveness and impact.

By equipping educators with modern tools and resources, technology is transforming not just how students learn but also how teachers teach. By empowering educators with these resources, technology is strengthening the foundation of education, enabling teachers to deliver high-quality instruction and support the diverse needs of their students.

How Technology Is Reshaping Education In Africa

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