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The Role Of Technology In Redefining Education In Africa

Leo Migdal
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the role of technology in redefining education in africa

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.

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. Education has long been seen as a powerful tool for unlocking human potential.

In Africa—a continent filled with rich cultures, young minds, and diverse challenges—technology is redefining how education is delivered, accessed, and experienced. While the traditional education systems in many African countries have been hampered by limited resources, overcrowded classrooms, and undertrained teachers, technology is opening up exciting possibilities. From mobile learning apps and online universities to interactive digital classrooms and AI-powered tools, technology is bridging gaps and making education more inclusive and adaptable. In this article, we explore how African innovators, educators, and students are embracing technological advancements to transform the continent’s education landscape. Africa faces a significant education gap. Millions of children, especially in rural and underserved areas, lack access to quality education.

Poor infrastructure, teacher shortages, and outdated curricula have left many behind. But in recent years, technology has begun to shift this reality. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the demand for education and skills development is enormous. This youthful population is more tech-oriented and eager to learn, making technology the perfect bridge to connect them with knowledge. One of the biggest game-changers in African education is the rise of mobile learning. With the rapid growth of smartphone usage and mobile networks, students can now learn from anywhere—even in the most remote parts of the continent.

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. The digital transformation is revolutionizing the landscape of African entertainment in profound ways. As you explore this significant shift, you will discover how digital media in African entertainment is changing... Agroforestry in Africa represents a transformative approach to land use, emphasizing the integration of trees, crops, and livestock in a sustainable manner. This system not only contributes to environmental benefits... African fashion is not just a trend; it's a powerful movement that showcases the continent's rich cultural diversity and creativity on the global stage.

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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/. The technological revolution in Africa is profoundly impacting various sectors, including education. Technological innovations are bridging educational inequities, enhancing access to quality education, and fostering innovative learning environments for Africa’s predominantly young population.

Africa has the youngest population globally, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population under the age of 30. Unfortunately, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 57% of the world’s primary school-age children, with 97.5 million children of primary and secondary school age not... While there have been significant strides in increasing enrolment rates and improving literacy across the continent, many regions still grapple with inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and limited access to educational resources. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, with children missing months of schooling. However, this period also catalysed the growth of technological innovations in the education sector. The shift to remote learning platforms, digital content, and interactive tools has transformed traditional teaching methods, creating new possibilities for students and educators alike.

Online learning provides an alternative platform that transcends geographical limitations, particularly in countries where physical schools are scarce or difficult to reach. Platforms such as Eneza Education, Khan Academy Africa, and M-Shule deliver educational content directly to students via mobile phones, increasing access to learning materials in even the most remote areas. The African Virtual University also offers higher education courses and degree programmes across the continent, reducing the need for expensive travel abroad. 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.

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