How EdTech is Changing Education in Africa
At this article we are analyzing how EdTech projects in Africa are performing. Education Technology (EdTech) is transforming Africa’s education environment by making digital learning techniques accessible to the continent. At the height of the Covid-19 outbreak, UNESCO said that 91.3% of the world’s learning population had been impacted by global shutdowns – which meant that about 1.5 billion students were not in school. While there has been a driving force behind EdTech in Africa, EdTech companies now have even more significant momentum behind them to ensure that students’ education is not compromised. For Africa, this has prompted an opportunity for growth for EdTech start-up companies.
The advantages of EdTech projects in Africa
Provides accessible global education
When e-learning applications and platforms are implemented strategically, they can offer a cost-effective solution to countries that lack educational tools and resources.
Assists students to develop in-demand skills
Digital technology will likely be integral to all industries in the future. The World Economic Forum predicts that there will be an average shift of 42% in required workforce skills over the 2018-2022 period. EdTech provides an interactive approach that encourages students to attain digital skills for future employment.
Makes global opportunities accessible
Digital skills will assist students to participate in the global market. Students are likely to have a greater interest in competing on an international level if they acquire digital proficiency from a young age.
The challenges of EdTech in Africa
Access to services
Internet penetration only covers an estimated 39.8% of Africa, meaning that about 800 million people on the continent don’t have access to the internet. Finding ways to incorporate technology in areas with little to no network coverage remains one of the main challenges for EdTech companies.
The digital divide
Africa has the youngest population in the world. Worryingly, African youth unemployment reached levels of almost 30% in 2019. Africa has added incentive to teach children digital skills when considering that there is a digital skills gap between Africa and the rest of the world. It is for this reason that education systems have to incorporate EdTech to ensure that Africa keeps closing the gap.
Costs
Developing and distributing educational content is a costly exercise. Many EdTech start-ups rely on mobile network providers, who take a big chunk of the purchase amount. The on-boarding process can thus be slow and challenging for many start-up EdTech companies
EdTech initiatives in Africa
eLimu (Kenya)
A leading digital educational content provider in East Africa, eLimu boasts literacy apps that are engaging and fun, focusing on encouraging students to improve their skills at school and home. Through combining engaging content with proven pedagogies, eLimu has seen dramatic results. A recent study into their literacy apps has shown improvements in reading fluency of up to three times faster than the control group.
Snapplify (South Africa and Kenya)
The award-winning platform offers a digital library with past exams, e-learning content, and e-textbooks. With more than 240 000 titles available to students, the platform is Africa’s largest e-book distributor. Snapplify is currently available in more than 1000 schools on the continent and allows students to access the books at their schools.
Tuteria (Nigeria)
The online platform offers assistance to students to connect with qualified tutors in their area. The platform’s concept is that tutors can help students master skills and exams where they feel they need assistance. The platform has a convenient online payment system and allows students to book lessons and rate their tutors.
If you would like to discuss your EdTech endeavors with a reliable internet service provider in Africa. contact AFR-IX telecom today.
