Author: Emmanuel A. A. Ubiu Date: Tuesday, 05 November, 2024
Country: South Sudan
Source: HolonIQ’s annual list of the most innovative EdTech startups across Sub-Saharan Africa. (Holon IQ website)
Technology has always been the field that advances humanity more than any other field. With the recent rise of Artificial Intelligence, the different sectors that will be technologically advanced are numerous. However, Education has always been the sector that has not received enough attention example in Africa.
In countries with internet infrastructure USA for example, technology has been adopted to advance learning in classrooms. This is known as EdTech, a term that became widely popular and synonymous with the use of technology in classroom settings.
What is EdTech?
EdTech (Educational Technology) is the combined use of computer hardware, software, and educational theory and practice to facilitate learning.
The Evolution of EdTech: Current and Future Trends in Africa
Internet and Mobile Reach in Africa: In 2021, the percentage of the population who had access in Africa stood at 24%, while the other mobile phone ownership recorded over 40% hence promoting the use of mobile educational applications. This connectivity is crucial for enabling remote learning and access to educational resources.
How Edtech is utilized in Africa: EdTech solutions’ utilization in Africa ranges from online tutoring and e-learning platforms to vocational training programs with the most notable examples being the Eneza Education in Kenya, which provides lessons via SMS and web platforms, making education accessible even in areas with limited connectivity.
Growth Statistics: The African EdTech market is projected to grow from approximately $224 billion today to $740 billion by 2030, with the EdTech sector itself expected to expand from 1% to 6-10% of the total education spending, reaching about $57 billion. During the time of COVID-19, in 2021, there were over 600 EdTech startups across the continent, with Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt being key players.
Limitations in the EdTech space in Africa
While there has been progress in the accessing internet, and electricity, several factors still limit widespread ed-tech adoption. These include;
• Insufficient Funding: Government funding for ed-tech startups is limited in most African countries. Many initiatives are led by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and startups. This led to funds decline for ed-tech startups in 2022.
• Lack of Supportive Infrastructure: Poor access to electricity, internet connectivity, and digital devices, particularly in rural areas, poses a major challenge.
• Inadequate Teacher Training: Many teachers lack the skills and training to effectively integrate technology into the classroom.
• Inequality: Ed-tech adoption is uneven, with significant disparities between urban and rural areas, as well as between higher- and lower-income households.
Positive factors leading to the rise of EdTech in Africa
Despite the above challenges, there are positive developments in the African ed-tech landscape including;
• Increased Awareness: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the potential of ed-tech and led to some innovation.
• Private Sector Involvement: Ed-tech startups are developing innovative solutions, attracting some international investment.
• Government Policies: Several countries have introduced ICT and ed-tech policies to promote the use of technology in education.
Successful Ed-Tech Implementations in Africa: Case Studies
1. ConnectEd, Botswana
Background: Developed by Youth Impact (a non-profit organization) in response to COVID-19 school closures, ConnectEd leverages the widespread availability of mobile phones in low- and middle-income households (70-90% have at least one) to deliver numeracy instruction via SMS messages and phone calls.
Implementation: ConnectEd was tested in a randomized trial involving 4,500 households with primary school-aged children across Botswana.
Impact: The trial demonstrated statistically significant learning gains, showing the potential of low-tech solutions like ConnectEd to effectively deliver educational content outside traditional school systems. Connect Ed was found to reduce innumeracy by up to 31% at a cost of USD 14 per child or less. Connect Ed has since been implemented in six countries: Botswana, Kenya, Nepal, India, Uganda, and the Philippines, with positive impacts observed in all.
2. EdoBEST, Nigeria
Background: EdoBEST (Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation) is a government initiative launched in April 2018 by the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board in partnership with Bridge International Academies.
Goal: To transform the state's basic education system through a technology-based approach, improving teacher support, teaching, learning outcomes, and public confidence in public schools.
Implementation: The program started by training 1,500 teachers and headteachers from 2,639 schools across 18 local government areas on topics including classroom management, use of tablets as lesson guides, pupil attendance tracking, providing feedback, and creating a positive classroom environment.
Impact: By 2022, over 16,000 teachers had been trained, and the program had impacted learning outcomes for over 300,000 children across 1,029 primary schools and 232 junior secondary schools in Edo State. EdoBEST's existing infrastructure and trained teachers enabled a quick response to the pandemic.
The future of EdTech in Africa, its impact and investment opportunities
Future of Ed-Tech
AI in Education: There has been an increased use of technology for tasks such as automating grading and report preparation and supporting data-driven decision-making and educational planning. These applications suggest potential future uses of AI in African education, such as personalized learning platforms that adapt to individual student needs.
Personalized Learning: Personalized learning is a key element in some existing programs, such as the BEFIT initiative in Malawi, which focuses on the benefits of technology for personalized learning. The success of such initiatives could drive further adoption of personalized learning approaches, using technology to tailor educational content and pace to individual student needs and learning styles. This trend is further supported by the observation that the recent global trend of digitalization has triggered a new phase of ed-tech focused on student-centered and personalized learning.
Cloud-Based Educational Solutions: There are several cloud-based educational platforms, including the Kenya Education Cloud, which offers interactive digital content and on-demand radio content, textbooks, and training. Additionally, Malawi launched the Malawi Education Cloud, a digital platform providing online access to learning resources for teachers and students. These examples suggest a growing trend towards cloud-based solutions, which offer benefits such as accessibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, making them particularly relevant in the context of limited infrastructure in many African countries.
Investment Opportunities
• Increasing Investor Interest: It has been noted by professionals that there’s an increasing interest from investors in Africa's EdTech space, with African ed-tech startups raising over USD 24 million in 2022.
This signifies growing recognition of the potential of EdTech to address educational challenges and tap into a vast, underserved market. However, despite increased investment, overall funding for African ed-tech startups remains low compared to the global market.
• Potential for African-Led Innovations: In the future, there’s a great emphasis on the role of African startups in developing innovative EdTech solutions tailored to the continent's specific needs and contexts. With their understanding of local challenges, cultural nuances, and infrastructure limitations, these startups are well-positioned to create solutions that are more likely to be adopted and impactful. Examples of such innovations include:
Connect Ed, Botswana: Using SMS messages and phone calls to deliver numeracy instruction, effectively reaching students in low-resource settings.
Eneza Education, Kenya: Offering a phone-based learning platform with access to educational programs and a teacher Q&A feature via SMS.
Mavis Talking Book, Nigeria: Taking education to rural communities by teaching subjects in native languages and making books affordable.
Simbi Foundation, Uganda: Enhancing education access for underserved and refugee students using solar-powered technology.
Long-Term Impact on Educational Equity
1. Closing the Educational Gap: EdTech has the potential to significantly contribute to closing the educational gap in Africa by:
Increasing Access: Reaching students in remote and underserved areas through online platforms, mobile learning, and other innovative solutions, as demonstrated by programs like Eneza Education and Simbi Foundation.
Improving Quality: Providing access to high-quality learning resources, personalized learning experiences, and effective teacher training, as seen in initiatives like EdoBEST, ConnectEd, and the Kenya Education Cloud.
Addressing Inequality: Tailoring solutions to the needs of specific groups, such as girls, students with disabilities, and those from marginalized communities.
2. Creating a More Equitable Future:
By bridging the digital divide and providing equitable access to quality education, EdTech can empower individuals, foster economic growth, and create a more inclusive and prosperous society.
However, the sources caution that EdTech adoption can also worsen educational inequalities if not implemented carefully. The high cost of technology and limited access can further marginalize vulnerable groups. Addressing these concerns requires a focus on:
Affordability: Ensuring that EdTech solutions are accessible to low-income households and communities.
Digital Literacy: Equipping all individuals with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively.
Infrastructure Development: Investing in internet connectivity, electricity access, and digital devices, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Inclusive Design: Developing solutions that consider the needs of diverse learners, including those with disabilities, from different linguistic backgrounds, and marginalized communities.
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[2] SME Blue Pages (2023). EdTech Industry Statistics in Africa. https://smebluepages.com/edtech-industry-statistics-in-africa/.
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[8] Unesco (2023). Africa emerges as the hotbed for edtech. https://courier.unesco.org/en/articles/africa-emerges-hotbed-edtech.
[9] Wikipedia (2024). EdTech. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Educational_technology.
[10] HolonIQ Africa EdTech 50. https://www.holoniq.com/notes/holoniq-africa-edtech-50.
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