Experts across Africa’s education sector have called for a radical transformation of the continent’s education systems, pushing for full integration of digital technologies.
Speaking at the African EduTech Conference 2024 in Abuja, they emphasized that leveraging EdTech is critical not only for improving quality education but also for unlocking the continent’s vast economic and innovative potential.
Themed “Building on Effective African EdTech Ecosystem for Global Impact,” the conference brought together thought leaders and industry stakeholders from diverse African nations. Hosted by Edufirst in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the event was a powerhouse of ideas aimed at revolutionizing education through technology.
Co-host Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, Executive Secretary of UBEC, highlighted the transformative power of technology in bridging education gaps, particularly in underserved communities.
“Our commitment to this conference stems from the realization that modern technology is essential to reshaping basic education in Nigeria,” said Bobboyi. “We believe public-private partnerships will be the engine that propels us toward a tech-driven education system, tailored for the demands of the 21st century.”
Nana Gyamfi Adwabour, Executive Director of Ghana’s Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS), echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for Africa’s education systems to cultivate creativity and innovation rather than rote memorization. Adwabour urged a shift from theory-based learning to practical, hands-on experiences that will prepare students for a competitive, tech-driven workforce.
“Africa’s education systems must prioritize project-based learning to nurture problem-solvers and innovators. Digital solutions have the potential to not only enhance student engagement but also equip them with the skills they need to create jobs, not just seek them,” Adwabour noted. He also praised Nigeria’s new curriculum, which integrates digital skills at the foundational level, encouraging other African countries to follow suit.
In Adwabour’s view, the rise of digital curricula across Africa is a step in the right direction, but implementation is equally critical. He recommended “implementation research” as a way to continuously evaluate and refine educational strategies, backed by data-driven insights. “Even with progress, regular research is crucial to understand areas of weakness and potential improvements,” he said.
Collaboration and connectivity were recurring themes at the conference, as emphasized by David Nkwa, Manager of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Nigeria. Nkwa pointed out that Africa’s education sector must ensure that EdTech initiatives are inclusive and community-driven for sustained impact. He stressed the importance of stakeholder involvement—especially teachers, parents, and community leaders—in creating a seamless transition to tech-enhanced education.
“To ensure that technology is fully embraced, we involve all stakeholders in every EdTech project. From teachers to community leaders, everyone needs to feel like a part of this transformation,” Nkwa explained. “With this approach, we can drive acceptance and adoption, making it possible to scale successful projects to other communities and even neighboring countries.”
The conference also shed light on the barriers that countries face in adopting EdTech, with connectivity, content quality, and capacity building emerging as key challenges. Adwabour stressed that African countries share many of the same issues and could benefit significantly from collaborative research and shared strategies to solve these common problems.
“Africa can learn from itself,” Adwabour argued, adding that countries need to build on each other’s experiences. “Collaborative continental research will help us solve problems unique to our educational landscapes, ensuring effective, scalable solutions.”
The panelists agreed that Technical Vocational Educational Training (TVET) would play a critical role in Africa’s journey toward a self-sustaining digital economy. Adwabour highlighted TVET as a means to empower young Africans to create their own employment opportunities through entrepreneurial skills.
“The rise of TVET means that African children can graduate not just with theoretical knowledge, but with practical skills that they can immediately put to use. It is crucial for improving employability and making students creators of opportunities, not merely job-seekers,” he asserted.
As the conference concluded, one message stood clear: Africa has the potential to be a global leader in tech-driven education. With collaboration, research, and community-focused implementation, experts believe that EdTech can be the catalyst that propels Africa into a new era of innovation and economic strength.
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