Africa’s population is currently 1.5 billion, with 70% of its inhabitants under the age of 30, making it the youngest continent in the world. Despite this youthful demographic, a staggering 98 million children in the sub-Saharan region are out of school, with an additional 72 million young people aged 15 to 24 neither trained nor employed, with two-thirds of them being women.
A recent report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) titled “Boosting education technology in Africa: scaling innovation for the future of education” delves into the potential of digital solutions to address the challenges faced by the African education system. With projections indicating that over one billion children will be living on the continent by 2055, leveraging technology to enhance education has never been more crucial.
Digital solutions have the potential to revolutionize education at all levels, from early childhood to adult training. Examples such as Sayna, a provider of gamified tech courses in Madagascar, and Eneza Education, a Kenyan platform reaching five million users in remote areas through basic phones, showcase the power of digital tools in making education more accessible and effective.
Badr Choufari, education, employment, and welfare lead at BCG Casablanca, highlights the significant growth potential of digitalization in Africa, with mobile penetration expected to reach 51% by 2025, up from just 3% in 2010.
While technology holds great promise for education in Africa, several challenges need to be addressed. The distribution of EdTech startups is heavily concentrated in just a few countries, with funding remaining a significant hurdle. Gender disparity in leadership roles within the sector is also a concerning issue that needs to be tackled.
To unlock the full potential of EdTech in Africa, the BCG report suggests several key strategies. These include government policies that support EdTech expansion, alignment between businesses and users, increased funding from development finance institutions, and the establishment of pan-African accelerators to foster cross-border growth.
In conclusion, the transformative power of technology in education cannot be understated. By addressing the challenges and implementing strategic solutions, Africa has the opportunity to revolutionize its education system and empower its youth for a brighter future. For more information on the BCG report, visit their website.
