About 600 stakeholders from over 30 countries in Africa and beyond gathered from July 8 to 10 at the inaugural Mastercard Foundation (https://MastercardFdn.org/) EdTech Conference in Abuja, Nigeria, to discuss education technology for resilient and inclusive learning in Africa. The consensus reached among participants was that integrating technology into learning systems in Africa is now a necessity rather than a luxury.
In collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, the conference concluded with a united call to action on 10 recommendations for governments and other EdTech stakeholders.
“Investing in education in Africa is not just about Africa – it is about investing in human capital for the world and building resilience in our learning systems to better prepare for future shocks such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The Mastercard Foundation is committed to partnering with others to scale education initiatives and enable innovations that promote the integration of technology into learning systems,” stated Peter Materu, Chief Program Officer at the Mastercard Foundation, emphasizing the importance of education in building an inclusive and resilient society and the critical need for investments in educating Africa’s youth.
Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, highlighted, “technology isn’t merely a tool; it is a powerful motivator that empowers students and sparks their passion for learning.”
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, added, “Inclusion is the foundation of EdTech. If we do not reach all learners, we fail to maximize our potential to revolutionize education.”
The participants put forward the following recommendations to guide national decision-making in advancing an impactful EdTech ecosystem in Africa:
- Champion local innovation: Support EdTech policies with governments as leaders and enablers.
- Harmonize cross-sector policy: Coordinate strategies and initiatives across ministries for technology-enabled access to education for all.
- Underwrite foundational infrastructure: Creatively use resources to invest in necessary infrastructure for education programs.
- Drive decisions with data: Invest in data systems for informed decision-making.
- Enhance delivery capacity: Upskill teachers and leaders in education systems to utilize EdTech effectively.
- Systematize EdTech integration: Establish clear standards for technology integration in educational curricula.
- Guide context-relevant innovation: Provide guidelines and approval processes for innovation in education technology.
- Diversify learning pathways: Develop flexible alternatives for out-of-school youth.
- Lower access barriers: Foster partnerships for affordable solutions.
- Embed responsive inclusivity: Center gender equity, disabilities, and refugees in policy and innovation processes.
Discussion at the conference focused on the state of EdTech in Africa, assessment of technology-enabled solutions to educational challenges, data, collaborations, funding, and opportunities to leverage emerging technologies to skill young people, particularly young women.
Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Youth Development, emphasized the need for inclusive education reform, stating, “All voices, especially those of young women, should be involved in policy formulation for effective outcomes.”
Chido Mpemba, the African Union’s Special Youth Envoy, highlighted that “accessible innovations can have a global perspective while meeting the needs of Africa’s young population.”
African EdTech entrepreneurs showcased their solutions at the conference, demonstrating how impactful education innovation can shape the future of learning.
The recommendations from the conference were presented at the 3rd Ministerial Forum on EdTech in Africa. Three recommendations were prioritized for concrete action:
- Developing strategies and policies for integrating EdTech into learning systems.
- Enhancing quality education data for evidence-based decision-making.
- Addressing the challenge of out-of-school children and youth in Africa, which currently stands at 108 million.
Through its Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, the Mastercard Foundation collaborates strategically to foster innovation, share best practices, conduct research, and organize events like the EdTech Conference to advance inclusive education, especially for underserved learners. Joseph Nsengimana, the Director of the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, expressed optimism about the conference’s impact on transforming education through technology.
The next EdTech Conference is scheduled for 2026, coinciding with the Mastercard Foundation’s 20th anniversary.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Mastercard Foundation.
Media Contact:
Joy Doreen Biira
jbiira@mastercardfdn.org
About the Mastercard Foundation:
The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity working with organizations to promote education and financial inclusion for young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard, the Foundation operates independently from the company, with offices in various locations around the world.
For more information on the Foundation, please visit https://MastercardFdn.org/
Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning:
The Centre drives the innovative use of technology to enhance access to quality education, particularly for underserved communities. It collaborates with various stakeholders to support the effective integration of technology in education. Visit here for more information.
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Conference:
The biennial event organized by the Foundation’s Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning aims to transform the future of learning in Africa through technology. The conference brings together EdTech stakeholders to share best practices and increase access to quality education in Africa.