How COVID-19 Pandemic Has Changed Future of Education in Africa

Lamide Johnson

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on education systems around the world, and Africa is no exception. With schools closed and students forced to stay at home, the pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions to ensure that education continues.

One solution that has gained significant traction during the pandemic is EdTech, which refers to using digital technology to deliver education. In Africa, EdTech has become essential for ensuring that students can continue learning despite unprecedented disruptions.

The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of EdTech in Africa, as governments, schools and learners alike have recognised its potential to provide access to education in remote and underserved areas. In many African countries, EdTech has helped bridge the digital divide, providing students access to educational content, resources and tools, even when schools are closed.

One example of how EdTech has transformed education in Africa is the eLearning platform AIMS-NEI. This platform, which was launched in response to the pandemic, provides online math and science courses to students across the continent. The platform has been a lifeline for many students who would otherwise have been unable to continue learning during the pandemic.

Another example of how EdTech has transformed education in Africa is the use of mobile learning. With mobile penetration rates in Africa exceeding 80%, mobile devices have become a powerful tool for delivering education. Mobile learning platforms such as Ubongo have become increasingly popular in Africa, providing students with access to educational content and resources via their smartphones. This has enabled students to continue learning even when they cannot attend school in person. Certainly, my work with AfriLearn has also been significant in giving student access to learning resources for high school students. We are currently at the stage of leveraging artificial intelligence and gamification to drive further engagement on our platform. 

However, EdTech in Africa still faces significant challenges despite its many benefits. For one, many students lack access to the necessary technology and infrastructure to take advantage of EdTech solutions. In addition, there are concerns about the quality of online education and the potential for EdTech to exacerbate existing inequalities.

To address these challenges, there is a need for greater investment in digital infrastructure and technology, as well as efforts to improve the quality of online education. Additionally, there is a need for more research and data on the effectiveness of EdTech in Africa, to better understand its impact and potential.

Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of EdTech in ensuring that education continues, even in the face of unprecedented disruptions. While there are challenges to be addressed, the widespread adoption of EdTech in Africa holds great promise for improving access to education and empowering learners across the continent.

* Mr. Johnson, the Chief Growth Officer at AfriLearn, writes from Abuja