Hors série - Mapping - New wave African Edtech startups
Education in Africa is facing a massive challenge as the continent’s population continues to grow at a rapid rate. This population growth has resulted in an increased demand for quality education, but the traditional education system is unable to meet the needs of all students.
To bridge this gap, EdTech startups have emerged to create innovative solutions that enable increased access to education, improved teaching and learning, and the development of better educational materials and services.
In recent years, the African EdTech sector has seen an influx of investment, with investments in the sector multiplied by 6.2 between 2020 and 2021. According to a report from Disrupt Africa, African EdTech startups raised a total of $81m in 2021. This surge in investment has enabled some of the continent’s most innovative EdTech startups to conquer the market.
The mapping below lists the main African EdTech startups that have raised a total of less than $4m. These are the companies you should watch on the continent. We broke them down into 8 sub-categories:
Jobs & Upskilling: the continent is home to a growing number of startups that help create jobs and provide the skills needed to stay competitive in the global economy. These startups are focused on providing jobs in line with the region’s rapidly changing technology and business needs. All these initiatives are helping to create a new generation of African professionals who are better equipped to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the continent’s rapidly growing tech sector.
Tutoring: tutoring startups in Africa are providing students with online and offline tutoring services. Online tutoring services allow students to access educational materials, learn independently and receive personalized instruction from experienced tutors. Offline tutoring services provide students with access to physical classrooms with qualified instructors.
Teaching tools & Classroom tech: some startups in Africa are also providing platforms for teachers and educators to access the latest educational materials. By creating a hub of educational resources, teachers can easily find relevant materials to help them better engage their students. This is particularly useful in remote and rural areas, where access to educational materials can be limited. Furthermore, the use of technological tools in the classroom provides a more interactive and engaging learning experience for students. These tools can be used to enhance class participation and provide real-time feedback.
E-learning / Online school platforms: e-learning startups in Africa are taking advantage of the region’s growing mobile and internet access to provide educational content to students of all ages. These startups are using a range of technologies to deliver educational content, from video-based lessons to interactive online courses. They are also leveraging the power of social media to connect students with peers, mentors, and experts in their fields of study.
Management systems: school management systems are becoming increasingly popular in Africa to improve efficiency and access to resources. Startups in the region are taking advantage of the opportunity to create innovative solutions for the unique challenges of running a school. From streamlining administrative processes to offering student-centered services, these startups are helping to make education more accessible and effective.
Study tools & Content: these startups create platforms for students to access educational resources, such as textbooks and videos, as well as study platforms that allow them to collaborate and work together to complete their assignments. These startups also provide data tracking and analytics services to help students monitor their progress and performance.
Education financing: these education financing startups are tapping into the power of technology to make the process of getting an education more accessible and affordable for people across the continent. From peer-to-peer lending platforms to digital payment solutions, these startups are helping to bridge the financial gap in educational opportunities in Africa.
Higher education: the most successful higher education startups in Africa are working to bridge the gap between traditional education and the technological revolution. These startups are using a variety of approaches to make higher education more accessible to students in Africa. For example, some startups are providing students with access to mentorship and guidance programs. These programs and opportunities are helping to empower African students and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their studies.
Overall, African EdTech startups are making a tremendous impact in the field of education. These startups are helping to bridge the education gap on the continent and make learning more accessible to all. With continued investment in the sector, it is likely that the African EdTech industry will continue to grow and innovate in the years to come.