Driven by venture capital, EdTech startups have risen as powerful tools, providing innovative alternatives to traditional education.
By leveraging digital platforms to enhance accessibility, these companies offer hope for a brighter future in the African job market.
The Central Question
A key question dominated discussions at the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Conference in Abuja: how can EdTech equip students for jobs that may not even exist yet? This concern underscores the true measure of success for these initiatives.
The Graduate Employment Challenge
The World Bank reports that Africa produces 10 million graduates annually from 668 universities, but the continent’s economy can only absorb three million. Bridging this gap requires stronger ties between academia and industry, emphasized Dr. Nkemdilim Iheanachor, an Academic Director at the Lagos Business School.
Job Creation as the True Metric
The real test of EdTech’s impact lies in job creation, not merely access to education. By 2100, Africa is projected to provide the world’s largest workforce. Upskilling future workers with in-demand digital skills is vital to close the digital divide and empower Africans globally.
The Unanswered Question
“The unanswered question is EdTech for what?” questioned Tochukwu Ezeukwu, Regional Director of the African Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA). “All of these conversations ultimately lead to one thing—how can Africans secure or create jobs?”
Shifting Landscape of Work
The future of work has shifted towards technology-driven, in-demand jobs, accelerated by the 2020 pandemic. This shift fueled a 2021 EdTech funding surge of $81 million. A Udemy report highlighted increased industry demand for data analysis and data science expertise.
The Path Forward
While remote learning and skills development in data analysis, AI, and automation demonstrate EdTech’s potential, further advancement is crucial. “We need tech skills to transform our continent,” said Hendrina Doroba, a division Manager at the African Development Bank. “We must assess our readiness for the future.”