The State of EdTech in Africa

When it comes to education in Africa, there’s a story of promise, potential, and a few pesky gaps—one of them being financing. With over 1.4 billion people across the continent, nearly 60% of whom are under the age of 25, Africa is home to the world’s youngest population. Yet, despite this youth boom, access to high-quality education remains a persistent challenge. This is where EdTech (education technology) can step in, and why closing those financing gaps will be the game-changer.

Take Enko Education for example. This pan-African K-12 school platform, founded in 2013, has big dreams of shaping Africa’s future through education, and they’re not doing it alone. Recently, they secured an investment from Africa Capitalworks (ACW), alongside follow-on funding from Adiwale Fund I. The goal? To consolidate and expand the private K-12 education market on the continent and build Africa’s largest K-12 education platform.

But here’s the kicker: none of this would have been possible without addressing the financing gaps that have historically hindered EdTech’s growth in Africa.

The Financing Gaps: Where’s the Money?

Africa’s EdTech ecosystem is growing, but it’s still a drop in the ocean compared to global markets. The African education sector is estimated to be worth over USD 80 billion, yet investment in EdTech remains incredibly low. The financing gap in the sector is real, and it’s a glaring problem for innovators and entrepreneurs looking to transform education across the continent.

Why are these gaps so wide?

1. Risk Aversion: Investors tend to shy away from Africa’s EdTech landscape, fearing low returns, political instability, and economic volatility. Africa’s fragmented market doesn’t help either—different regulations, languages, and infrastructures make it harder for EdTech companies to scale.
2. Lack of Infrastructure: While EdTech is booming in the U.S. and Europe, in Africa, many schools still lack basic digital infrastructure. Internet penetration, although improving, is still a major barrier in remote areas. Without the necessary tools, how can you expect digital platforms to thrive?
3. Perceived Limited Market: Traditional investors often view Africa’s education sector as one that’s hard to scale and profitable in the short term. EdTech, particularly in K-12, is seen as a long-term game, making it harder to attract quick-turnaround investment.

But here’s the thing: without capital, these barriers are almost impossible to overcome. So, how can we change that? Let’s talk about the impact of closing these gaps.

The Magic of Closing the Gaps: What Happens When We Invest in Education?

When we talk about closing financing gaps in EdTech, we’re talking about more than just money—it’s about opening doors to opportunities. Let’s break it down:

1. Unlocking Access to Quality Education
   By increasing investment in EdTech, platforms like Enko Education can expand and reach underrepresented communities, even in remote areas. Imagine schools offering world-class curriculums powered by technology, preparing students for a global stage. Suddenly, education isn’t restricted to urban centers or elite institutions—it’s available to anyone with a smartphone or internet connection.
2. Empowering African Youth
   Africa’s young population is brimming with untapped potential. With increased access to education, students can develop skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world, from coding and artificial intelligence to sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. Closing the financing gaps would mean these students have the tools to not only succeed locally but globally as well.
3. Boosting Economic Growth
   Education is directly linked to economic development. By supporting EdTech startups and platforms, investors create a more educated workforce, fostering innovation, productivity, and ultimately, economic growth. This isn’t just about giving students a certificate; it’s about equipping them with the skills to drive Africa’s industries forward.
4. Job Creation and Entrepreneurship
   With more EdTech companies operating across Africa, there’s a clear potential for job creation. These platforms don’t just teach—they also employ a vast range of professionals, from tech developers and educators to content creators and customer support teams. This leads to thriving local economies that benefit from the growth of the EdTech sector.

The Enko Education Playbook: A Case in Point

So, what does all this look like in practice? Enter Enko Education. Thanks to ACW’s investment, Enko Education is taking its platform of K-12 schools to the next level. The company plans to expand and scale its operations, ensuring that students from all over Africa can access high-quality education and ultimately gain admission to leading universities worldwide.

The investment not only powers Enko Education’s expansion but also supports its buy-and-build strategy—acquiring schools and integrating them into a larger, sustainable platform. This is the kind of innovation Africa needs: businesses that don’t just create value for the few, but scale to improve the lives of many.

And here’s the best part: the impact of this growth is far-reaching. ACW’s investment doesn’t just benefit Enko Education—it’s a signal to the broader EdTech ecosystem that Africa is open for business. Other investors, seeing this success, might decide to join the party, driving even more capital into the sector. The more capital that flows in, the more students gain access to a world-class education.

The Bottom Line: Invest in Education, Invest in Africa

Closing the financing gaps in Africa’s EdTech market isn’t just a good idea—it’s a game-changer. With the right capital, education in Africa can evolve from a resource-intensive, inaccessible system to one that’s digital, scalable, and inclusive.

The investment in Enko Education is just one example of how a little capital can go a long way in transforming a continent. If more investors take the plunge, the impact could be profound. Africa’s education system can rise to meet the challenges of the future, equipping a new generation with the tools to thrive in a global economy.

As investors and stakeholders, the ball is in our court. Are we ready to help unlock Africa’s full potential? The future of Africa’s youth depends on it.