Receiving a late-night phone call from a parent can be unsettling for teachers, but not all such calls are complaints. At 9 pm, Chioma’s mother reached out to her teacher—not with concerns but gratitude. Chioma, a student with partial hearing impairment, had struggled to keep up in class. However, that night, she pronounced the word “apple” for the first time, thanks to an edtech tool recommended by her teacher.
The year 2020 became a defining moment for edtech as schools worldwide turned to technology to ensure learning continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Holon IQ, a research firm, edtech startups globally secured $16.1 billion in venture capital funding, a record high for the sector. Comparatively, investments in the industry were $500 million in 2010, $8.2 billion in 2018, and $7 billion in 2019.
Africa was not left behind in this surge of interest. As per Partech Africa’s 2020 funding report, at least 39 edtech companies across the continent received funding during the year. But how did African edtech companies navigate this unprecedented growth?
Navigating the Hype and Challenges
While the edtech boom was widely celebrated, not everyone felt its full impact. Chizaram Ucheaga, Head of Corporate Strategy at Mavis Computel, tempered expectations by noting that sales slowed for some products due to the pandemic. Mavis Computel uses innovative interactive technology to tackle Nigeria’s education challenges, featuring products like a “talking pen” and specialized books.
The pen, priced at ₦39,000 ($102), plays pre-recorded audio corresponding to text or images in the books when tapped, making it ideal for independent learning. Despite a slight increase in retail sales, 95% of Mavis Computel’s revenue still comes from intervention projects with nonprofits.
The pandemic also spurred the company to develop an online learning platform. Having raised over $350,000 from co-founders, friends, and grants, Mavis Computel aims to scale its impact and expand its product line.
Complementing Schools, Not Replacing Them
For uLesson, an edtech platform targeting K-12 students in West Africa, the pandemic was a catalyst for growth. Initially launched in 2019, uLesson saw a sharp rise in demand as parents sought digital solutions for their children’s education.
Operating on a freemium model, uLesson offers basic lessons for free and charges less than $10 per month for full access, including offline content via a dongle. During the pandemic, the platform expanded its reach to countries like Ghana, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone, leveraging the similar curriculum shared across West Africa.
The company is also exploring partnerships with schools, offering discounts on licenses for bulk purchases. Despite its growth, uLesson emphasizes its role as a complement to traditional schooling rather than a replacement.
Embracing a Fully Digital Model
In Egypt, EYouth pivoted successfully during the pandemic, transitioning from offline training to a fully digital platform. Specializing in entrepreneurship and personal development, EYouth saw its monthly users jump from 2,000 to 25,000 during the pandemic. The company, which raised E£3 million ($192,000) to enhance its platform, now seeks $3.5 million in funding to expand into the Middle East and eventually other African regions.
Leveraging Partnerships and Expanding Horizons
Right For Education (R:Ed), a nonprofit digital education platform, had less to adjust during the pandemic, as it already operated online. However, it adapted its Afrocentric content for radio and TV to reach new audiences, including children. The organization also launched a STEM-focused kids’ show, teaching scientific concepts through practical experiments with household items.
Privately funded and based in Ghana and Ireland, R:Ed continues to prioritize partnerships with universities and media outlets to amplify its impact.
EdTech’s Long-Term Promise
Although the pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, it also underscored the staying power of edtech. While 2020 wasn’t smooth sailing for every company, the surge in interest and investment confirmed that edtech is no longer a luxury but a necessity for the future of education.
