How tech entrepreneurs & policymakers can collaborate to transform education

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, technology continues to play a pivotal role in transforming how we learn and teach. The recent EdTech Conference 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria brought together key stakeholders to discuss the importance of collaboration between governments, educators, and entrepreneurs in unlocking Africa's education potential through technology. CNBC Africa's Akin Obakeye sat down with Rica Rwigamba, Country Director for Ghana Programs at the Mastercard Foundation, to delve into the critical role of tech entrepreneurs and policymakers in revolutionizing education in Africa. Rwigamba highlighted the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology for learning during school closures. The Mastercard Foundation's EdTech program supported entrepreneurs in developing innovative solutions to facilitate remote learning for students. Rwigamba underscored the foundation's commitment to the Young Africa work strategy, aiming to empower 30 million young people with the necessary skills for meaningful employment. Key Takeaways from the Conference: The conference shed light on the imperative of ensuring equitable access to education for all young people, including vulnerable groups. Discussions emphasized the role of infrastructure in enabling access to technology and the need for collaboration between stakeholders. Rwigamba emphasized the Foundation's collaboration with governments to provide training and skill-building initiatives, recognizing that impactful change requires a collective effort. Supporting Education in Ghana: Rwigamba commended the Ghanaian government's commitment to education and highlighted the Mastercard Foundation's initiatives in teacher training and curriculum development. The foundation is working with the government to enhance the curriculum's relevance and quality, aligning it with market demands and Ghana's history. Additionally, the foundation is investing in the agriculture and technical vocational education and training (TVET) sectors to equip individuals with essential skills for the workforce. Empowering Change Makers in EdTech: Rwigamba acknowledged the creativity and innovation of Ghanaian entrepreneurs in the edtech space, underscoring the need to scale initiatives and reach underserved communities, particularly in rural areas. The foundation aims to support youth-owned businesses and attract additional investors to bolster the edtech ecosystem. Rwigamba emphasized the importance of developing viable business models to attract funding and drive sustainable growth. Key Insights and Future Actions: The conference highlighted the importance of collaboration, partnership, and information sharing among governments, development partners, and edtech entrepreneurs. Rwigamba emphasized the necessity of staying abreast of technological trends, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and adapting policies to support innovation in education. The Mastercard Foundation remains committed to bridging the gap between edtech solutions and policymaking to drive positive learning outcomes in Africa. As Rwigamba reflected on the conference discussions, she underscored the need for continuous learning, active engagement with edtech entrepreneurs, and ongoing collaboration to navigate the complexities of the education sector. The transformative potential of technology in education hinges on the collective efforts of tech entrepreneurs, policymakers, and educators to drive meaningful change and empower Africa's youth with the skills they need to succeed.