Africa’s Strategic Edge: Insights from the GESAwards Africa 2024 Formal Launch Event

On July 12, 2024, the GESAwards Africa 2024 Formal Launch Event took center stage with the theme, “Africa’s Strategic Advantage in Cultivating a Global Skills Workforce through EdTech.” This event provided a platform to showcase and discuss innovations in educational technology across the continent and their implications for global workforce development.

Keynote Highlights

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Avi Warshavsky, CEO of MindCET, who emphasized the global nature of EdTech entrepreneurship. Warshavsky noted that the GESAwards serves as a crucial channel for bringing attention to Africa’s vibrant EdTech ecosystem and its ambitious market predictions.

Panel Discussion: Unleashing Africa’s EdTech Potential

Jumanne Mtambalike, CEO of Sahara Ventures, shared insights on Africa’s strategic advantages in leveraging EdTech for workforce development. He highlighted the continent’s potential to become a global leader in workforce creation due to its shared challenges and scalable solutions. Mtambalike stressed the importance of systemic thinking in advising startups and ensuring that solutions are contextualized to the African environment.

Abdulalim Musa Sarkin Adar discussed the significant skill gaps in Africa and how EdTech can address them. He pointed out the need for skilled individuals with leadership abilities to drive projects from inception to completion. Adar emphasized the importance of product ownership and resilience in EdTech programs, which can be vital in overcoming challenges such as internet connectivity and project delays.

Anyele, Founder and CEO of Perbi Cubs, addressed the role of early education innovations in shaping a skilled workforce. Anyele highlighted the alarming statistic of 90% of African children being unable to read and understand a simple story by age 10. Perbi Cubs’ evidence-based reading program aims to combat this “learning poverty” by equipping children with fundamental skills that can drive future success and contribute significantly to the continent’s growth.

Ama Serwah Nerquaye-Tetteh, Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, underscored the transformative role of EdTech in modernizing education. She discussed the ICT in education policy recently developed by UNESCO, which incorporates technological advancements and ethical considerations to enhance educational outcomes.

Policy and Investment Insights

Anyele also explored the influence of policy on EdTech innovation. He noted the government’s intentionality in supporting EdTech through initiatives like the Mastercard EdTech Fellowship. However, he pointed out challenges such as bureaucratic red tape and the need for more streamlined approval processes.

Abdulalim Musa Sarkin Adar shared thoughts on attracting investment to the EdTech sector. He highlighted the growing middle class in Africa as a potential source of funding, with an increasing willingness to invest in education for long-term impact. Adar emphasized the need for collective efforts and industry connections to secure the necessary funding for scaling EdTech solutions.

Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

In closing, Abdulalim Musa Sarkin Adar expressed optimism about Africa’s role on the global stage, noting that the continent’s youthful population positions it as a future powerhouse in education and other sectors.

Anyele looked forward to the positive changes driven by organizations like GSET and others, hoping that the discussions and plans will translate into tangible improvements on the ground.

Ama Serwah Nerquaye-Tetteh encouraged EdTech professionals to remain steadfast, emphasizing that while FinTech may be a lucrative field, EdTech is essential for solving global challenges. She reaffirmed the importance of platforms like GSET in uniting stakeholders to drive progress and ensure a resilient future through education.

The GESAwards Africa 2024 event provided a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges facing EdTech in Africa. It highlighted the continent’s potential to leverage technology for significant impact on global workforce development, with a collective call to action for continued innovation, policy support, and investment in educational technologies.