Chloe Andries
TechInAfrica- The global tech revolution is greatly changing the way we work in every sector. EdTech has made education more accessible and comprehensive across the world by merging innovation with teaching. Most recently we’ve seen that established schools have adopted robotic teaching assistants, Artificial Intelligence, VR experiences, machine learning and virtual classrooms.
Young entrepreneurs across Africa have taken brilliant steps in contributing to the development of a revitalized educational sector. Below is a list of 5 startups focused on reinventing education in Africa.
Student Hub – South Africa
The Cape Town-based startup was founded in April of 2015 by Kabeya Hertzy. The e-commerce platform offers smart education technology to students, government, and educational institutions. The Student Hub publishes e-books with links to other resources, while students will also be able to react to content when they are confused or find it difficult. ERAOnline will allow them to send comments and messages to authors, publishers and peers, and every student will be connected with a subject expert to assist them when they get stuck.
M-Shule – Kenya
This e-learning platform M-Shule was founded in 2016 by Claire Mongeau (CEO) and Julie Otieno (CTO) and is based in Nairobi. The platform makes use of artificial intelligence (AI) and SMS to deliver personalised, accessible education to primary school students across Africa. M-Shule has come up with innovative ways to bridge the digital divide between most learners across Africa and their counterparts in the developed nations. While typically e-learning would require an internet connection and at least a smartphone; if tablet, laptop, or desktop computer is not an option. Thus far, M-Shule has completed a trial run involving 400 students across some 15 local schools in Kenya.
Brainshare – Uganda
An EdTech startup based in Uganda, founded by Charles Muhindo. The web & mobile app enables students to easily exchange notes, past papers, revision materials, course work or ask questions remotely. The app strategically places teachers, students and parents in one eco-system. Teachers can upload notes, offer assignments and moderate student discussions whereas students can easily access content anywhere anytime with or without the internet.
Ubongo – Tanzania
Founded in 2013 by Nisha Ligon, Ubongo is localised and multi-platform educational media that reaches millions of families through accessible technologies. It is an interactive educational cartoon that teaches kids foundational maths, science and problem-solving skills, and inspires them to use those skills to change the world around them. Ubongo leverages accessible technologies of TV and basic mobile phones to deliver edu-cartoons, currently watched in over 1.2 million homes in East Africa each week. Kids can interact via SMS from basic mobiles, answering quiz questions, and getting feedback and encouragement from the cartoon characters.
Tuteria – Nigeria
Tuteria is a Nigerian platform for online/offline tutoring, co-founded in 2015 by systems engineers Godwin Benson and Abiola Oyeniyi. The app links qualified tutors to students in their area and within their budget. In 2017, the startup won the Royal Academy of Engineering Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
Source: Itnewsafrica
