EdTech: The future of 📚👩🏽🎓
My compulsory year long youth service was in one of the most insecure states in northwestern Nigeria. This state is also one of the hotspots for out-of-school children in Nigeria. Even the children in schools can't boast of a sound education. Why? Many reasons. But I'll share one.
Some schools have not had teachers for core subjects in years. This problem isn't exclusive to the state, or Nigeria. The educational sector in sub-Saharan Africa needs a complete makeover. Improvements in the learning conditions for students and working conditions for teachers must be prioritized.
In one of our stories this week, our writer, Oluwatosin Ogunjuyigbe talks about how ed-tech can cause a major disruption in Africa’s education sector. "History shows that Africa’s strength came through informal learning, and technology can help to redeem that strength," he said.
Adekunle Agbetiloye
Staff Writer, Ventures Africa
What's New
Can ed-tech solve Africa’s education gap?
African schools suffer from overcrowded classrooms, a low number of teachers, obsolete curriculums, poor compensation, and support for teachers. The educational sector is, without a doubt, in need of a makeover. Africa doesn’t simply need more schools; it needs both improvements in the learning conditions for students and working conditions for teachers. This is where ed-tech comes in. Read more.
Tech trends that will affect African businesses in 2022.
Africa has garnered global interest as a growth market. Aside from the continent’s huge landmass and young population, its technological growth makes it highly prospective. However, technological advancement also translates to disruptions that affect existing businesses. Last year, there was more tech usage than ever before, and more businesses will be affected. Here are some notable trends that will disrupt Africa’s business space this year.
Consumer trends to look out for in 2022
2021 started with a lot of uncertainty. The world was straddled between resuming economic activity and safety from the pandemic. But as lockdowns eased and vaccines rolled out, the coronavirus became less dreadful. However, it is not business as usual — a lot has changed. Consumer preferences are evolving quicker, forcing brands to be perceptive to stay in business. Read more.
Can women lead the gig economy in Africa?
Research shows there are more women-owned businesses on social media than men in several African countries. Women have also joined ride-hailing platforms as drivers. And many young women on the continent are providing professional services on freelancing platforms and on-demand labour platforms. The gig economy is already a big part of Africa’s future of work. Its teeming young population is adopting gigs to put their skills to use. But it’s also possible that women will lead Africa’s gig economy. Read more.
How Nikki Billie Jean created All Things Ankara, the go-to source for Ankara print fashion.
Several things led to Ankara invading global fashion; rebound of textile industries in Africa, affordability and availability of the fabric, innovative designers and stylists, and social media. Social media has democratized fashion and, in that sense, opened a world of opportunities in a world it made smaller. Fashion designer, stylist, and Founder of All Things Ankara, Nicolette Orji, knows a thing or two about this. Read more.
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