Bridging The Gap: EdTech Leaders Transforming Literacy in Africa

According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the adult literacy rate in Africa was 61.6% in 2020. This means that about 38.4% of adults in Africa cannot read or write.

There is a significant gender gap in literacy rates in Africa, with the female literacy rate at 56.3%, while the male literacy rate at 66.7%.

This gap is widest in the Arab States region, where the female literacy rate is 42.6% and the male literacy rate is 77.7%.

Literacy rates also vary widely across countries in Africa. The highest literacy rates are found in Mauritius (92.7%), Seychelles (91.9%), and South Africa (91.4%).

There are a number of factors that contribute to low literacy rates in Africa. These include poverty, lack of access to education, and gender discrimination.

Educational technology (EdTech) companies and initiatives have been actively working to bridge the education gap in Africa and other regions facing similar challenges.

These efforts are aimed at improving access to quality education, addressing issues related to literacy, and enhancing overall educational outcomes.

At Empower Africa, we believe in the incredible, untapped potential that lies within the hearts and minds of people across this beautiful continent.

Last Friday, on World Literacy Day, we were reminded once again of the power of knowledge and the profound impact it can have on individuals and communities.

Today, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on 30 exceptional individuals who are leading the charge in bridging the literacy gap in Africa.

These remarkable changemakers are at the forefront of the educational technology (edtech) sector, harnessing innovation and passion to empower countless lives through the gift of literacy.

Here’s to our EdTech Heroes, the champions of literacy in Africa!

1. Adewale Yusuf – Co-Founder at AltSchool Africa
2. Uche Onuora – Co-Founder @ HITCH
3. Betelhem Dessie – CEO, iCog Anyone Can Code
4. Claire Mongeau – Founder, M-Shule
5. Tonee Ndungu – Founder and C.E.O of Kytabu Inc.
6. Adrien Bouillot – Founder – Chalkboard Education
7. Sam Gichuru – Founder & CEO
8. Fred Swaniker – Founder of African Leadership Academy
9. Yahya Bouhlel – Founder & CEO – Go My Code
10. Sim Shagaya – Founder of uLesson
11. Eric Pignot – Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Enko Education
12. Hertzy Kabeya – Founder & CEO at The Student Hub
13. Ashley Immanuel – Co-Founder of Semicolon
14. Samy Mwamba – Co-Founder of itot Africa
15. Jennifer Cotter Otieno – Founder & CEO of Education Design Unlimited
16. Muliande Alex – Founder at EduOnline
17. Doris Ratego – Co-Founder at Koding & Kahawa Developers Community
18. Tsepo Ngwenyama – Portfolio Head at Injini
19. Grover Abrahams – EdTech Specialist
20. Maged Harby – GM at EdVentures
21. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji – Founder at Passnownow
22. David De Villiers – CEO at Uni4 EdTech
23. Hossam Taher – Founder at Orcars
24. Afeez Olalekan – Founder, LACED Africa
25. Muhammad Gawish – Co-Founder, iSchool
26. Salim Addih – Co-Founder, AlgoSchool Morocco
27. Khadija El-Bedweihy – Founder, Praxilabs
28. Felix Malombe – Executive Director @STEAMLabs Africa
29. Dr. Adetola Salau – EdTech Expert
30. Precious Ajoonu – EdTech Thought Leader