Africa boasts a booming youth population and increasing digital connectivity, making it a promising frontier for the educational technology, or edtech, market. However, it remains largely overlooked in terms of investment and market presence, creating a significant opportunity for growth.
The global edtech market has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with investments in 2021 three times higher than in pre-pandemic levels. The market spend is projected to nearly double its current size and reach over $400 billion by 2025. Yet, the geographic distribution of this market's value remains uncertain.
Currently, about 90% of the edtech market is dominated by companies from the United States, Europe, China, and India, with Africa conspicuously underrepresented. This is despite Africa's immense potential, with a youth population of over 200 million as well as increasing digital connectivity, boasting 570 million internet users in 2022.
About the authors
Gavin Krugel
Gavin Krugel is the co-founder and CEO of Digital Frontiers, driving U.N. SDG-aligned capacity building through combining educational technology, or edtech, for scale and market facilitation for localized societal change. He also serves as an executive director on Digital Frontiers’ board and as a non-executive director at DiaspoCare, connecting the global diaspora with home-country health care providers.
Nazrana Sultan
Nazrana Sultan is a visionary professional in the field of educational technology, or edtech, and U.N. SDG-aligned capacity building. With a rich academic background, she holds a law degree, complemented by a specialization in finance and tax, as well as an Master of Business Administration from the University of Stellenbosch. Her expertise lies at the intersection of education, technology, and innovative solutions.
