Celebrating Female Innovators Revolutionizing Education with Technology in Africa

The African Union (AU) is paving the way for a transformative future in education through its Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 16-25). By emphasizing Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) as a cornerstone, the AU aims to empower graduates with tools that enhance educational quality, promote accessibility, and drive socio-economic progress. ICT not only supports innovative teaching methods but also fosters entrepreneurship, employability, and inclusivity—key pillars for achieving sustainable development in Africa.

Recognizing Female Changemakers in Education Technology

At the heart of these efforts is the Innovating Education in Africa Expo, a platform established to honour and promote ground-breaking educational innovations. In its 2018 and 2019 editions, the Expo celebrated five remarkable women for their contributions to Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063, which envisions a people-driven Africa led by its women, youth, and children. Here’s a spotlight on these innovators and their impactful projects:

1. Susannah Farr (South Africa): Empowering Youth through Peer Education

   As the CEO of the Gold Youth Development Agency (GYDA), Susannah Farr spearheads a scalable peer-education model that trains youth to positively influence their communities. With a focus on behavioural change and educational outcomes, GYDA has reached over 55,000 young people across four countries, fostering nation-building and addressing unemployment in under-resourced areas.

2. Anne Nyaboke Wakesho (Kenya): Enhancing Literacy with Digital Solutions

   Anne’s work with eLimu Kenya revolutionizes literacy education through digital tools like Hadithi Hadithi, an app designed for young learners, including refugees. With interactive content in Swahili, English, and Somali, the app accelerates literacy rates using local stories and culturally relevant pedagogy, helping children learn four times faster than traditional methods.

3. Amina Umuhoza (Rwanda): Empowering Girls through E-Counseling

   Amina founded Dukataze, an online platform offering mentorship, career guidance, and e-commerce opportunities to Rwandan girls. By addressing critical issues such as sexual health, unwanted pregnancies, and economic empowerment, Dukataze provides young women with the tools to succeed personally and professionally.

4. Angèle Messa (Cameroon): Bridging Educational Gaps with EduClick

   Angèle’s platform, EduClick, creates alternative learning pathways for marginalized youth, including refugees and disabled individuals. Using technologies like USSD and SMS, EduClick provides free, accessible education to over 3,000 learners, promoting inclusivity in education for those unable to access traditional systems.

5. Dr. Anita Antwiwaa (Ghana): Inspiring Youth with Space Science

   Dr. Anita Antwiwaa is a trailblazer in electronics and space technology. As the head of operations for GhanaSat-1, she inspires the next generation of innovators by teaching space technology and vocational skills. Her work empowers women in STEM fields and aims to establish training institutions for young women in electronics and engineering.

Innovating Education in Africa Expo: Driving Change Across the Continent

The Innovating Education in Africa Expo is a hub for educators, innovators, and policymakers to share and scale ground-breaking solutions. In 2019 alone, over 380 applications were submitted, with 11 innovators able to pitch their ideas and compete for grants of up to $50,000. These funds help scale their projects and bring transformative education solutions to millions.

Empowering women and youth with access to technology-driven education is essential for Africa’s development. By fostering innovative solutions and celebrating the contributions of female leaders, the AU is building a future where education becomes a tool for empowerment, employability, and equality.

The strides made by these women exemplify the transformative potential of technology in education. By celebrating their achievements and scaling their innovations, Africa moves closer to realizing its vision of a dynamic, inclusive, and empowered continent.