The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, one of the arms of The Mastercard Foundation, is organizing its first-ever educational Technology (Edtech) conference, scheduled to take place from July 8–10, 2024. In collaboration with the Nigerian government, the event will be held at the Hilton Transcorp in Abuja, Nigeria. The 2024 conference is centred around the theme “Education technology for resilient and inclusive learning in Africa”, with the African Union’s focus on Education for the year.
Also, the focus of discussions will be on the existing condition of the edtech sector, upcoming developments, how educational technology can address Africa’s educational challenges, and the policies required to support a conducive atmosphere for technology-driven advancements in learning. Technology has the ability to open up opportunities and drive advancement, Reeta Roy, president and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, stated. In various parts of Africa, a wave of youthful visionaries and business-minded individuals are revolutionizing the industry with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches.
Africa has the potential to revolutionize learning with local solutions.
A series of groundbreaking ideas have the potential to revolutionize ecosystems and shape the future. This first-ever conference unites a diverse group of individuals, including youth, technology innovators, government officials, investors, charitable donors, analysts, and various others. Their goal is to expedite advancements towards digital education platforms and structures that provide comprehensive learning opportunities for everyone. Experts in education and technology are coming together from all over Africa to collaborate on innovative strategies to improve access to high-quality, inclusive education through the use of ICT.
Joseph Nsengimana, the director of the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, believes that Africa has the potential to revolutionize learning by supporting local innovative solutions that improve access and learning. This conference will provide a platform to evaluate successful initiatives and develop a collective strategy for advancing African educational technology to a higher level of influence. The Edtech Conference, by the foundation, will focus on how technology can spark change within the learning system of Africa.
Education and financial inclusion will be promoted through partnerships.
In 2006, Mastercard founded The Mastercard Foundation with the goal of partnering with innovative organizations to promote learning and financial inclusion for young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada, ultimately helping them secure meaningful employment opportunities. Just last June, the foundation supported the social Innovation centre CcHUB in choosing 12 Nigerian start-ups for its first-ever Mastercard Edtech fellowship program. The biennial Edtech conference is set to gather educators and experts for collaboration and innovation.
Furthermore, the collaboration between the Mastercard Foundation and the Nigerian government highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in driving educational innovation. By working together, government agencies, institutions, and private organizations can leverage their resources and expertise to create Sustainable Solutions that benefit students and educators alike. This partnership model could serve as a blueprint for other countries looking to enhance their learning systems through technology. Ultimately, the success of edtech in Africa will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved, from policymakers to educators to tech innovators.
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As the edtech sector continues to grow and evolve in Africa, it is crucial to also consider the impact on traditional teaching methods and the role of educators in this digital transformation. While technology can undoubtedly enhance learning experiences and access to learning, it is essential to ensure that teachers are adequately trained and equipped to integrate these tools effectively into their classrooms. This may require ongoing Professional Development opportunities and support for educators to adapt to the changing landscape.