National governments are not the only ones playing a key role in the development of information and communication technologies (ICT) for education. Other sponsors of this trend are international authorities, such as UNESCO, which invests heavily in developing a modern framework for education in the region. Most of these initiatives are vertical, like UNESCO’s initiative to disseminate the important role women have played in African history (see: http://en.unesco. org/womeninafrica/).
However, the development of a mature E-Learning market in Africa is still restricted by the lack of proper IT infrastructures and connectivity solutions. According to 2012 estimates, Internet penetration in Africa has reached only 15.6%. Although the number of people on whom the internet has an impact is undoubtedly higher, this statistic demonstrates a significant infrastructural disparity between Africa and the other continents. Today, the fast-growing market for mobile devices looks to be the strongest trend that will support the development of E-Learning in Africa.
Over the few next years, various observers believe that we’ll see not only an increase in revenues but also the birth of local players within the E-Learning Market. The first MOOC initiative designed by Africans for Africans -- The AMI Virtual Campus is Africa’s first free online learning platform for African managers and entrepreneurs -- has already been instigated. “Surveys indicate that the African population is willing to engage with new technology-based tools to improve their education and knowledge.
Over the few next years, various observers believe that we’ll see not only an increase in revenues but also the birth of local players within the E-Learning Market. The first MOOC initiative designed by Africans for Africans -- The AMI Virtual Campus is Africa’s first free online learning platform for African managers and entrepreneurs -- has already been instigated. “Surveys indicate that the African population is willing to engage with new technology-based tools to improve their education and knowledge.
However, the continent’s infrastructure proves to be a large challenge, undermining the long-term benefits of Internet and Mobile learning strategies. A new mindset is required to adopt ‘Cloud’ technologies, with African youth pushing favorably towards new learning methodologies that would allow them to catch up with their intercontinental counterparts.” Lorenzo Torresin, Technical Director, Allos South Africa.
The people of Africa seem willing to engage with new technologically-based tools to improve their education, knowledge and skills. However, the continent’s infrastructure is proving to be a major challenge and an obstacle to meeting this growing level of demand.
The people of Africa seem willing to engage with new technologically-based tools to improve their education, knowledge and skills. However, the continent’s infrastructure is proving to be a major challenge and an obstacle to meeting this growing level of demand.