22/07/2025
Hon Dr Jessie Kabwila Advocates for Africa to Embrace EdTech for a Brighter Future
Minister of Higher Education, Hon. Dr. Jessie Kabwila, delivered an inspiring keynote address at the African EdTech 2030 Vision and Plan Forum, urging African countries to take the lead in shaping their own digital education future.
She made the remarks on Tuesday at the event hosted by Centre for Mathematic, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) in Kenya Nairobi.
She commended African Union Development Agency (AUDA) and New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and its partners for launching the African EdTech 2030 Vision, Plan, and Policy Framework, which she hailed as a bold commitment to transforming education across the continent.
Dr. Kabwila emphasised that Africa should not wait for external forces but instead take charge of its digital transformation. “We are young, energetic, and ready to redefine Africa’s greatness through technology and innovation,” she said.
She underscored the importance of ensuring that EdTech (Education Technology) addresses African needs by respecting local languages, values, and the real-life challenges faced by learners and educators.
Drawing from Malawi's experience, Dr. Kabwila shared how Malawi is addressing significant education issues through digital solutions.
Dr Kabwila provided examples of how EdTech is making a difference in Malawi. Students are conducting science experiments on tablets offline (MiLab), using solar-powered devices, teachers are receiving training via WhatsApp and e-learning, and rural learners are accessing education through radio and phone-based lessons.
“These are not luxuries—they are lifelines,” she stated.
She then highlighted Malawi’s goal to connect all public schools to the internet and increase digital access from 27% to 55% by 2030, while also raising electricity coverage from 25% to 70%.
She indicated that Malawi’s digital education strategy focuses on three key areas, namely improving fundamental learning with tablets and offline content, training teachers in the use of digital tools, and creating locally relevant digital content, much of which will be available in local languages.
She also touted the ambitious plan that her Ministry is implementing, of hosting the content on a national education platform called “EDUSPACE.”
Citing President Lazarus Chakwera’s vision for a "Malawi in the Cloud," she emphasised that digital learning could provide every African child, even in remote areas, with the opportunity to thrive in the global digital age.
The Minister also highlighted Malawi’s recent decision to join the global Digital Public Goods Alliance, which supports open and inclusive digital platforms.
She called on international partners, donors, and the private sector to invest not in short-term initiatives but in scalable, local innovations, stating, “We are not competitors; we are partners.”
As Chair of the African Union’s Education, Science, and Technology Committee, she reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to aligning with broader African Union educational goals.
She then urged African nations to adopt Edtech stating that digital education can leapfrog outdated systems, helping us to prepare our youth for the global digital economy.
“Let this not be just another conference where people talk and then go home. Let this be the moment we step into a new era with EdTech—for the Africa we desire.” Dr Kabwila said.
Source-Ministry of Education
