Africa is generally viewed as being behind the rest of the world in terms of quality education. But that doesn’t mean that the quality of education on the continent is grossly lacking.
Nevertheless, the education industry in Africa faces several challenges. For example, many Africans do not have access to formal education in schools. In many places, available learning centers lack the appropriate resources to impart adequate knowledge. These and many other factors undermine the growth of the African formal education and literacy sectors.
These challenges have created a demand for innovative solutions that can help students learn more effectively. Thankfully, several EdTech startups are emerging across the continent to address this demand. Here, we’re examining 12 startups in North Africa using technology to improve access to education, personalize learning, and make education more affordable.
Almentor
Year Founded: 2016
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Almentor is a leading Edtech startup transforming access to learning opportunities for Arabians and people living in the MENA. The company provides a library of online courses in Arabic to help Arabians of all dialects and nationalities access quality learning opportunities.
Almetor offers three primary products designed to cater to a diverse range of learners. Firstly, its flagship B2C product offers individual users access to a wealth of educational courses and videos. Secondly, Its white-label B2B modules are geared towards blue-chip companies, enabling them to provide their employees with customized learning experiences. Finally, their “special projects” for governmental bodies showcase the company’s dedication to contributing to the broader education ecosystem.
Almentor’s multifaceted approach to education, blending technology, media, and innovation, positions it as a transformative force in the Arab online learning landscape. In addition, the company’s commitment to propagating literacy is reflected in its extensive library, which boasts the largest collection of continuous learning content in North Africa and one of the largest globally.
KoolSkools
Year Founded: 2019
Location: Casablanca, Morocco
Koolskools is an innovative startup redefining the education approach for K12s in North Africa through digitization and modern technology. The company offers innovative solutions that enable educators to provide better learning avenues and modules for students.
Koolskools’ primary products encompass a comprehensive suite of tools and features aimed at transforming traditional K12 education into a dynamic, digitalized, and interactive experience. One of the standout features enables schools to digitize their courses and exercises, allowing educators to create a content bank that can be accessed and utilized by students anytime, anywhere.
Beyond course digitization, KoolSkools places a strong emphasis on school management. Schools can efficiently handle student records, monitor attendance, generate report cards, and communicate effectively with parents via the platform.
Koolskool is helping schools transition into digitalization, improving the efficiency of their operations and enhancing the quality of education. By providing tools that support remote learning and streamline administrative processes, KoolSkools is contributing to the adaptability and resilience of educational institutions in North Africa.
Shape
Year Founded: 2021
Location: Tunis, Tunisia
Shape is a pioneering company dedicated to helping organizations develop their talents and improve their workforce competencies. The startup employs a unique and innovative approach to talent development and job matching through digital solutions.
Shape operates an all-in-one SaaS platform that incorporates automation and artificial intelligence to deliver a highly personalized talent development and acquisition experience for both job seekers and businesses. This personalized approach ensures that job seekers can acquire the skills they need to succeed in today’s dynamic job market, and businesses can find the talent they require more effectively.
Shape is driving a digital transformation in recruitment circles as it bridges the gap between job seekers and businesses in a highly dynamic job market. By leveraging automation and AI, the platform enhances the employability of individuals by providing them with the skills they need to thrive in their careers. Simultaneously, it helps businesses to identify and hire top talent more efficiently, contributing to their growth and success.
Smartprof
Year Founded: 2020
Location: Casablanca, Morocco
Smartprof is a pioneering Edtech startup introducing a fresh and innovative approach to learning and educational services provision. The company provides unique B2C educational solutions connecting tutors to students at primary, secondary, and high school levels in North Africa.
Smartprof operates a digital platform where interested tutors can sign up to connect with students. The platform operates with a peer-to-peer learning model. Students seeking academic support or mentorship get direct access to a diverse pool of tutors and coaches,
Through its innovative approach, Smartprof democratizes education by breaking down the barriers between different educational levels and fostering peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. This not only enhances academic performance but also encourages a sense of community and mutual support among students.
OBM Education
Year Founded: 2013
Location: Cairo, Egypt
OBM Education is a forward-thinking Edtech startup helping students make better career decisions and develop their prospects appropriately. The firm offers career development navigation tools for students, helping them choose college majors that fit their goals and strengths and providing them with career guidance programs.
OBM Education’s core products encompass a comprehensive suite of tools and resources designed to cater to the evolving needs of modern learners in high school and college. It operates a platform through which students get to participate in specialized programs intended to help them make quality career decisions.
OBM’s educational approach aims to bridge the gap between young graduates and 31st-century career requirements by getting students started on the right part from an early stage. It helps them keep on pace with changing times by exposing them to personal and professional development opportunities. As such, the company is helping to secure the future of Africans through quality education and career decision-making.
Orcas Tutoring
Year Founded: 2017
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Orcas Tutoring is a forward-thinking Edtech startup connecting students in MENA to personalized learning modules. The company leverages digital technology to enable K-12 students to access specially designed learning plans and tutors conveniently.
Orcas Tutoring operates a hybrid tutoring platform where students can easily find and access premium learning modules from independent tutors, as well as improve their learning processes through personalized learning plans. The platform also allows guidance to track their wards’ learning progress and growth.
Orcas’ learning system is revolutionizing developmental stage education in MENA, helping K-12 students build solid educational backgrounds by giving them access to quality education and learning plans tailored to their capabilities. In addition, it’s helping independent tutors efficiently offer their services conveniently.
Zedny
Year Founded: 2017
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Zedny is an innovative Arabic learning and development company pioneering an innovative approach to education and skill development. The company implements cutting-edge technology, including machine learning and gamification elements, to enhance learning and capacity development for individuals.
Zedny offers an e-learning platform with over 200 online courses and 400 animated video summaries of global business bestsellers, as well as 5,000+ hours of learning, giving users the flexibility to control what they learn and when they learn it. Additionally, Zedny’s platform tracks and ranks every skill and knowledge acquired, creating a comprehensive and accurate digital representation of a user’s capabilities.
Zedny is driving a transformative impact in learning and capacity development. The company’s solution gives individuals all they need to upskill and become attractive job prospects in one platform. As a result, Zedny is contributing to the development of a more skilled labor force in the MENA region.
PraxiLabs
Year Founded: 2016
Location: Giza, Egypt
PraxiLabs is an innovative education technology company that is revolutionizing science education through immersive technology. The company provides students and educators with a unique and immersive learning experience that transcends traditional classroom limitations.
PraxiLab’s primary product is a virtual laboratory platform that offers a wide range of science experiments in subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, and more. These virtual labs allow students to conduct experiments in a safe and controlled digital environment, offering a hands-on learning experience that enhances their understanding of complex scientific concepts.
PraxiLabs is addressing common challenges in science education through its solutions. Access to physical laboratories can be limited, and certain experiments may be dangerous or expensive to conduct in a traditional setting. PraxiLabs overcomes these obstacles by providing an accessible and safe virtual alternative.
COLNN
Year Founded: 2012
Location: Giza, Egypt
COLNN is a cutting-edge technology company revolutionizing school management and administration processes through digital technology. The company develops innovative solutions to help school administrators perform their tasks more efficiently.
COLNN’s primary product is its cutting-edge school management software, a comprehensive solution designed to streamline administrative tasks, enhance communication, and optimize operations for schools of all sizes and levels.
COLNN’s vision of simplifying school management processes is revolutionizing the education sector. As schools increasingly embrace technology to adapt to changing educational landscapes, COLNN’s software is a valuable tool helping educational institutions thrive with digital technology.
Nafham
Year Founded: 2012
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Nafham is an innovative Edtech company revolutionizing access to high-quality education in the MENA region. The company makes quality educational resources easily accessible to students through online learning systems, thereby bridging the educational gap in the region.
Nafham’s primary product is its online platform, which hosts a vast library of educational videos and materials covering a wide range of subjects and grade levels. Through it, it gives students access to highly personalized learning. Students also get to book online tutorials with top-notch professional instructors on the platform.
Nafham’s vision aligns with the global mission of improving education and driving positive societal change. By democratizing access to quality educational content, Nafham is helping to shape a brighter future for the MENA region. Its impact goes beyond individual academic achievement; it contributes to a more informed and educated populace, thereby fostering economic growth, innovation, and social development.
GOMYCODE
Year Founded: 2017
Location: Tunis, Tunisia
GOMYCODE is a forward-thinking tech education company dedicated to improving innovation and technology literacy in Africa. The startup provides a hands-on learning approach that empowers individuals with practical, industry-relevant skills in the rapidly evolving field of technology.
GOMYCODE’s primary offerings include a wide range of coding and tech-oriented boot camps, workshops, and online courses that cover a variety of programming languages, technologies, and digital skills.
Through its hands-on learning approach, the company prepares learners for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. This not only enhances their employability but also fosters a culture of innovation and problem-solving. Overall, GOMYCODE is bridging the tech skills gap and empowering individuals to pursue careers in technology, ultimately contributing to economic growth and digital transformation.
KepLearning
Year Founded: 2023
Location: Ariana, Tunisia
KepLearning is an emerging Edtech startup improving access to learning opportunities for North Africans. The company provides a library of online courses covering a variety of subjects in multiple fields, including sciences, management, engineering, and many more.
KepLearning operates a digital platform through which it offers its library of courses. There, students and interested individuals can access and procure educational materials in fields and subjects of their choice.
KepLearning is driving a transformation in the Tunisian education industry. The company empowers individuals to take charge of their own learning and development, providing them with the tools and resources needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Ultimately, KepLearning is not just an education platform but a catalyst for personal and professional growth.
