The East African education sector has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years, and one of the major contributors to the change is the infusion of technological and innovative solutions into the industry.
Several education technology companies have emerged, revolutionizing the way students, teachers, and institutions engage with learning. This new wave of Edtech startups is focused on transforming education in the region, increasing its accessibility, quality, and effectiveness.
Here, we have identified 12 remarkable startup companies that are utilizing technology and innovation to redefine education across East Africa.
Zeraki
Year Founded: 2014
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Zeraki is an innovative technology company that is redefining education and learning systems in East Africa. It creates tech-oriented solutions such as online learning channels and tools to make teaching and learning easy for educators and students.
The company operates the Zeraki Learning Management System (LMS), a robust and intuitive platform that offers an engaging learning experience. It uses the platform to provide a wide range of innovative educational advancement options, such as virtual classrooms, interactive content creation tools, and personalized learning modules.
Zeraki is committed to democratizing access to high-quality education and fostering innovation in the learning process. The company uses digital technology to break down the barriers to education, especially in underserved communities and remote regions. Thus, it fosters inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge with little effort.
M-Shule
Year Founded: 2016
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
M-Shule is a digital technology startup revolutionizing education accessibility and delivery in East Africa. The company uses an innovative educational model to provide personalized and accessible learning for students through mobile technology and popular media.
M-Shule offers a unique learning solution that leverages mobile technology elements to deliver personalized lessons and assessments to students. It provides students with tailored content and exercises through WhatsApp, SMS, and other similar mobile communication channels. Plus, all educational content provided is based on the learner’s individual learning needs and progress.
M-shule has a mission to bridge the educational gap and provide quality education for Africans. As such, it is working hard at transforming the way students in Africa access and engage with educational content. Harnessing the ubiquity of mobile phones in Africa, the company is democratizing education and ensuring that even remote and underserved communities have the opportunity to learn and excel.
Ubongo
Year Founded: 2013
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Ubongo is a pioneering Edtech company redefining education for kids with an innovative tech and fun-oriented learning approach. The company has a unique focus on creating localized, engaging educational media for African families.
Ubongo offers a wide array of educational content for kids delivered through various platforms, including television and the web. Their content incorporates kids’ entertainment in a range of subjects, from math and science to language and life skills, ensuring a holistic learning experience for children across Africa.
Ubongo blends education and entertainment seamlessly. As a result, it has carved out a niche for itself in the educational media landscape, providing children with entertaining content that also imparts academic knowledge. In doing so, Ubongo is contributing to the educational development of African children and helping pave the way for a brighter future for the continent.
Eneza Education
Year Founded: 2011
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Eneza Education is an innovative educational services provider improving accessibility to quality education for students. The company designs solutions aimed at making learning more accessible and affordable in emerging markets, particularly in Africa.
Eneza Education is the creator of the Shupavu291 platform, a versatile and user-friendly mobile learning solution. Shupavu291 offers a wide range of learning options, including quizzes, lessons, and access to certified teachers via SMS, web, and smartphone apps.
Eneza Education is differentiating knowledge acquisition for learners through its innovative use of mobile technology for delivering educational content and support to students of all ages. As such, the company is playing a pivotal role in democratizing education and empowering the next generation of learners across East Africa.
Zydii
Year Founded: 2017
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Zydii is a forward-thinking Edtech startup revolutionizing skill acquisition and capacity development for African talents. The company is committed to unlocking the potential of individuals by providing them with seamless skill-based learning opportunities.
Zydii offers a unique online learning platform that hosts various skill-based courses. These courses cover several topics, from digital marketing and computer programming to entrepreneurship and leadership. Learners can access these courses at their own pace and convenience, making it easier for individuals to upskill or reskill.
Zydii offers practical, job-ready courses that equip learners with the skills they need to excel in today’s competitive job market. As a result, the company is shaping the future of education and contributing to the growth and competitiveness of industries by developing a skilled and adaptable workforce.
Kidato
Year Founded: 2016
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Kidato is an innovative Edtech startup that’s improving students’ access to high-quality education in East Africa. The company provides personalized and effective learning systems that prepare students for academic success and future opportunities.
Kidato operates an online K-12 learning platform that offers a comprehensive curriculum aligned with international standards. It gives students the opportunity to engage in real-time discussions, ask questions, and receive individualized support, fostering a sense of community and enhancing the learning experience.
Kidato’s innovative approach has made quality education more accessible to a wider range of students. That includes those in underserved communities or with limited access to traditional schooling. Kidato’s commitment to personalized learning and the development of critical skills propels it to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving global landscape.
FunKe Science
Year Founded: 2012
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
FunKe Science is an innovative company revolutionizing science education for students of all levels in East Africa. The company makes science education engaging, accessible, and inspiring for students of all ages using a unique blend of experiential learning and multimedia content.
FunKe Science offers a wide range of engaging science kits and multimedia resources designed for both in-classroom and remote learning environments. These kits cover various scientific disciplines, from physics and chemistry to biology and environmental science. Additionally, the company offers multimedia content, such as videos and virtual labs, that complement the physical kits.
FunKe Science is committed to transforming science education into a fun and immersive experience that ignites curiosity and passion for the discipline. Through its solutions, the company is contributing to a more scientifically literate and innovative society by making science education enjoyable and accessible to all.
Angaza Elimu
Year Founded: 2017
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Angaza Elimu is a visionary educational startup leveraging technology to transform the East African education landscape. The company provides affordable and high-quality online educational solutions tailored to the unique needs of students in the region.
Angaza Elimu operates a digital learning infrastructure designed to empower both teachers and students. This platform offers a wide range of digital resources, including interactive lessons, assessments, and educational games. Additionally, the company provides teacher training and professional development programs to enhance educators’ pedagogical skills.
Angaza Elimu’s outstanding trait is its emphasis on local content and culturally relevant materials, ensuring that students can relate to and engage with the curriculum effectively.
By providing technology-driven educational solutions, Angaza Elimu is improving access to quality education in East Africa. That way, it is equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Yenetta Code
Year Founded: 2014
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Yenetta Code is an educational company dedicated to inspiring a new generation of problem-solvers in Africa using innovative tutoring methods. The startup provides opportunities for budding talents to acquire skills and competencies to thrive in the digital world.
Yenetta Code develops comprehensive training avenues for aspiring coders and tech enthusiasts. Through its boot camps and online learning channels, the company provides numerous opportunities for young Africans to develop tech-related skills and competencies from an early stage.
Yenetta Code also provides a mentorship program where participants receive guidance and support from experienced professionals in the field. In addition, the company helps individuals build valuable connections in the tech industry.
Yenetta Code’s graduates are well-equipped to enter the workforce with the skills and confidence needed to thrive regardless of their backgrounds. Thus, the company is breaking down barriers that have historically hindered underrepresented groups from pursuing careers in technology.
Univus
Year Founded: 2021
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Univus is an innovative company that is transforming the educational landscape in Africa through its community-based learning approach. The company provides avenues for individuals to learn and build their skills in a well-structured but less formal online academic system.
Univus operates a community-based mobile app that serves as a dynamic hub for peer learning. The platform enables students to connect, chat, and learn in real time over audio, video, and other digital communication channels.
Univus is redefining how Africans access educational resources and collaborate in their pursuit of knowledge. The company’s platform promotes collaborative learning, thereby fostering not only academic excellence but also a sense of community and shared knowledge among users.
Arifu
Year Founded: 2013
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Arifu is an innovative educational technology company that is reshaping how individuals access developmental knowledge and skills in Africa. The company uses innovative technology to deliver personalized and interactive learning experiences to students.
Arifu’s primary product is its capacity-building platform, which offers a wide range of educational content and services. The platform features a chatbot that users can interact with through their mobile phones, receiving tailored lessons, assessments, and career guidance in real-time.
Arifu is breaking down barriers to education, reaching individuals who may not have access to traditional educational resources through its innovative solutions. This unique approach is transforming education and contributing to poverty reduction and economic development in East Africa.
Ed Partners Africa
Year Founded: 2018
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Ed Partners Africa is a pioneering non-banking financial institution with a unique goal to transform the East African education sector through tailored financial solutions.
Ed Partners Africa provides a range of financial solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of educational institutions and increase accessibility to quality education in East Africa. These include different types of developmental loans for schools and learning outfits.
Ed Partners Africa is empowering educational institutions to address critical challenges by providing them access to flexible financing options. Their efforts also help enhance the overall quality of education. As a result, the company plays a crucial role in supporting the growth and sustainability of educational institutions.
