AUC Calls for Fundamental Overhaul of Africa's Education System Through Digital Transformation

Addis Ababa, July 13, 2026 (ENA) —The African Union Commission (AUC) has called on African countries to fundamentally transform their education systems through digital innovation.

Speaking at the opening of the Innovating Education in Africa Expo 2026 in Addis Ababa, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI), Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, stressed that technology must reshape the entire learning ecosystem rather than simply introduce computers into classrooms.

 

A two-day Expo, held under the theme "Accelerating the Digital Transformation of Education: Scaling Innovative Solutions for the AU Decade of Education and Skills 2025–2035," brought together ministers, educators, researchers, development partners, investors, innovators and youth representatives from more than 20 African and international countries.

The gathering aims to promote scalable, African led digital education solutions under the African Union's Decade of Accelerated Action for the Transformation of Education and Skills Development.

Addressing participants, Banyankimbona called for stronger continental collaboration to modernize education systems and better prepare Africa's growing youth population for the future.

He stressed that digital transformation should extend beyond the introduction of computers and tablets into classrooms, fundamentally changing the way teaching, learning, research and labor markets operate.

Digital transformation is not merely about placing computers and tablets in classrooms. It means completely reshaping how we teach, learn, conduct research, and ultimately build our continent, he added.

 

The commissioner said education systems must embrace digital inclusion while aligning learning with the evolving demands of labor markets through stronger labor market intelligence.

According to Banyankimbona, equipping young Africans with digital skills, creativity and confidence while preserving their cultural identity will position the continent as a global innovation leader.

"If we equip our youth with digital skills, creativity, and confidence while keeping them grounded in their cultural roots, Africa will do much more than participate in the future, we will actively shape it."

Head of the African Union's Education Division, Sophia Ashipala, described the Expo as "a celebration of Africa's imagination," highlighting the achievements of the Innovating Education in Africa initiative since its launch in 2018.

 

She said the initiative has received more than 12,700 innovation submissions, identified 180 promising projects, provided acceleration grants of up to 100,000 U.S. dollars to 41 initiatives, and reached more than one million people across the continent.

"Behind every statistic, a teacher has been empowered, a child has been inspired, a school has been transformed, and a community has been given hope," she noted, adding that universities committed to strengthening research infrastructure, while Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and education technology companies showcased scalable digital connectivity solutions.

Curriculum developers also agreed to integrate artificial intelligence, robotics and green skills into learner centered curricula rooted in African languages and cultural heritage.

Claude Landry, Head of Cooperation, Panafrican and Regional Development Program, Canada Mission to the AU commended African innovators for expanding access to quality education, particularly in underserved communities.

 

"Their innovations are expanding opportunities for learners in underserved communities, supporting teachers, and helping equip young people with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital economy."

Landry also highlighted Canada's recent 10 million U.S. dollar contribution to support education and TVET across Africa and called for greater efforts to move from pilot projects to scaled solutions.

Organizers said discussions throughout the Expo focused on accelerating the practical implementation of digital education initiatives.

And the expo is anticipated to strengthening cross sector partnerships and aligning education reforms with the African Union's Agenda 2063 to enhance competitiveness, productivity and youth mobility across the continent.

 

Delegates identified teacher training, affordable internet access and the development of culturally relevant digital learning materials as immediate priorities, while international partners reaffirmed their long-term commitment to supporting Africa's education transformation.