Kenya Prepares for the 2024 Mastercard Foundation EdTech Conference.
Kenya is gearing up to participate in the highly anticipated inaugural international Education Technology conference hosted by the Mastercard Foundation in collaboration with the Nigerian government.
The 2024 Mastercard Foundation EdTech Conference, themed “Education Technology for Resilient and Inclusive Learning in Africa,” aligns with the African Union’s Year of Education and takes place next month. Nigeria’s Federal Government and the Mastercard Foundation’s Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning will jointly host this landmark event.
The conference aims to be a vibrant platform where various Kenyan technology companies can showcase their groundbreaking innovations in the education sector. Key discussions will focus on the current state of the EdTech ecosystem, emerging trends, the potential of EdTech in addressing Africa’s educational challenges, and the necessary policies to create a conducive environment for technology-driven educational innovations.
“Technology is a powerful enabler of possibility and progress,” said Reeta Roy, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mastercard Foundation. In addition, she emphasized that across Africa, young innovators and entrepreneurs are infusing new energy and ideas into the education sector, with some innovations holding the potential to transform ecosystems and shape the future.
Stakeholders from across the continent, working at the intersection of education and ICT, will share their expertise on practical solutions aimed at enhancing access to quality, relevant, and inclusive education in Africa. Moreover, Joseph Nsengimana, Director of the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, noted that Africa has the potential to revolutionize education delivery by investing in home-grown innovative solutions that bridge access and learning gaps. Furthermore, he added that the conference is a crucial opportunity to reflect on effective strategies and align on actions needed to elevate African EdTech to new heights of impact.
The conference will gather a diverse group of attendees, including young innovators, EdTech experts, policymakers, investors, philanthropists, and data scientists. These experts will work together to accelerate progress towards digitally-enabled educational platforms and systems that ensure inclusive learning for all.
Read also:
- 27 Nairobi Schools Face Demolition
- Kenya’s NGAOs Enhance Education Standards to Boost Literacy Rates
- The Plight of Retired Teachers in Kenya
- Public Universities Set for Major Reforms
Among the distinguished guests will be Kenya’s Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu, who will highlight Kenya’s significant advancements in education technology. The conference aims to underscore the pivotal role of technology in driving transformative change within Africa’s education landscape.
This significant event follows the recent launch of Open University Kenya (OUK) at Konza Technopolis by President William Ruto in August of last year. Despite facing various implementation challenges, OUK is poised to provide opportunities for ordinary Kenyans to pursue professional training from their respective localities. President Ruto emphasized that the University would also contribute to developing a skilled workforce for both the local and international markets.
OUK will offer seven flagship programs starting this September, including five degree and two postgraduate diploma programs. Specifically, these programs include the Bachelor of Data Science, Bachelor of Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, Bachelor of Entrepreneurship and Business, Bachelor of Technology Education, Bachelor of Economics and Statistics, Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology, and Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability.
The establishment of OUK as an e-learning institution aims to meet the educational needs of Kenyans, both locally and in the diaspora, while also attracting international students. The Ministry of Education highlighted that by offering borderless higher education, OUK aims to position Kenya among nations that provide and export higher education across borders.
Kenya Prepares for the 2024 Mastercard Foundation EdTech Conference.
Check for Daily Updates
Follow us on Telegram