Tanzania is in the global spotlight this week as the Africa eLearning Summit officially kicks off in Dar es Salaam, attracting educators, policymakers, tech innovators, and development partners from across the continent and beyond. The summit, themed Reimagining Education in the Digital Era aims to explore how technology can reshape Africa’s education systems, improve access, and drive equity in learning outcomes.
Hosted by the Tanzanian government in partnership with leading regional and international education bodies, the multi-day event features high-level keynote addresses, interactive panels, tech showcases, and workshops. The opening ceremony was officiated by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who reaffirmed the country’s commitment to advancing digital education infrastructure and promoting inclusive learning for all.
In her remarks, President Hassan highlighted recent investments in ICT for schools, teacher training programs, and the integration of e-learning platforms into public education. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society to bridge the digital divide and prepare Africa’s youth for the modern workforce.
The summit has brought together stakeholders from over 30 African countries, along with international development agencies, EdTech companies, universities, and NGOs. Discussions are centered around key topics such as online curriculum development, digital literacy, gender inclusion, remote learning innovations, and funding mechanisms for scalable digital education initiatives.
A notable feature of the summit is the EdTech Innovation Expo, where startups and established firms are showcasing solutions designed to make education more interactive, accessible, and data-driven. Tools leveraging AI, mobile platforms, and offline connectivity solutions are particularly drawing attention from educators seeking practical applications in low-resource settings.
Tanzania’s hosting of the summit reflects its growing role as a leader in educational innovation in East Africa. Organizers say the event is not only a platform for dialogue but also for concrete partnerships, with several MOUs and pilot project announcements expected during the course of the summit.
Education ministers and ICT officials from several African countries are scheduled to hold bilateral meetings to explore cross-border collaborations and share lessons from pandemic-era learning reforms. The summit is expected to culminate in a joint declaration outlining a continental roadmap for digital transformation in education.
As Africa grapples with increasing youth populations and evolving workforce demands, the outcomes of this summit are anticipated to shape policy directions and investment priorities across the region for years to come.
