Underwriting Foundational Infrastructure Through Creative Use Of EdTech Resources

Digital infrastructure is a cornerstone for the adoption and effective use of EdTech across Africa. However, the development of digital infrastructure faces hurdles like high costs of devices and the internet, uneven access to reliable power, and regional disparities in connectivity. Addressing these challenges with strategic investment and partnerships will be critical to unlocking EdTech’s transformative potential in Africa.

In 2024, Mastercard Foundation, together with private and public sector leaders from around the world created the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa (PDAA). This ambitious initiative aims to connect one billion people by 2030 through the expansion of affordable internet and broadband services, lowering the cost of devices to ensure gender equity in access, and enhancing digital skills by upskilling millions of Africans to use digital technology effectively. However, to achieve these goals, stakeholders must consider the unique needs, resource limitations, and opportunities in each country, adopting a multi-faceted approach that addresses both immediate and long-term challenges.

The discussions in the EdTech Mondays March 2025 edition will centre on Abuja Recommendation No. 3, which advocates for supporting foundational infrastructure through creative use of resources such as Universal Service Funds to invest in electricity, internet, devices and dedicated infrastructure for education programs. In this edition we speak to Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nissi Madu, Managing Partner, Co-creation Hub, Representative from Nigeria Communications Commission, Abdullahi Bature, Co-founder and CEO, Scholar and a youth from Nigeria to learn what the country is doing to expand its digital infrastructure and drive change in the education sector.

The Nigerian government has shown a strong commitment to improve digital infrastructure through policies like the National Broadband Plan, which aims to expand broadband penetration across the country. The government's involvement in initiatives like Project 774 (to roll out internet connectivity across local government secretariats) demonstrates an understanding of the strategic importance of digital infrastructure. We have seen the country increasingly seek to invest in its digital future, with initiatives aimed at attracting foreign investment in tech infrastructure and a growing focus on using digital solutions to address development challenges in areas such as healthcare, agriculture and education.

As we explore these initiatives and Nigeria's efforts to enhance connectivity and provide affordable devices to improve educational opportunities, we also aim to identify valuable lessons that other countries can draw from Nigeria's experience.