By Wadza Botomani
The Minister of Higher Education, Hon. Dr. Jessie Kabwila, delivered a keynote address at the African EdTech 2030 Vision and Plan Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, urging African nations to take control of their digital education future. The event was hosted by the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA).
Dr. Kabwila praised the African Union Development Agency (AUDA) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) for launching the African EdTech 2030 Vision, Plan, and Policy Framework. She described the initiative as a crucial step toward transforming education across the continent.
She stressed that Africa should not rely on external forces but must lead its own digital transformation. “We are young, energetic, and ready to redefine Africa’s greatness through technology and innovation,” she said.
Dr. Kabwila emphasized the need for EdTech solutions tailored to African contexts, including local languages, cultural values, and the practical challenges faced by students and teachers. She shared Malawi’s progress in leveraging digital tools to improve education, such as students using offline tablet-based science labs (MiLab), solar-powered devices, and teachers receiving training via WhatsApp and e-learning platforms. Rural learners, she noted, are also benefiting from radio and mobile phone-based lessons.
Referencing President Lazarus Chakwera’s vision of a “Malawi in the Cloud,” she highlighted the potential of digital learning to provide equitable opportunities for all African children, even in remote areas. She also mentioned Malawi’s recent decision to join the Digital Public Goods Alliance, which promotes open and inclusive digital infrastructure.
Calling for long-term investment, Dr. Kabwila urged international partners, donors, and the private sector to support scalable, locally-driven innovations rather than short-term projects. “We are not competitors; we are partners,” she said.
As Chair of the African Union’s Education, Science, and Technology Committee, she reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to aligning with continental education goals. She encouraged African countries to embrace EdTech, stating that digital education could help modernize outdated systems and prepare youth for the global digital economy.
