Habari Reader,
It’s exactly one year since I sent the first EdTech Jalada newsletter. Thank you for being a solid reader. I enjoy writing this newsletter and our chats even more.
What are you working on that I should know about? Talk to me about your EdTech innovations, opportunities and successes or learning that you'd like to be featured in this newsletter.
What's Happening
The East African education landscape is undergoing a profound digital transformation. For global entities understanding the nuances of this shift requires direct engagement with the systems, people, and policies shaping the future of learning in the region.
EdTech East Africa is introducing the EdTech Safari; a curated, five-day professional immersion program designed to provide Global EdTech Leaders, Investors, and Donors with a comprehensive, ground-level understanding of the Kenyan EdTech ecosystem.
Write to sally@edtech-eastafrica.com to book your slot. Please click the button below for more details.
The Tools Competition finalists have been announced. Tools Competition is a multi-million dollar funding opportunity for edtech innovation that leverages digital technology, big data, and learning science to meet the urgent needs of learners worldwide. Congratulations to the Tools Competition finalists in different categories from Africa:
- Open Multimodal Dataset for Inclusive Learning Analytics (OMDILA) (Uganda)
- FUNKE SENSE LAB | FunKe Science (Kenya)
- SmartCoach Assess | Inspiring Teachers (Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, and the United Kingdom)
- Adaptive Assessment for Africa | Siyavula Foundation (South Africa)
- Code Editor for Education | Raspberry Pi Foundation (USA, United Kingdom, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ireland, and Canada)
- Sciency | Sciency (Zimbabwe)
Register here for the Central EdTech Summit happening on 16th April 2026 at the Kenya Methodist University, Meru Campus. This convening brings together different education actors, fosters collaboration to solve classroom challenges and showcases innovative, context-specific EdTech solutions.
Start A Library Trust invites schools, educators, and partners to participate in the National Read Aloud on Friday, 10th July 2026, under the theme Human-Wildlife Coexistence. This year, they aim to engage over one million children in a shared reading experience that inspires environmental awareness, empathy, and sustainable living. Details on how to participate here.
KSM EdTech MeetUp (Free): We’re excited to introduce the KSM EdTech Meetup—a monthly, community-driven space to bridge the gap between isolated innovations and real classroom challenges. Register here to attend and meet the vibrant Kisumu EdTech community.
Opportunities
Innovating Education in Africa
The African Union has opened applications for the 2026 Innovating Education in Africa (IEA) Initiative, offering grants of up to $50,000 to scale impactful education solutions across the continent. Apply here by 30th April 2026.
Scholarship Opportunity
Apply for this full scholarship at the University of Eldoret, Kenya if you’re interested in studying a Bachelor of Education in Home Science Technology, BSc. Entrepreneurship, BSc. Agribusiness Management, Bachelor of Science in Agroforestry and Rural Development, MSc Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, MSc. Computer Science, MSc. Agricultural Extension Education at University of Eldoret, Kenya.
Mastercard Foundation Associate Programme
Shortlist is supporting the Mastercard Foundation to place 3,550 young Africans into employment opportunities across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Burundi. Apply here.
Call for abstracts - 2nd EAC Regional Education Conference
Submit your abstracts on the theme “Transforming Education in East Africa” and sub-theme "From Commitments to Impact, Fostering Resilience and Future-Ready Systems for Sustainable Development" by Sunday, 26th April 2026. More information here.
Resources
6 million children risk losing access to education in 2026 according to UNICEF. What does sustainable financing for education look like in world? Read more.
This is how Malawi is strengthening foundational literacy and what we can learn.
Watch this episode of EdTech Mondays Kenya on how Pwani Teknowgalz is unlocking opportunities for out-of-school girls in Coastal Kenya.
Read this research article about the impact of screen time on 5-year olds and why 1 hour is recommended for them.
APHRC has launched the Mental Health Metadata Repository. The platform consolidates datasets on depression, anxiety, and psychosis to support research, innovation, and evidence-based policy across the continent.
Please forward EdTech Jalada to an EdTech enthusiast in your circle!
Until next time,
Nyarinda :)
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