Scaling reach through adaptive technology

Afrilearn’s AI-powered mobile app has already reached more than three million learners across over ten countries, from Nigeria to South Africa, and even in diaspora communities stretching as far as the United States, Canada, and India. The app offers class notes, video lessons, gamified exam practice, coding, homework help, and progress tracking—all optimized for low-data settings.

Meanwhile, Angaza Elimu is breaking new ground with its WhatsApp-based teacher-support tool, now used daily by more than 6,200 teachers in Kenya. Simple to access and designed around teachers’ existing habits, it provides lesson planning, mentorship, and learner-progress insights without requiring new downloads or devices. 

Both companies are proving that intuitive, user-centered design—whether for students or teachers—is essential to scaling adoption.

Building for classrooms, not just after-school learning

One of the strongest commonalities between Afrilearn and Angaza Elimu is their move into the formal school environment. Afrilearn responded to demand by building a School Management System that’s already in use across more than 808 schools. It automates administrative tasks like exam marking and fee collection, while also giving students access to Afrilearn’s digital learning content. Schools gain efficiency; students benefit from continuity between classroom and personal study.

Angaza Elimu, too, is embedding its solution directly into classroom practice. In Rwanda, under UNICEF’s Blue Unicorn programme, the company is piloting adaptive learning and teacher-support tools within the standard 40-minute lesson. Using a structured “I do, we do, you do” pedagogy, teachers combine guided instruction with tablet-based adaptive assessments—even experimenting with device-sharing models so limited resources don’t prevent learners from benefiting. Both companies are demonstrating that edtech can succeed when it is woven into the rhythm of the school day, not positioned as an optional add-on.

Evidence and trust as prerequisites for scale

For governments and partners, evidence of impact remains the key currency. Afrilearn is now focused on demonstrating measurable benefits for schools: reduced teacher workload, improved student performance, and cost savings through efficiency gains. Similarly, Angaza Elimu is prioritizing rigorous evidence-building in Rwanda to address government skepticism born of past failed edtech initiatives. By proving effectiveness and cost-effectiveness—Angaza Elimu has committed to keeping costs under $10 per learner annually—both startups are setting themselves apart in a crowded field.

Navigating sustainable financing

Neither Afrilearn nor Angaza Elimu has rushed into external capital. Afrilearn has so far been bootstrapped, wary of equity dilution and selective about potential investors. Angaza Elimu has raised over $1 million through crowdfunding but is only now exploring blended financing models that include equity, philanthropy, and government support. Both recognize that financing is not just about money—it’s about finding partners aligned with mission and scale, from Lagos State Government in Afrilearn’s case to potential collaborations with Google and the Gates Foundation for Angaza Elimu.

Looking ahead

For Afrilearn, the priorities are clear: scale the School Management System beyond its current 808 schools, deepen government partnerships starting with Lagos State, and push toward no-data and feature phone access to ensure inclusivity. For Angaza Elimu, the near-term focus is on making the Rwanda pilot a success, proving classroom effectiveness, and mobilizing resources to sustain and expand.

Together, these two alumni show the pathways—and the hurdles—that define edtech growth in emerging markets. Their stories underscore a common truth: meaningful innovation in education is not only about building smart technology but also about embedding it in systems, earning the trust of teachers and governments, and ensuring affordability for learners everywhere.