Building Strong Partnerships for EdTech Success

Five startups were launched four months ago under a project named QesbeQes, organized by GIZ Ethiopia. These platforms aim to present existing training modules engagingly, using gamified approaches, animated videos, and artistic explanations.

One of the startups, Enkoy Technologies, focuses on digitizing agricultural training modules with support from GIZ Ethiopia.

"We collaborate with various ministries and nonprofit organizations to enhance their training and development programs," says Eyob Teklay, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Enkoy Technologies. Eyob and his co-founders have digitized over 36 training modules in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture. "After receiving the module, we convert it to a content script to make it more understandable," Eyob told Shega. "We create a related story and make video clips for the content, ensuring the videos align with the culture and norms. Once finished, the clips are uploaded to the web-based platform."

Eyob, who earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Arbaminch University in 2021, joined the LXD Academy and attended a three-month program organized by GIZ. "I saw a post on Ethio Jobs about the program. They were working with GIZ at the time," says the CMO. "It was a free course on creating engaging and simplified online learning modules. They also provided basic knowledge on designing educational modules and everything about learning experience design. Currently, we are working closely with GIZ to support the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Labor and Skills."

The importance of building strong partnerships for success in the EdTech sector was a topic of discussion on the June episode of the EdTech Mondays Radio Show, produced by Shega Media and Technology and the Mastercard Foundation. The episode featured panelists from various educational technology institutions reflecting on how building strong partnerships can boost the EdTech sector in Ethiopia.

Hiwot Zelalem, Founder and CEO of Muya Space emphasized that boosting the sector is not only the responsibility of platform founders but also requires involvement from government bodies and policymakers. "The sector is in its early stages and needs support from all parties," she stated.

Muya Space, for example, offers skill classes like crafting and pottery, catering to students aged 15 to 35. "Our live sessions on Google Meet help us connect closely with our students, answering their questions until they understand clearly," says Hiwot, CEO of Muya Space.

Eldana Wubishet, Founder and CEO of I Learn Ethiopia, another guest on the show, highlighted the need for continuous meetings and planning between platforms and government bodies. "These meetings will help create a strong connection, enabling developers to be heard and supported."

EdTech Ethiopia community meetup, a monthly event started by the EdTech Mondays radio program, is one platform working to connect players in Ethiopia’s tech ecosystem.

EdTech Ethiopia brings together entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators and administrators, researchers, donors, investors, and any other parties interested in leveraging technology in education. The community hosts a monthly gathering focusing on a different tech topic and, most importantly, offers an avenue to network and connect with peers.

Hermela Fekere, Founder and CEO of Koder Lab Training Center, agrees with this notion, adding that meetings should include school and college leadership members to focus on engaging teachers with technology to create better learning environments.

Other platforms, like Kuraz Tech, also strengthen the EdTech ecosystem. Launched in partnership with Ethio Telecom, Kuraz Tech offers a user-friendly platform with new features and improved performance to enhance student engagement. Founded in 2020, Kuraz Tech developed grade 12 prep courses to address the high failure rate in the university entrance exams.

Kuraz Tech also offers various courses and seminars, with access packages ranging from daily to monthly subscriptions, from 50 birr to 200 birr.