Impact of investment in EdTech: Government and entrepreneurial partnership venture in education in North and West Africa

Abstract

The educational landscape in North and West Africa stands to gain significant advantages through collaborative government-entrepreneurial investments in Educational Technology (EdTech). The establishment of public-private partnerships plays a pivotal role in effectively infusing technology into education systems, thereby enhancing student accessibility, improving educational quality, and fostering better learning outcomes. Beyond its immediate impact on education, EdTech investments also hold the potential to stimulate economic growth. Moreover, these investments can nurture a pool of indigenous entrepreneurs armed with expertise in both business and information technology, thereby contributing to the expansion of the EdTech sector. This burgeoning sector, prevalent in emerging regions, becomes a magnet for foreign investments, effectively bolstering national economies and creating ripple effects across diverse industries. Such synergistic collaborations within the EdTech sphere underscore the political commitment of governments toward the advancement of education. This dedication resonates on a global scale, attracting the attention of international organizations and donor nations, as investing in education for sustainable development fosters not only improved socio-economic conditions but also favorable diplomatic relationships. This research investigates the impact of collaborative EdTech investments between governments and entrepreneurial entities on the education. By examining specific case studies within North and West Africa, namely Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco, and Algeria, it becomes evident that technology-driven educational reforms can lead to profound improvements in accessibility, educational quality, economic growth, and even political alliances. Through a comprehensive exploration of the interplay between government initiatives and entrepreneurial endeavors, this review paper delves into the multifaceted outcomes of EdTech investments across these nations.