Not too long ago, I was speaking with the founder of a young Edtech startup based in Kumasi.
With passion in his eyes and a tablet in hand, he told me about his dream to build a learning app that would teach coding in Twi, Ga, and Ewe — making tech skills accessible to every child, no matter their language or location.
But his voice grew quieter when I asked about funding. “We’ve got the idea. We’ve built the prototype. But no one wants to bet on us,” he said. His story reflects a bigger challenge in Ghana’s education technology (Edtech) landscape — we have the ideas, we have the talent, but the money is not flowing where it should.
Edtech in Africa: A billion-dollar opportunity
Across Africa, Edtech is gaining attention. In 2021 alone, African Edtech startups raised over US$40 million, with Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa leading the way. Globally, the Edtech market is projected to reach US$404 billion by 2025 (HolonIQ).
But Ghana? Despite our rich pool of innovators, educators, and youth population, less than 1percent of Africa’s total Edtech investment reaches us. We’re punching far below our weight — and it’s costing us more than we realise.
Why the funding gap exists in Ghana’s edtech space
Let’s be honest — Edtech isn’t the easiest space to fund. It sits at the intersection of two challenging sectors: education (which moves slowly and is heavily regulated), and technology (which requires rapid growth and big investment).
Here’s what’s holding us back:
- Limited local investment in Edtech – Many investors in Ghana still see Edtech as “too slow” or “not profitable enough.” Unlike fintech or agritech, Edtech doesn’t promise quick returns — but it promises deep, long-term impact.
- Policy gaps and bureaucracy – Navigating Ghana’s education space as a startup is like trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle without the box. There’s limited clarity, inconsistent policies, and slow adoption at the institutional level
- Lack of visibility and data – Most Ghanaian Edtech startups operate under the radar. Without strong case studies, national Edtech mapping, or ecosystem support, it’s hard for investors to spot the real gems.
But there is hope — and it’s growing
Despite the funding drought, a few bright sparks are lighting up the scene:
- eCampus has raised funds to expand its AI-powered learning platform, working with schools and universities to improve academic outcomes.
- AsaaseGPS, though not purely Edtech, has supported location-based learning solutions in remote areas.
- The Mastercard Foundation’s EdTech Fellowship, launched in Ghana in 2023, is now supporting over 12 early-stage Edtech startups with funding, training, and mentorship through MEST Africa.
- Injaro Investments and other impact-focused VCs are beginning to consider education-based ventures as part of their portfolios.
The tide is slowly turning — but more must be done to position Edtech as a smart, future-forward investment.
The role of education: a nation-building mandate
Now, let’s pause here for a moment.
Why should we even care if Edtech startups get funded or not?
Because at the heart of this is our collective future.
When we fund Edtech, we’re not just investing in apps or gadgets. “We’re investing in an education system that prepares our children to become capable, competent, audacious, empathetic, and patriotic citizens.”
We’re investing in a Ghana where:
- A girl in Yendi can learn robotics from her tablet.
- A boy in Aburi can access mental health support online.
- A young graduate in Takoradi can learn digital skills that land him a remote job with a company in Berlin.
That’s the kind of society education should build — one that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.
So, where should the money come from?
- Government funding and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) – Ghana’s Ministry of Education must collaborate with startups, not compete with them. A dedicated Edtech Innovation Fund could go a long way in supporting scalable solutions.
- Corporate Ghana needs to step up – Telcos, banks, and oil companies have long focused on CSR in health and sanitation. It’s time for education — especially tech-enabled education — to be seen as a strategic CSR and talent pipeline opportunity.
- Diaspora investment – There’s a growing movement of Ghanaians abroad looking to invest in homegrown innovation. Edtech is ripe for diaspora-driven impact investing — where ROI is measured in lives changed, not just dollars returned.
- Impact funds and donors – Foundations like Jacobs Foundation, Omidyar Network, and USAID are investing in Edtech across Africa. Ghana needs to put itself forward with stronger proposals, better metrics, and compelling stories.
Conclusion – It’s time to bet big on Ghana’s future
Adwoa’s question from the earlier article still echoes: “Can I become a software engineer without a computer lab?” The answer lies in whether we choose to fund the future — or let it pass us by. We have the talent.
We have the ideas. We even have working prototypes. What we need now is bold funding — not just from investors, but from a nation that believes education is its most powerful tool for transformation.
So here’s my challenge to policymakers, business leaders, and funders: If we want a Ghana that thrives in the next 10, 20, 50 years, we must put our money where our mission is — and that mission must begin with equitable, tech-enabled education for all. The future won’t wait. Let’s fund it — wisely, intentionally, and boldly.
>>>the writer is President of Ghana Edtech Alliance. He can be reached via [email protected]
