By Dennis Peprah
Sunyani, (Bono), June 04, GNA-The Global Media Foundation LBG, a human rights and media advocacy non-government organisation (NGO), has called on African governments to be committed towards advancing digital education on the continent.
The foundation said Africa ought to invest significantly in digital infrastructure and technologies to ensure that no “child is left behind in the continent’s educational transformation agenda”.
In a statement issued on the sidelines of the 19th International Conference and Exhibition on Digital Education, Training and Skills Development, underway in Accra, the foundation said digital education presents a unique opportunity to revolutionize learning and improve educational outcomes.
A copy of the statement signed by Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the GloMeF, made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani said equipping the youth with the required skills would enable them to thrive in the rapidly evolving global economy.
It noted that while many African countries had embraced digital learning policies and initiatives, however, millions of children, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities, continue to face significant barriers to accessing digital education.
These challenges include the lack of computers and tablets, poor internet connectivity, inadequate electricity supply and insufficient digital learning resources.
“Digital education holds the key to transforming Africa’s educational system and preparing the next generation for the future of work,” it added, saying that unfortunately many children in rural communities remain excluded from the digital revolution.
This is because they do not have access to the necessary tools and infrastructure, it added and raised concern about the growing digital divide between urban and rural communities.
It said that could further widen educational inequalities if urgent measures were not taken, stressing that: “Students in many rural schools are unable to participate fully in digital learning opportunities, placing them at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts in urban centers.
The statement urged African governments to prioritise investment in digital education by allocating adequate financial resources to expand internet connectivity and provide digital devices to schools.
They must also establish community technology centres and strengthen digital literacy programs for both teachers and students.
It emphasised that governments alone could achieve the goal and called for stronger partnerships between the public and private sector, development organizations and international partners in mobilizing the required capital and expertise needed to accelerate digital inclusion across the continent.
The statement added, “The future of Africa depends largely on how well we prepare our young people for a digital world.
“This requires bold investments and deliberate policies that ensure every child, regardless of where they live, has access to quality digital learning opportunities.”
“We must not allow geography or poverty to determine a child’s access to education and technology, it said, highlighting the importance of integrating digital skills into national educational curricula.
Doing so would prepare students for emerging opportunities in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the digital economy.
It observed that countries that invested strategically in digital education today will be better positioned to compete globally, create jobs, foster innovation, and drive sustainable development in the future.
The statement called on African leaders to treat digital access as a fundamental educational necessity rather than a luxury, stressing that accelerated investment in digital infrastructure and learning technologies would contribute significantly to achieving inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
“Digital education is no longer an option; it is a necessity. The time has come for African governments to commit the necessary capital and resources to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, innovate, and succeed in the digital age,” he added.
It expressed optimism that with the right investments, partnerships, and political will, Africa could bridge the digital divide and build an education system that empowers all learners to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the continent’s development.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Dennis Peprah
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