eLearning Africa Conference 2026 (Accra, Ghana)

Craig Gibbs, JET Executive Manager: Implementation & Innovation attended and presented at the eLearning Africa Conference. The three-day conference took place in Accra, Ghana, from 3 to 5 June 2026.

eLearning Africa focused on AI in education, with specific attention to technology, innovation and skills development. Bringing together policymakers, NGOs, researchers, tech leaders and entrepreneurs from Africa and beyond, the event provided an opportunity to gain insight into emerging trends, share ideas, and discuss the future of teaching and learning in a digital world.

Reflecting on the experience, Craig presented, "a case study examining the impact of an AI Maths tutoring system (Eduten) in low-resourced primary schools in South Africa. I also helped facilitate a UNICEF workshop on "Edtech for Good" and participated in a session looking at "Research on AI/EdTech and Learning Equity in Africa". It focused on developing a shared framework to guide the equitable adoption of digital technologies and artificial intelligence across African education systems."

Discussions centred on identifying priority research questions that can inform policy and implementation, with particular attention given to teacher-led interventions and their impact on learner outcomes. Participants explored how to strengthen research methodologies to balance cost-effectiveness and equity, especially when evaluating foundational learning outcomes in linguistically diverse and historically marginalised communities. The workshop also examined ways to bridge the gap between research, policy and practice to ensure that evidence is translated into meaningful improvements in teaching and learning at scale. It further considered how to strengthen networks and partnerships among researchers, policymakers, practitioners, development partners and education leaders across Africa and globally.

Throughout the conference, a recurring theme was the need to ensure that technological innovation serves educational goals rather than drives them. Craig noted that "conversations, whether during formal sessions or over lunch, revealed many shared priorities and experiences." These ranged from using AI to improve learning outcomes and support teacher development to addressing inequalities and preparing management, educators and young people for the changes AI and EdTech are bringing to education. At the same time, there was recognition that African countries have unique contexts that need consideration when determining how educational technologies are adopted and implemented in the Global South.

Reflecting on the conference, Craig said the experience highlighted both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI and educational technology. He was encouraged by the growing commitment to placing learners, teachers and communities at the centre as education systems grapple with a future increasingly shaped by AI. At the same time, he noted that challenges relating to access to devices and connectivity remain significant barriers that governments and key stakeholders need to address to ensure everyone can benefit from the potential of AI and EdTech.