Dakar, Senegal— Education Technology (EdTech) expert Jacob Kassam is urging the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to conduct a detailed mapping of national digital learning platforms in each West African country.
This initiative aims to provide a better understanding of disparities in EdTech deployment across the region.
Presenting at the ongoing delocalized meeting of the Joint Committee on Education, Science and Culture, Health, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, Dr. Kassam emphasized the importance of gathering information on digital education investments from government sources, the private sector, and international donors.
“Conduct a detailed mapping of national digital learning platforms in each West African country, enabling a better understanding of disparities in EdTech deployment. Particular attention should be paid to gathering information regarding investments in digital education and EdTech from governmental sources, private sectors, and international donors,” he said.
Prioritizing EdTech in the ECOWAS Region
Presenting under the theme “Prioritizing Education Technology and Innovation in the ECOWAS Region”, Dr. Kassam encouraged authorities to further explore the impact of EdTech on the learning outcomes of vulnerable demographic groups. He noted EdTech’s vital role in both pre-service and in-service teacher training.
A member of the Plateau State House of Assembly representing Kanke State Constituency, Dr. Kassam also stressed the importance of investing in digital infrastructure—particularly power and internet connectivity—to support schools in the region.
“Further explore the impact of EdTech on the learning outcomes of vulnerable demographic groups, recognizing its potential role in both pre-service and in-service teacher training. Prioritize education technology and innovation in the ECOWAS region through key strategies,” he added.
Leveraging Technology for Access and Quality
Dr. Kassam recommended leveraging various platforms—such as radio, television, mobile phones, and online tools—to expand educational access throughout the sub-region. He emphasized the role of universities in driving economic transformation by strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship activities.
He further called for collaboration between the private sector and international partners to support innovation and entrepreneurship efforts in West Africa.
As the ECOWAS Parliament continues to address challenges confronting EdTech adoption in schools, Dr. Kassam underscored the need for regular assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of educational investments.
Challenges in ECOWAS Schools
Dr. Kassam acknowledged the significant challenges limiting innovation and widespread adoption of EdTech within the region’s education systems. He advocated for policies focused on education quality—rather than political interests—to ensure sustainability, promote stakeholder collaboration, and secure increased funding for EdTech initiatives.
“This approach will allow governments to overcome structural obstacles and improve teacher training, facilitating successful implementation across schools in West Africa,” he noted.
Dr. Kassam also stressed the importance of providing supportive infrastructure—such as electricity, internet connectivity, and digital devices—for EdTech to meaningfully improve education quality across ECOWAS.
The Role of AI in Regional Development
In another presentation, Mawuli Amoa, Acting Principal Program Officer for Telecoms and Post Policy and Regulation, highlighted the need for a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy in West Africa.
He emphasized AI’s transformative potential across key sectors, including healthcare, finance, public service delivery, and education.
Mr. Amoa advocated for the responsible use of AI to address regional challenges such as climate change, food security, and regional security concerns. He also urged governments to mitigate risks associated with AI—such as job displacement, privacy violations, manipulation, and biased decision-making.
“AI has transformative power in key sectors like healthcare, finance, public service delivery, and education. The use of AI can offer solutions to regional challenges, but proper governance is needed to mitigate associated risks,” he said.
He stressed the importance of “locally led” AI policies that reflect regional values, contexts, and knowledge systems—rather than uncritically adopting external frameworks.
Opportunities for West Africa
Speaking on the theme “Artificial Intelligence for Education and Skills Development in West Africa”, Mr. Amoa called on leaders to strengthen standards for data management and to build a robust regional governance ecosystem.
“Improved data infrastructure and clear guidance for data access are needed,” he said.
He further emphasized the need to upskill the region’s AI talent pool and integrate AI education into curricula to build a future-ready workforce.
Looking Ahead
Members of the Joint Committee were deeply engaged by the presentations, which addressed the fundamental challenges confronting EdTech in West Africa.
Day three of the delocalized meeting will explore “The Role of ECOWAS Parliament in Advancing Regional EdTech and Innovation Policy.”
Trokon S. Wrepue is a Liberian journalist with 9 years of experience in the practice of journalism. Over the years, Trokon has reported on women and children issues, investigated public and private sectors corruption, environmental challenges and other critical human interest stories. He is currently the Editor of News for OK FM, one of Liberia’s premier media institutions in Monrovia. Besides being a journalist, Trokon is also a Mandela Washington Fellow. In 2022, he travelled to California in the US where he studied leadership, culture and diversities at the California State University. In 2023, he travelled to Johannesburg in South Africa and attended the Mandela Washington Fellowship Symposium of Young African Leaders.
