infrastructure and device gaps stifle Ethiopia ’s tech progress

Limited internet connectivity, a shortage of affordable digital devices, and low purchasing power continue to hamper the expansion of educational technology (EdTech) in Ethiopia, raising concerns about efforts to make digital learning accessible to all segments of society.

​The challenges were highlighted during the EdTech Partnership and Networking Event, held in Addis Ababa under the theme “Advancing Inclusive Learning through Innovation and Collaboration.” The event was jointly organized by Reach for Change Ethiopia and the Mastercard Foundation, bringing together approximately 140 participants from across the education and technology sectors.

​Attendees included EdTech entrepreneurs, educators, government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and learners to discuss practical ways of expanding access to digital education, particularly among underserved communities.

​Participants identified several barriers limiting the adoption of educational technology, including inadequate internet infrastructure, the high cost of smartphones and computers, language barriers, insufficient accessibility features for persons with disabilities, and low levels of digital literacy.

​They stressed that locally developed digital learning solutions should reflect the actual circumstances of Ethiopian learners, particularly those living in remote areas and families unable to afford digital devices or reliable internet services.

​Speaking at the event, Mekdim Gullilat, Country Manager of Reach for Change Ethiopia, emphasized the importance of placing learners’ experiences at the centre of technology development.

​“Every learner deserves to feel that an opportunity includes them. That means listening to the girl without access to a phone, the learner who needs an accessible platform, and the teacher working with limited connectivity. Their lived experiences should shape what we build and how we deliver it,” Gullilat said.

​She also called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, development partners, technology providers, and other stakeholders to address the challenges facing the sector.

​The event featured a masterclass on inclusive digital design and a panel discussion on incorporating equity and accessibility into the development and distribution of educational technology.

​An interactive exhibition also allowed participants to test digital learning solutions developed by entrepreneurs under the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship. Developers received direct feedback from users and other stakeholders, while networking sessions provided opportunities to connect with potential investors, institutional buyers, and development partners.

​Participants noted that although digital technology offers opportunities to improve the quality and reach of education, its benefits will remain limited unless the underlying barriers are addressed.

​They emphasized that affordable devices, reliable internet access, improved infrastructure, and stronger institutional capacity are essential to ensuring that digital learning does not deepen existing inequalities in Ethiopia’s education system.