WHAT: The 2nd Edition of the Innovating Education in Africa Expo 2019,

Theme: Harness the Capacity of ICT to Ensure Inclusion, Quality and Impact in Education and Training in Africa.

WHEN: 20th - 22nd August, 2019

WHERE: Gaborone International Convention Center (GICC)

WHO: The Government of Botswana, Ministry of Basic Education in partnership with The African Union, Human Resources Science and Technology (HRST)

· H.E. Mr. Bagalatia Arone, Minister of Basic Education of Botswana

· H.E Prof. Sarah Anyang Agbor - AU Commissioner for HRST

OBJECTIVES: The workshop will focus on the following specific objectives:

• Identify, profile and showcase ICT based innovative education solutions from across the continent for possible support including further development and replication;
• Provide a platform for education practitioners, policy makers, business sector and partners to exchange experiences, policies and challenges in enhancing education and learning outcomes through ICT based education innovation in Africa;
• Encourage and enhance research and innovation in education;
• Encourage the involvement of the business sector in education and skills development; and
• Build capacity of Member States’ officials in strengthening the role of ICT in education.

Background:

There is need to take advantage of the digital revolution to make education more accessible. The education systems have to develop new and innovative approaches at all levels from government policies to classroom teaching methods and informal learning, with the aim of empowering learners and teachers to adapt to their changing environments. This must be done urgently to achieve the goals set out in Agenda 2063 and SDGs, as well as the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA).

The Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) states that, ICT is a major tool for ensuring universal access, quality provision and delivery, and empowerment of school graduates for meaningful personal lives, and contribution to social economic development. ICT opens up possibilities for innovation, entrepreneurship and employability; flexibility in pedagogies; beating the limitation of time and space for varied learner needs; and simply enhancing confidence and dignity of graduates at all levels.

This education expo contributes to ‘Pan-African E-university’, an Agenda 2063 flagship project that aims to accelerate the development of human capital, science, technology and innovation through increasing access to high quality information across the continent from anywhere in the world at any time.

The draft programme and concept attached is attached:

For media inquiries contact:

Ms. Janet Faith Ochieng| Communications Officer, Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union Commission | Tel: +251(0) 911361185 | E-mail: OchiengJ@africa-union.org
Mr.Stephen Kwaku Darko| Information and Communications Officer, Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union Commission | Tel: +251(0) 953406832 | E-mail: DarkoS@africa-union.org