In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, something exciting is happening that could change how millions of African young people learn. The African Union opened its 2026 Innovating Education in Africa Expo at its headquarters there, bringing together teachers, tech innovators, government leaders, and young people from across the continent for a two-day event focused on one big idea: using technology to transform education across Africa.
The timing matters. Africa has the world's youngest population, with hundreds of millions of young people who need skills for jobs that don't even exist yet. The African Union has declared 2025 to 2034 as the "Decade of Education and Skills Development" — a continent-wide push to get schools ready for the digital age.
"The future of Africa will be shaped not simply by what we consume, but by what we create," said H.E. Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, the African Union's Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation. He told the gathering that Africa needs to move beyond small pilot programs and start spreading what actually works across all countries.
One major highlight of the opening day was a pitching session where 10 innovators from different African countries presented their education technology solutions to judges. These weren't just ideas on paper — they were working projects designed to solve real problems in African classrooms, from apps that teach coding to platforms that train young people in job skills.
Canada also showed up with real support. Claude Landry, speaking for the Canadian government, confirmed that Canada had pledged 10 million Canadian dollars toward African education and vocational training programs. "Education and skills development remain among the most powerful drivers of inclusive growth, resilience and prosperity," Landry said.
The expo isn't just about technology for its own sake. Speakers emphasized that digital transformation means better teacher training, lessons that actually prepare students for jobs in their own countries, and programs that help young people start businesses rather than just compete for existing jobs. The goal ties into the African Continental Free Trade Area, which needs a skilled workforce to succeed.
Throughout the event, participants explored how countries can work together on issues like artificial intelligence in schools, green skills for jobs that help the environment, and making sure teachers get the support they need to teach new subjects. The conversations will continue to shape policy across 55 African Union member countries in the years ahead.