Africa digital learning key to energy security

Sahara Group’s Executive Director, Kola Adesina, emphasized the need for African nations to collaborate on inclusive digital learning as a means of strengthening educational systems and securing the continent’s energy future. Speaking at the University of Lagos’ Distance Learning Institute, he noted that Africa’s development is closely tied to its ability to equip its population with 21st‑century skills.

Adesina highlighted the continent’s “critical digital gap,” which limits access to quality education. World Bank data show that only about 28 % of Africa’s population has access to fixed broadband, hindering the discovery of solutions to energy poverty and other challenges. He argued that innovation can be fully harnessed only when it is inclusive, enabling access to quality education through digital platforms.

According to Adesina, learning is a continuous process that requires collaboration to ensure that as many people as possible are carried along. He underscored the importance of innovation, inclusion, and sustainability in helping Africa tap new frontiers of development. While acknowledging the benefits of digital technology in expanding educational access, he warned that inclusion remains a critical factor in determining how Africa can be transformed. “Innovation without inclusion is progress without justice,” he cautioned, emphasizing the need for sustainable and authentic learning.

Adesina explained that Sahara Group’s approach to energy access is rooted in creating sustainable value that is both inclusive and innovative, with initiatives aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs and creatives. The call for inclusive digital learning and energy security comes as Africa continues to grapple with significant development challenges. As the continent seeks to build robust educational systems and secure its energy future, collaboration among nations and stakeholders will be crucial. By prioritizing inclusive digital learning, Africa can unlock its potential, drive sustainable development, and secure a brighter future for its population.