How Zambia is turning its schools into digital classrooms 🇿🇲💻

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On October 3, 2025, Zambia wrapped up a training program for 200 teachers, developed in partnership with UNICEF and Airtel Zambia. The initiative aims to modernize the country’s education system, bridge the digital divide, and prepare students for a future where technology plays a central role.

Empowering teachers for the digital age 🎓

The Zambian Ministry of Education has made digital transformation a national priority — and teachers are at the heart of that mission. Supported by UNICEF and Airtel Zambia, 200 educators took part in a program focused on hybrid teaching methods that blend traditional learning with digital tools.

According to Brendah Musanya, Deputy Director of Educational Broadcasting Services, the program addresses two urgent challenges: tackling the learning crisis and strengthening digital literacy. “When teachers master digital tools,” she explained, “they not only improve academic outcomes but also help students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.”

Bridging the gap between urban and rural schools 🌍

Beyond training, the program also tackles Zambia’s persistent digital divide. The 200 participating schools received Wi-Fi routers and monthly data packages of 80 GB, giving teachers and students access to educational platforms and online resources.

For rural areas — where internet access has long been scarce — these tools are transformative. Teachers can now enrich their lessons with multimedia content and collaborative activities. The result: more engaging, inclusive classrooms, where learning adapts to each student’s needs and context.

A continent-wide movement 🤝

Zambia isn’t alone in this digital education push. Across Africa, governments are rethinking how technology can reshape the classroom.

In Senegal, for example, more than 100,000 teachers are being trained in digital skills and artificial intelligence as part of the government’s Digital for Education 2025–2029 strategy. In Gabon, a similar initiative — also backed by UNICEF and Airtel — is helping 200 primary school teachers build digital literacy, improve online safety, and integrate tech into their lessons.

Together, these efforts reflect a shared ambition: to make African schools connected, inclusive, and ready for the future.

Building Africa’s digital classroom 🚀

According to the 2022 ADEA Triennale report, fewer than two-thirds of primary school teachers — and only half of secondary teachers — currently have adequate digital skills. Programs like Skills4Teachers in Zambia are changing that narrative.

They’re laying the groundwork for a modern African school system — one that blends technology and pedagogy to ensure equal access to knowledge. With this initiative, Zambia hopes to nurture a new generation of connected educators capable of guiding students through an increasingly digital world.

👉🏾 Do you think digital teacher training is the key to transforming African education?