The Digital School, an initiative by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), took part in the 18th edition of the eLearning Africa Conference and Exhibition, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
During the conference, The Digital School showcased its pioneering efforts in accelerating digital transformation in education, establishing impactful global partnerships, and creating advanced learning opportunities for students in underserved communities, while also fostering greater international collaboration in education development.
As a strategic partner of the event, The Digital School led a prominent delegation that featured key partners such as the “Ataya” initiative by the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) and the Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT).
eLearning Africa is the continent’s largest and most influential platform dedicated to digital education and skills development. This year’s conference attracted over 1,500 participants from more than 80 countries, including 20 ministers, along with senior policymakers, experts, and international organisations.
The UAE’s sponsorship of the event supports the “Ataya” Initiative’s 2025 pledge to allocate the proceeds of its annual exhibition toward supporting e-learning projects in Africa, in collaboration with The Digital School under a broader portfolio of impactful educational initiatives.
In a significant development at the conference, The Digital School signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of the United Republic of Tanzania to strengthen collaboration in the realm of digital education and empower African youth.
The MoU signing was attended by:
- Professor Adolf Mkenda, Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Tanzania
- Khalifa Al Marzouqi, UAE Ambassador to Tanzania
- Hend Al Muhairbi, Director of the Ataya Project and key partner of The Digital School
The MoU was officially signed by Dr. Waleed Al Ali, Secretary-General of The Digital School, and Professor Caroline Nombo, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry.
Additionally, The Digital School announced the launch of its first regional office in Tanzania to support the rollout of the “SkillED Academies” Project. This initiative—conducted in collaboration with IIT Madras in Zanzibar as the academic partner and CERT—will advance field-based training, applied research, and educational programme development aligned with the national priorities of various African countries.
The UAE delegation to the 2025 Conference included:
- Dr. Waleed Al Ali
- Hend Al Muhairbi
- Khalid Al Hammadi, Acting Chief Business Officer and VP of Education and Training, CERT
- Mark Regilly, Director of Institutional Development and Strategic Partnerships, CERT
- Al Reem Al Mutawa, The Digital School
Dr. Waleed Al Ali highlighted that The Digital School’s participation underscores the growing global recognition of its innovative, scalable digital education model. He emphasized its increasing adoption and adaptation by African nations and international development partners.
Throughout the event, The Digital School launched new initiatives focused on supporting education across Africa and engaged in strategic high-level discussions to drive the region’s digital transformation.
Speaking at the ministerial session, Dr. Al Ali stated, “In today’s interconnected world, digital learning is not a luxury—it is a necessity. It serves as a bridge to hope, a pathway to dignity, and a promise for a better future, especially in remote and marginalized communities.”
Professor Caroline Nombo expressed excitement about the collaborative partnership, saying: “We’ve recently restructured our national curriculum to focus on the integration of technology in education. This partnership will accelerate our digital transformation and create opportunities to enhance teaching and learning outcomes in Tanzania.”
Hend Al Muhairbi expressed pride in taking part in the premier digital education event in Africa, noting Ataya’s commitment to humanitarian development in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and spotlighting the upcoming launch of the SkillED Academies with The Digital School across several African nations.
Khalid Al Hammadi emphasized the transformative role of innovation in redefining educational systems. He noted that CERT’s collaboration with The Digital School reflects the UAE’s vision of education as a cornerstone for human empowerment, providing learners with the skills and knowledge needed for the digital era. He reaffirmed CERT’s commitment to delivering practical, market-ready skills through its role in implementing the SkillED Academies.
At the exhibition, The Digital School and Ataya presented a suite of innovative education projects, notably the SkillED Academies initiative, first announced during the World Governments Summit 2025, which seeks to empower African students and educators with digital, market-relevant learning tools.
The Digital School also hosted a high-profile ministerial session, bringing together African ministers and senior officials to assess strategies for leveraging technology and innovation to expand access to education and training.
On the second day, a specialised workshop brought together educational and development leaders from across the continent to explore national strategies for digital transformation in education. Discussions centred on the pivotal impact of youth-focused skills development on economic growth and social progress.
In parallel, The Digital School conducted over 12 bilateral meetings with ministries and global development stakeholders to explore and strengthen cooperation in the field of digital learning. The enthusiastic interest of African nations in partnering with The Digital School reflects the continent’s increasing focus on educational innovation.
Since its inception 19 years ago, the eLearning Africa Conference and Exhibition has welcomed more than 22,000 participants from over 100 countries, with over 4,800 speakers. The event enjoys the support of global institutions including UNESCO, the African Union, the African Development Bank, and leading tech firms like Microsoft and Google.
The conference continues to serve as a strategic regional platform for shaping the future of digital education across Africa.
— V.2 Editorial Team
