Haruna Iddrisu Calls for African-Led Digital Education Systems at 18th Ministerial Round Table

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Published: June 3 2026

Published at: 8:16Pm

Story by Saibu Terry

Education leaders, policymakers, development partners and technology experts have renewed their commitment to advancing Africa’s digital education agenda following discussions at the 18th Ministerial Round Table focused on building sovereign, innovative and inclusive learning systems across the continent.

Delivering the keynote address, Ghana’s Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, challenged African countries to move beyond dependence on externally developed digital education solutions and position themselves as global leaders in technology-driven learning.

He highlighted Ghana’s ongoing investments in digital education, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and curriculum reforms aimed at preparing students for the demands of the future economy.

According to the Minister, Africa’s digital transformation in education must be driven by locally relevant content, stronger institutions and equitable access to technology-enabled learning opportunities. He stressed the importance of ensuring that African learners benefit from educational systems designed to address the continent’s unique needs and realities.

Hon. Iddrisu further called for increased investment in AI literacy and the development of ethical frameworks grounded in African values, cautioning against a situation where the continent becomes merely a consumer of technologies developed elsewhere.

Also speaking at the event, UNESCO Representative to Ghana, Mr. Edmond Moukala, underscored the importance of foundational literacy in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. He noted that core skills such as reading, writing, critical thinking and information evaluation remain essential building blocks for digital and AI competencies.

Mr. Moukala also advocated the establishment of public digital learning platforms that support teachers, safeguard data privacy and promote education as a public good accessible to all.

The round table concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to responsibly harness technology, strengthen partnerships and accelerate Africa’s education priorities through home-grown, inclusive and sustainable digital learning systems.

Participants agreed that collaboration among governments, development partners, educational institutions and technology experts will be crucial to ensuring that Africa’s digital education future is shaped by the continent’s own vision, values and aspirations.