News Digital

Gabon to Pilot National Digital Education Overhaul Backed by Huawei

Gabon to Pilot National Digital Education Overhaul Backed by Huawei
Monday, 10 November 2025 08:38
  • Gabon to launch digital education pilot in Libreville, Oyem by Nov 2025
  • Huawei, Moov Africa support project; focus on distance learning, science subjects
  • Plan targets teacher shortages, digital inclusion, and nationwide school connectivity

Gabon plans to roll out a pilot digital education project in Libreville and Oyem by late November 2025. The initiative, supported by Chinese technology firm Huawei and local operator Moov Africa Gabon Télécom, is a key part of the country’s strategy to digitize its education system.

The project was discussed on Wednesday, November 6, when President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema met with Huawei’s Chief Executive Officer for the CEMAC region, Lei Wang.

According to the Ministry of Digital Economy, the plan aims to expand distance learning, with priority given to science subjects in provinces facing teacher shortages. It also seeks to strengthen connectivity, digital inclusion, and youth training in future-ready skills.

The launch builds on previous initiatives, such as an “e-teaching and e-learning” training program launched on October 6 for 200 primary school teachers and principals, in partnership with UNICEF and mobile operator Airtel.

In July, government officials met with leaders of the Giga project, an initiative by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UNICEF aimed at connecting all schools worldwide to the internet. Gabon had joined this effort in 2022, aiming to connect 90% of its schools by 2026.

In January 2025, the government adopted an ordinance requiring the integration of digital tools in education as part of a phased strategy to modernize teaching practices. This followed an October 2024 agreement between the Ministries of Digital Economy and National Education to deploy digital infrastructure in secondary schools, including areas previously lacking coverage.

Gabon has also pledged to implement digital learning across vocational training centers, primary, secondary, technical, professional, and higher education institutions, as well as in literacy and teacher development centers, to promote the widespread adoption of digital education.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes the potential of information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve education but highlights the major challenges posed by Africa’s digital divide.

UNESCO notes that “many students lack access to basic technological infrastructure, such as reliable internet connectivity, computers, or digital devices. This disparity exacerbates educational inequalities, leaving students from disadvantaged communities at a disadvantage in accessing online resources and participating in digital learning.”

The organization emphasizes that narrowing the digital divide requires joint efforts from governments, educational institutions, and the private sector. It stresses the need for investment in digital infrastructure, affordable access to devices, and expanded internet connectivity in rural and marginalized areas to ensure equitable access to digital education. For example, ITU data shows that about 77% of Gabon’s population did not use the internet in 2023.

Isaac K. Kassouwi

On the same topic
Morocco commits 1.3 billion dirhams to support domestic startups Funding targets business creation, venture capital, and Technopark network Programs...
Egypt licenses fintech Tpay as the country’s approved Direct Carrier Billing provider for government payments Citizens can pay electricity bills,...
Yango invested in Ghanaian startup Gigmile through its venture arm, Yango Ventures. Gigmile provides financing and management tools for last-mile...
Ghana signed an agreement with Telecel Group to train 100,000 young people under the “One Million Coders” initiative. The government targets...
Most Read
01

AI-backed agri-fintech is increasingly being used to pilot new rural credit models in Africa, where ...

From Mobile Data to Farm Loans: How AI Is Expanding Rural Credit in Africa
02

Investment bank BCID-AES established  in Bamako Bank aims to fund infrastructure, agricultur...

Sahel Alliance Establishes Investment Bank, Key Financing Decisions Pending
03

This week’s health update shows Africa edging closer to the end of the mpox public health emergency,...

Weekly Health Update | Africa Steps Up Essential Medicines Strategy, Despite Outbreaks, Funding Gaps
04

Standard Bank extended a USD 138 million facility to STEP, acting as sole arranger and advisor to ...

$138 Million Standard Bank Facility to Power Safaricom's Ethiopia Business Expansion
05

BNP Paribas entered exclusive preliminary talks with Holmarcom to sell its 67% stake in BMCI. ...

BNP Paribas Enters Exclusive Talks to Sell BMCI Stake to Holmarcom
Enter your email to receive our newsletter

Ecofin Agency provides daily coverage of nine key African economic sectors: public management, finance, telecoms, agribusiness, mining, energy, transport, communication, and education.
It also designs and manages specialized media, both online and print, for African institutions and publishers.

SALES & ADVERTISING

regie@agenceecofin.com 
Tél: +41 22 301 96 11 
Mob: +41 78 699 13 72


EDITORIAL
redaction@agenceecofin.com

More information
Team
Publisher

ECOFIN AGENCY

Mediamania Sarl
Rue du Léman, 6
1201 Geneva
Switzerland

 

Ecofin Agency is a sector-focused economic news agency, founded in December 2010. Its web platform was launched in June 2011. ©Mediamania.

 
 

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.