• 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