(Ecofin Agency) - • CcHub and Mastercard Foundation launch third EdTech Fellowship cohort
• 12 startups selected, including 6 led by women, receive up to $100,000 each
• Focus on offline, AI-driven, and scalable tools for inclusive education

Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has announced the third cohort of its EdTech Fellowship program, aimed at advancing equitable access to quality education in Africa through innovative technology solutions. The new group includes 12 startups, half of which are led by women, highlighting a commitment to diversity and inclusion in Africa’s tech sector.

The selected startups provide a range of tools—from artificial intelligence-driven learning platforms to offline virtual science labs—designed to bridge the educational gap, especially in underserved rural areas. Each startup will receive non-equity funding of up to $100,000, along with product development support, mentoring, and access to investor networks.

The program addresses structural challenges in sub-Saharan education systems, where access remains uneven and infrastructure is limited. With only 37% of the African population using the internet in 2023, according to the International Telecommunication Union, scalable offline solutions are critical to broadening educational access.

Africa’s rapidly expanding youth population is intensifying demand for education. CcHub and the Mastercard Foundation aim to meet this need by backing startups capable of delivering localized, low-connectivity solutions. The initiative also emphasizes the need to measure impact rigorously to attract further investment and ensure long-term viability.

The integration of these tools into national education strategies could accelerate their adoption and drive systemic transformation across the continent’s learning ecosystems