The Infrastructure Gap

Many rural schools lack electricity, internet, and science labs—fundamentals for STEM learning. Access to education technology remains uneven. Globally, nearly one-third of primary schools are not electrified, and only half of lower secondary schools are connected to the internet for educational use (UNESCO Institute for Statistics).

In Sub-Saharan Africa, the picture is even more concerning. Only about one-third of primary schools have electricity, according to UNESCO UIS. Fewer than half of schools worldwide have internet access, and UNICEF & UNESCO data show that rural schools are far less connected than urban ones. Without labs or qualified teachers, rural learners fall behind, widening the urban–rural education gap.

Technology Brings Hope

Despite these challenges, progress is underway. Africa’s internet penetration rose from 16% in 2013 to nearly 40% by 2022 (World Bank Data), representing about 570 million users. Smartphone adoption also reached 51% in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2023 (GSMA Mobile Economy Report), making mobile learning more accessible.

UNESCO highlights that expanded internet access could “bridge the gap between urban and rural communities,” offering new opportunities for equal learning. Mobile devices, virtual classrooms, and online mentorship are already transforming how students in underserved areas engage with STEM.

Case Study: SmileyCoin Tablets in Kenya

During the COVID-19 school closures, the Icelandic nonprofit Education in a Suitcase (SmileyCharity), in collaboration with Kenya’s African Maths Initiative, launched a creative solution. They distributed Tutor-web tablets and local servers to rural schools and libraries (Tutor-web project).

The tablets allowed students to practice math drills offline once downloaded. Learning became gamified through SmileyCoin, a cryptocurrency that rewarded correct answers (SmileyCoin project). Students could redeem tokens for school supplies, snacks, or even tablets.

Over time, thousands of learners used the system. Many reported staying motivated because of the token rewards. Several students eventually earned their own tablets, turning digital incentives into a sustainable pathway for STEM learning in underserved regions.

Strategic Recommendations

To scale such impact, stakeholders must act boldly. Five priorities stand out:

1. Invest in rural STEM hubs – Transform community spaces into well-equipped learning hubs with computers, tablets, internet, and science kits.
2. Improve infrastructure and connectivity – Expand electricity and broadband access through solar panels, satellite internet, and community Wi-Fi.
3. Train and support educators – Provide teacher training for hands-on STEM delivery, bridging the gap where labs and qualified staff are missing.
4. Build partnerships and networks – Align governments, NGOs, donors, and private companies. A recent Africa STEM Education Forum emphasized “mobilizing resources, sharing expertise, and fostering collaborations.”
5. Focus on inclusion and relevance – Ensure girls and marginalized youth are not left out. Currently, women earn only about 25% or fewer of STEM degrees in many African countries (UNESCO, World Bank Africa Gender Innovation Lab). Programs should also connect STEM to local needs, such as agriculture and renewable energy.

A Shared Future of Possibility

Closing Africa’s STEM divide is achievable—and already happening in pockets of innovation. Policymakers and educators are uniting behind inclusive STEM ecosystems. As one UNESCO–African Union communiqué affirms, STEM remains a cornerstone for Africa’s future, driving innovation, equity, and growth.

Kenya’s SmileyCoin initiative demonstrates what is possible when creativity meets collaboration. By anchoring STEM hubs within communities, Africa can transform challenges into opportunities—building ecosystems where knowledge, opportunity, and sustainability thrive together.