E-learning for Africa held back by power shortage

There are well-documented problems about access to education. The Africa Learning Barometer at the US-based Center for Universal Education at Brookings says of the continent's nearly 128 million school-aged children, 17 million will never attend school.

There have been improvements, with targets for the millennium development goals widening access to primary school.

But many millions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, never start school or learn so little that it is hardly worth them attending.

Against this backdrop, education in Africa, particularly in East Africa, has become a hotbed for e-learning.

Education providers, politicians and entrepreneurs agree on the potential of educational technology as a way to reach out-of-school children and improve the education received by those that are in school.

Solar Power filling the gap?

The International Energy Agency expects 315 million people in rural areas in Africa to gain access to electricity by 2040. This will increasingly come from off-grid and mini-grid solutions.