The Future of Education & Work in Africa (FEWA) and Ethio telecom have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate Smart classroom deployment and digital education innovation across Africa. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during the FEWA AI Summit 2025, held in partnership with GSMA and under the patronage of Rwanda’s Ministry of Education, at MWC Kigali 2025 – Africa’s most influential connectivity event.

The agreement was formalized by Titus Ngatia, CEO of FEWA, and Tariku Demissie, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Ethio telecom, in the presence of policymakers, CEOs, innovators, Universities and education leaders from across the continent. The Summit Chief guest was Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Joseph Nsengimana

Transforming Classrooms Through Digital Innovation

The collaboration between FEWA and Ethio telecom focuses on scaling Smart Education initiatives across Africa, with a special emphasis on AI-enabled learning environments, teacher digital capacity, and connectivity for underserved schools.

Under the partnership:

• Ethio telecom will showcase its Smart Education model at FEWA High Level Conferences across Africa, in partnership with Ministries of Education, demonstrating how technology can revolutionize teaching and learning.
• FEWA will curate platforms for dialogue and collaboration – bringing together governments, private sector players, and innovators to strengthen Africa’s digital learning ecosystem.
• The two organizations will co-develop models that connect Policy, Connectivity, and infrastructure – turning digital access into learning impact.

Speaking at the signing, Titus Ngatia, CEO of FEWA, said:

“This partnership represents a bold step toward making quality, connected learning environments accessible to every African learner. Ethio telecom’s Smart Education and connectivity capacity, combined with FEWA’s foresight, innovation and education policy expertise, create a powerful blueprint for systemic transformation.”

Tariku Demissie, CTO of Ethio telecom, emphasized:

“We see education as the backbone of national and continental development. Through this collaboration with FEWA, we are not only connecting classrooms — we are connecting futures. Smart Education is Africa’s next growth frontier.”

Driving Africa’s Education Transformation

The partnership aligns with FEWA’s Triple Horizon Framework, which envisions Africa’s readiness for the AI age by:

• Driving innovation in Education and Workforce systems,
• Preparing policymakers and institutions through the FEWA AI Policy Foundry, and
• Empowering innovators and educators through the FEWA AI Innovation Hub.

The MOU complements Ethio telecom’s strategic commitment to “Realizing Digital Africa”, enhancing access, equity, and sustainability through technology and partnerships.

About FEWA

The Future of Education & Work in Africa (FEWA) is a continental initiative that bridges Education, Innovation, and Policy to prepare Africa for the AI age. Through its high-level summits, innovation hub, and policy foundry, FEWA empowers institutions and governments to shape inclusive, innovative, tech-enabled Education and Workforce futures.

About Ethio telecom

Ethio telecom is Ethiopia’s leading integrated telecommunications service provider and one of Africa’s largest connectivity organizations. Through initiatives such as Smart Education and Digital Ethiopia 2025, Ethio telecom is enabling Africa’s transition to a digitally inclusive, knowledge-driven economy.

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