In a world increasingly driven by technology, affordable technology education for African children is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Millions of children across the continent face a growing digital divide, deprived of opportunities to develop essential digital and STEM skills. Norman Bwuruk Didam, a visionary social entrepreneur and educator, is working to make quality tech education accessible, affordable, and inclusive for every child, regardless of geography or income level.
Barriers to Technology Learning in Africa
Africa’s children encounter numerous roadblocks when trying to access digital education. A lack of infrastructure, high device costs, and limited broadband penetration create systemic exclusion. In sub-Saharan Africa, broadband access sits at only 30%, compared to a global average of 60% (World Bank).
A single computer can cost several months’ income, while 1GB of mobile data can consume up to 8% of a family’s monthly income (Alliance for Affordable Internet). In rural areas, unreliable electricity makes it even harder to support digital learning environments.
Additionally, many school systems rely on outdated curricula. A 2023 UNESCO report found that only 25% of primary school teachers in Africa feel confident teaching digital literacy. These inequalities are especially pronounced in rural regions, where trained facilitators and learning resources are often unavailable.
Norman Didam’s Transformative Initiatives
To address these challenges, Didam plans to launch a community-based learning center equipped with shared computing tools and powered by solar energy. This center will operate on a sliding-scale fee model, ensuring that low-income families can participate. The curriculum includes basic digital literacy, coding, and computer science fundamentals, and it’s offered in local languages to ensure cultural relevance and inclusivity. This will provide affordable technology education for African children.
Since 2022, more than 10,000 children have gained digital skills through these learning hubs. Additionally, mobile coding boot camps equipped with portable, offline-compatible gear bring education to remote and underserved areas. Over 15,000 young learners have participated in these camps, with 78% continuing their learning independently.
For related insights on innovative strategies, see our article on Championing Innovation and Inclusive Growth.
Policy, Partnerships, and the Private Sector
Norman is a strong advocate for policy reform. He pushes for:
- The integration of digital skills into national curricula
- Standardization of educational technology tools
- Comprehensive teacher training programs
Countries like Rwanda, with its successful One Laptop per Child program, show what’s possible when governments prioritize ed-tech. But the private sector also has a critical role to play. Companies such as Microsoft and IBM have contributed through low-cost devices, cloud platforms, and online training programs.
These public-private partnerships have the potential to scale Norman’s mission across the continent.
Why STEM Education for African Children Matters
Digital skills are projected to dominate 70% of future jobs by 2030 (WEF Future of Jobs Report). Beyond employability, computational thinking strengthens problem-solving and boosts academic performance by 43%, while digital citizenship ensures young learners use technology responsibly.
Norman Bwuruk Didam’s mission empowers Africa’s next generation with the tools to thrive in a digital-first world. Through affordable and inclusive education models, he is reshaping the continent’s tech landscape—and securing a more prosperous and equitable future.