Some of the biggest names in global education and technology will be attending the upcoming e-Learning Africa conference – the largest in Africa on learning, training, and technology – to be held in Kigali, Rwanda later this month. 

Among those attending the event to be held in the Kigali Conference Centre from 26-28 September are Professor Nii Narku Quaynor, who established some of Africa’s first internet connections; Dr Martin Dougiamas, the founder of the open-source learning platform, Moodle; Elliott Masie, founder of the Masie Center and Chair of the Learning Consortium; Dr Bitange Ndemo of the University of Nairobi; and Dr Mamphela Ramphele, an academic, anti-apartheid campaigner and entrepreneur.

They will be among hundreds of experts, converging under the main conference theme of “Uniting Africa” and looking at how technology can break down barriers, enabling Africans to share knowledge, learn and prepare for the future together.

According to conference organizer Rebecca Stromeyer, the fourth industrial revolution presents a big opportunity for Africa to leapfrog its competitors. 

“We are in a period of major change,” said conference organiser Rebecca Stromeyer. “Africa has the advantage of the youngest population on earth. It is full of opportunity and promise. However, in order to seize the opportunity, Africans must come together and ensure that the whole continent is fit for the future. That means sharing knowledge and experience, breaking down barriers to communication, opening up access, supporting diversity and giving all Africans a chance to learn and acquire the skills they need to succeed.”

She said the upcoming edition of eLearning Africa will provide a platform to some of the best known authorities on eLearning, along with some of the edTech industry’s most successful entrepreneurs. They’ll be joined by analysts, technologists, administrators, political decision-makers and investors. 

“eLearning Africa really is a place where experience meets opportunity and innovation,” she said.

The eLearning Africa conference is accompanied by a major exhibition of new products, services and courses, as well as a day-long roundtable meeting of African ministers of education and ICT.

“eLearning Africa is a pure inspiration,” said Charles Senkondo, Executive Director of Tanzania’s Global Learning Agency. “I have been coming to these conferences since the very beginning and I have seen how the eLearning Africa network has been built, how it has brought people together and how it has helped to bring some really positive changes within individuals, organizations, governments and the region as well. The discussions we’ll be having in Rwanda are very important: they’re all about how we turn African dreams into reality. Technology and education are right at the heart of that process.”

For more information about eLearning Africa or to take part, please contact press-service@icwe.net or contact info@elearning-africa.com.