Bridging the digital divide with fun learning content distributed through the networks and technology African kids already use
Team Leader
Fatema Ismailjee
Bridge the digital divide by co-creating and distributing diverse learning content through networks and technology African kids already use.
Solution Pitch
The Problem
Covid-19 disrupted education for more than 1.5 billion learners and forced students to abandon formal education, many of whom might not return. Much of the world switched immediately to online learning and were provided with educational opportunities at home. Most students in Africa, however, did not share the same privilege, shedding light on the widening digital divide in learning.
According to UNESCO, around 90 percent of African learners do not have access to computers, 82 percent cannot get online, and most depend solely on formal education systems to learn. Vulnerable populations including children living in remote areas, those with disabilities, and girls and children living in conflict zones comprise a large portion of this disadvantaged demographic. Moreover, learning content is not regularly created with these populations in mind, causing kids who need specialized education to be left behind. These challenges leave a massive, global inequity in learning.
The Solution
Ubongo is a Pan-African social enterprise that produces and delivers fun learning content in the form of educational cartoons to kids across Africa in their local languages and on the technology they have access to. Ubongo entertains kids to learn and to love learning by sharing their two main series through broadcast TV and radio to reach 25 million kids across Africa. “Akili and Me” is the pre-primary show, and “Ubongo Kids” is a show for kids aged 7-14 that teaches STEM, math, literacy, and character strengths. From these brands, Ubongo has also built out more products like e-books, apps, and printable materials.
By co-creating content with families and children and adapting the content produced into over 11 local languages, Ubongo’s content is both engaging and impactful, resulting in improved learning outcomes across various populations.
Stats
Ubongo provides free edutainment programs on TV, radio, and digital platforms in 11 languages across 41 countries.
In 2020 alone, Ubongo’s content reached 30 million unique viewers across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Market Opportunity
Governments across Africa spend an average of 5 percent of their GDP on education initiatives in their respective countries. Outside of government spending, there are billions of dollars given by multi-laterals and philanthropic institutions in order to improve education across the continent. Ubongo will be able to sustainably provide top-quality education that can be used across the continent at just $0.07 per child through broadcast and less than $0.20 per child for community distribution. With a budget of $8 million, Ubongo can reach more than 60 million households by 2025.
Organization Highlights
Won The GM Prize at Solve Challenge Finals.
Partnerships with major broadcasters in 21 countries, and solar technology companies, including TrendSolar, M-Kopa, Dlight, Buffalo Grid.
Partnership Goals
Ubongo seeks:
Connections to cross-sector leaders with experience in international development, philanthropy, media, and fundraising to serve as strategic advisors and board members.
Strategic partners from any industry in Sub-Saharan Africa to help build Ubongo’s on-the-ground network and distribute content to the most remote students in the last mile.
What is the name of your organization?
Ubongo
What is the name of your solution?
Ubongo
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Bridge the digital divide by co-creating and distributing diverse learning content through networks and technology African kids already use.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Dar es Salaam
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
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What type of organization is your solution team?
Nonprofit
Film your elevator pitch.
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What specific problem are you solving?
Ubongo addresses a growing learning crisis affecting millions of children across Sub-Saharan Africa, where access to quality, relevant, and inclusive education remains deeply unequal. Despite Africa being home to the world’s fastest-growing child population, a large proportion of children lack foundational literacy, numeracy, and life skills necessary for lifelong learning.
What is your solution?
Ubongo provides a scalable solution to Africa’s learning crisis by creating research-driven educational entertainment that helps children learn. Through engaging storytelling, music, and culturally relevant characters, Ubongo delivers curriculum-aligned content that builds foundational literacy, numeracy, STEM, and social-emotional skills while nurturing a lifelong love for learning. Our programs are designed for children aged 3 to 14 and are distributed through accessible platforms including television, radio, mobile, and digital channels, ensuring learning reaches both classrooms and homes, especially in underserved and low-connectivity communities.
Grounded in evidence and guided by a child-centered learning journey, Ubongo’s approach complements formal education systems rather than replacing them. By combining high-quality content with last-mile partnerships and multilingual distribution, we make learning inclusive, affordable and accessible at population scale. This model enables millions of children across Africa to gain essential skills, improve school readiness, and build the confidence and curiosity needed to thrive in school and beyond.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Ubongo’s solution serves children aged 3 to 14 across Africa, particularly those in underserved and low-resource communities who have limited access to quality educational opportunities. Today, our programs reach approximately 48 million families across the continent. Our primary audiences include early learners, primary school children, caregivers, and educators who benefit from accessible, curriculum-aligned learning content delivered through television, radio, and digital platforms. By using storytelling and culturally relevant characters, Ubongo helps children build foundational literacy, numeracy, STEM, and social-emotional skills while nurturing a lifelong love for learning. The solution extends learning beyond classrooms, supporting children who face barriers such as language diversity, limited connectivity, and inclusive education gaps. For caregivers and teachers, it provides practical tools that reinforce learning at home and in school, improving school readiness, confidence, and equitable access to learning opportunities.
