Tanzanian Edutainment Startup Ubongo Wins ‘Next Billion Ed-Tech Prize’

Dar es salaam-based edutainment startup Ubongo won the ‘Next Billion’ Ed-tech Prize launched by Varkey Foundation. The foundation acknowledges the most innovative technology with far-reaching impacts on education in low income and developing words.

Ubongo creates interactive, educating and at the same time entertaining content for learners in Africa. They make the process of learning interactive and entertaining through their program ‘Ubongo Kids’. The program which is in animated cartoon format teaches math through fun stories and catchy original songs. It is currently aired on TV across East Africa.

It currently boosts over 1.4 million viewers in Tanzania and it continues to grow across the region. Ubongo takes advantage of the power of entertainment, the reach of mass media, and the connectivity of mobile devices to deliver effective, localized learning to African families at low cost and massive scale.

“We’re delighted to have won the Next Billion Prize. We’re already having an impact reaching children but this award will mean we can do so much more. By 2022 we plan to reach 30 million children in Africa and our ultimate goal is to reach 440 million – every child in Africa,” said Ubongo Chief Executive Nisha Ligon.

The social enterprise aims to transform learning for the 440 million under 16’s in Africa by bringing them a fun new way to learn, that opens the door to a future of digital learning.They are currently in the process of developing a collection of eBooks, audio books, as well as an Android application. They are coming up with new content for different age groups and topics.

Co-founder Stacey Wong in an earlier interview with Forbes stated that,“The show can teach fundamental concepts and inspire an enthusiasm for learning. That can support the work teachers do everyday.”

30 startups were selected to pitch for the ‘Next Billion’ Edtech Prize during the Global Education and Skills Forum 2019, the winners were then chosen from three startup finalists: include PraxiLabs, and Dost. All three winners will be awarded USD 25K.

Featured Image Courtesy: Forbes