The Middle East and Africa’s education technology (edtech) market is expected to reach 26 billion dirhams ($7 billion) by 2027, as schools across the region adopt technology solutions and products in classroom.
The widespread adoption of smartphones, interactive displays and other digital learning tools in classrooms is a key driver of growth, according to organisers of GESS Dubai, an education and exhibition conference to be held later this month.
Citing data from the Middle East and Africa EdTech and Smart Classroom Market Forecast to 2027, organisers said the growth is a “strong confirmation that the education sector in this part of the world is showing a great promise for the future.”
Global suppliers of education technology have seen huge increases in subscribers in the region, and the UAE is now one of the fastest growing markets for edtech.
“Digital learning tools will make education more accessible and prevent future learning losses as we embrace future events that may disrupt the global education sector much like the current COVID-19 pandemic,” said Geoffrey Alphonso, CEO of Alef Education.
Matt Thompson, project director of conference organisers Tarsus, said the region is also home to a robust start-up ecosystem that is developing specific edtech solutions that integrate a wide range of technological innovations such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and blockchain.