South Africa, Jan. 26 -- There are a number of inspiring examples of innovation and excellence across the continent, yet too many learners still leave school without the tools to participate meaningfully in the modern economy.

This is where educational technology (edtech) can play a transformative role. When thoughtfully deployed, it can bridge learning gaps and expand opportunity; however this calls for a nuanced understanding of both its capabilities and limitations.

The real potential of edtech lies not in the technology itself, but in how it is used - by educators, innovators and investors - to meet the unique and diverse needs of African classrooms, taking each context into keen consideration.

That's why there is a need to shift o...