Dar es Salaam: The Digital School, an initiative by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), participated in the 18th edition of the eLearning Africa Conference and Exhibition, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The Digital School presented its leading experience in accelerating digital transformation in education, forging impactful partnerships to provide advanced learning opportunities for students in underserved areas, and promoting international cooperation in education development.
According to Emirates News Agency, as a key partner of the conference, the Digital School led a high-level delegation that included strategic partners, such as the 'Ataya' initiative by the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) and the Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT). eLearning Africa is the continent's largest and most influential platform dedicated to digital education and skills development. This year's edition attracted over 1,500 participants from more than 80 countries, including 20 ministers, policymakers, experts, and representatives of international organisations.
The UAE's sponsorship of the event aligns with the 'Ataya' initiative's 2025 pledge to dedicate the proceeds of its annual exhibition to support e-learning projects in Africa, in collaboration with the Digital School, through a portfolio of leading initiatives and programmes. During the conference, the Digital School signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of the United Republic of Tanzania to enhance cooperation in digital education and empower African youth.
The signing ceremony was attended by Professor Adolf Mkenda, Tanzania's Minister of Education, Science and Technology; Khalifa Al Marzouqi, UAE Ambassador to Tanzania; and Hend Al Muhairbi, Director of the Ataya Project and a key partner of the Digital School in the Africa E-Learning Initiative. The MoU was signed by Dr. Waleed Al Ali, Secretary-General of the Digital School, and Professor Caroline Nombo, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry.
In addition, the Digital School announced the launch of its first regional office in Tanzania to support the 'SkillED Academies' Project. The initiative is in collaboration with IIT Madras in Zanzibar, acting as the academic partner, and CERT, under a trilateral agreement. The new office will support digital education and field-based training across Africa, engaging in applied research, hands-on training, and the development of educational programmes tailored to national priorities of African countries.
The UAE delegation to the 2025 Conference included Dr. Waleed Al Ali, Hend Al Muhairbi, Khalid Al Hammadi - Acting Chief Business Officer and Vice President of Education and Training at CERT, Mark Regilly - Director of Institutional Development and Strategic Partnerships at CERT, and Al Reem Al Mutawa from the Digital School. Dr. Waleed Al Ali stated that the Digital School's prominent participation in the conference reflects growing international confidence in its innovative model for advancing digital education.
During the event, the Digital School launched new initiatives to support education in Africa and held strategic meetings aimed at driving digital transformation in the continent's education sector. In his remarks at the ministerial session, Dr. Al Ali stressed that digital learning is not a luxury but a necessity-a bridge to hope, a pathway to dignity, and a promise of a better future, especially for communities struggling to access quality education.
Professor Caroline Nombo welcomed the collaboration with the Digital School, stating that the partnership will facilitate Tanzania's digital transformation journey and improve teaching and learning outcomes. Al Muhairbi expressed pride in participating in Africa's leading digital education event, highlighting Ataya's humanitarian efforts and the SkillED Academies initiative in collaboration with the Digital School.
Al Hammadi underlined the role of innovation in reshaping the future of education, emphasizing CERT's commitment to providing practical, work-ready skills that enhance employability. At the exhibition, the Digital School and Ataya showcased innovative education projects, including the SkillED Academies initiative, aimed at empowering African youth and educators with digital education aligned with labor market needs.
The Digital School also hosted a ministerial session to explore ways to accelerate access to education and training through technology and innovation. A specialised workshop discussed national strategies for digital education transformation and emphasized the role of youth skills-building programmes in economic and social development.
In parallel, the Digital School held over 12 bilateral meetings to explore and expand cooperation in digital education. The increasing interest in partnering with the Digital School reflects the growing attention African nations are giving to advancing digital education. Since its launch 19 years ago, the eLearning Africa Conference and Exhibition has hosted more than 22,000 participants from over 100 countries and featured over 4,800 speakers, becoming a strategic platform for shaping the future of digital education in Africa.