The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) will lead the largest ever education technology research and innovation project, funded by the UK’s Department for International Development, it has been announced today [Tuesday 18 June].

The EdTech Hub, unveiled during a speech by Minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin, will bring together experts from partners globally to look at how education technology can be improved in poorer countries.

The hub, which will receive a £20 million injection of UK aid and run for eight years, is made up of ODI, the University of Cambridge, Results for Development, Brink, Jigsaw, Open Development and Education, Afrilabs, e-Learning Africa and BRAC.

Programme director Susan Nicolai, senior research fellow at ODI, said: ‘Education is a fundamental right of every child and a key driver of global development. Yet shockingly, if current trends continue, by 2030 just ten per cent of children in the poorest countries will be on track to gain secondary-level skills.

‘Education technology, if better understood and used, can be a game changer in supporting learning for some of the poorest and excluded children and young people in the world. The EdTech Hub will connect learning, innovation and expertise to make that happen.’

For more information or to arrange an interview with Susan Nicolai please contact James Rush on [email protected] or +44 (0)7808 791265

ENDS