In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, African countries are modernizing their education systems. Integrating digital technologies is crucial for addressing current educational challenges and creating a more inclusive and accessible learning environment.

Gabon’s Council of Ministers on Sunday approved a draft ordinance aimed at digitizing the country’s education system.

The ordinance seeks to integrate digital technologies and educational platforms into teaching and learning methods, according to a government statement.

"The draft ordinance aims to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework governing the transformation of teaching and learning methods through the integration of digital technologies and educational platforms," the statement said. "This reform is all the more urgent as the COVID-19 health crisis highlighted the need to develop alternatives to in-person teaching."

This decision aligns with the government's ongoing efforts to modernize the education system. In December, the government launched an inter-ministerial partnership to connect schools to the internet.

The anticipated outcomes of the digitization initiative include greater resilience in the education system during crises, reduced inequalities between urban and rural areas, and the modernization of teaching practices. The reform is also expected to help train a skilled workforce to support the country's economic transformation.

Samira Njoya