How EdTech is Reshaping the Education Landscape in Pakistan

E-Learning & Its Future in Light of COVID-19: EdTech Landscape in Pakistan

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically reshaped the educational landscape, highlighting both the potential and limitations of e-learning in Pakistan. As students of all ages were confined to their homes, the shift to online education became imperative. However, the transition has been uneven. Lower-income schools, often lacking the infrastructure for effective remote learning, struggle without a Learning Management System (LMS). Even institutions with established LMS platforms face student dissatisfaction with the quality of online education. Meanwhile, the government’s efforts—ranging from broadcasting lessons on public TV to developing an Android mobile learning app for young students—have yet to fully overcome these challenges and pave the way for a robust future in e-learning.

The Need for Digital Transformation

Government Efforts

The Sindh government launched an Android mobile learning app for students from kindergarten to grade 5 in May, reaching less than 50% of the student population in the province. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) announced on March 30th that institutions with robust LMS would start delivering online courses, but many institutions lacked contingency planning. This situation has predominantly affected students from lower socio-economic strata (SES).

Persistent Educational Challenges

Pakistan has the second highest rates of out-of-school children (OOSC) globally, with more than 40% not attending school. Among those who do, less than 20% of third graders can read and comprehend a short passage. The fragmented approach to education during the pandemic underscores the need for a unified national education strategy that leverages robust technology and partnerships with EdTech startups.

Overview of Common EdTech Business Models

Resilience of EdTech Startups

Invest2Innovate’s study on COVID-19 and its impact on Pakistani startups revealed that EdTech was among the few sectors that did not suspend services. A follow-up survey showed that the majority of EdTech startups operate on B2B or B2C models, with some using B2NGO, B2G, and blended models. Most startups focus on K-12 education and have reported significant user growth during the pandemic.

Focus on K-12 Education

Data gathered from EdTech startups indicate a greater focus on K-12 education than other grade levels. Approximately 70% of the startups target specific grade levels, while 30% do not. These startups have catered to thousands of students across the country, with some working with NGOs and schools, covering 2% of the total number of educational institutions in Pakistan.

Key EdTech Startups in Pakistan & Their Offerings

Leading Startups

Several startups are leveraging technology to build distance learning solutions, increasing accessibility and affordability. Notable examples include:

• Edkasa: Offers virtual classes and access to over 800 free STEM learning videos.
• Knowledge Platform: Provides services to over 1500 schools globally and focuses on economically marginalized students.
• Taleemabad Learning App by Orenda: Engages learners with a cartoon-based mobile app to teach the national curriculum.
• Muse by Sabaq: Improves student engagement and learning outcomes for grades K-5.
• Dot&Line: Offers online classes for grades 2-7.
• Queno: Manages class activities and updates parents on their children’s progress through their app.

These startups have also contributed content to the government’s Teleschool program, highlighting the importance of long-term partnerships with the government.

Investment Landscape

Impact of COVID-19 on EdTech Investment

The pandemic has increased demand for online learning solutions, leading to significant growth for EdTech startups. A study by Invest2Innovate revealed that 54% of EdTech startups expected to raise funding despite the pandemic, with most reporting growth in users and usage.

Comparison with Other Regions

Deal flow data shows that Pakistani EdTech startups have raised a total of USD 2.65 million in eight deals. In comparison, Chinese EdTech startups have raised substantial amounts, with investments ranging from $140 million to $350 million. Indian and Indonesian startups have also raised significant funds, with BYJU’s and Ruangguru standing out. In the Middle East, Noon Academy and Almentor raised $8.6 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the growth, there are more startups seeking investment than available capital. EdTech startups in Pakistan might benefit from looking to the Middle East for investment opportunities. The global trend shows increasing capital concentrated in fewer deals, highlighting the need for larger late-stage funding rounds.

Barriers to Scale

Infrastructure and Technology

A major obstacle for scaling EdTech in Pakistan is the lack of robust infrastructure and technology. To scale effectively, startups need both good content and robust technology. This includes basic electricity, telecommunications infrastructure, internet access, and EdTech hardware access.

Human Capacity and Ecosystem Approach

Partnerships with the government, universities, policymakers, NGOs, and other stakeholders are crucial for scaling EdTech solutions. A true ecosystem approach will transition the focus from product-oriented to systems-oriented, fueling local innovation and supporting digital learning solutions.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for digital transformation in education. While Pakistani EdTech startups have made significant strides, addressing infrastructure, human capacity, and investment challenges will be key to achieving scale and creating a sustainable impact on the education landscape.