By Niall McNulty, AI Product & Innovation Leader, Cambridge University Press & Assessment

The opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI) offer African teachers and students are immense; the AI education market in the Middle East and Africa is projected to hit $1.7 billion by 2030.

Yet in Sub-Saharan Africa, where student–teacher ratios can reach 50:1 and many children still lack access to quality learning resources, the need for innovative solutions is urgent.

What excites me most about AI in African education is the potential to address persistent inequalities in ways that haven’t been possible before.

For too long, students in under-resourced schools have had fewer opportunities simply because their teachers lacked access to support, materials, or professional development.

AI can change this dynamic fundamentally, making world-class support accessible even in the most remote classrooms.

Across Africa, AI has the potential to drive change in schools, but only if it is shaped to fit the realities of African classrooms, rather than forcing classrooms to adapt to the technology.

The real promise lies in AI’s power to personalise learning at scale, helping teachers meet the needs of every student in classes that are often large and diverse.

When AI is guided by local priorities, cultural context and teacher expertise, it stops being a futuristic add-on and becomes a practical ally.

The challenges

Three obstacles stand out most clearly from our work across the continent.

Connectivity remains a major challenge across much of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Teachers want to use AI tools but can't always access them when they need them most.

That means that classroom tools need to have offline capabilities, such as pre-generated material, and tools need to work effectively with intermittent internet connections.

Language barriers present another complexity. While many teachers are comfortable teaching in English, this is not their students mother tongue and they often need to explain concepts in local languages.

We're working on multilingual capabilities through researching the African language capabilities of leading AI chatbots, but this remains an ongoing challenge that requires careful cultural and linguistic adaptation.

Perhaps most importantly, we're hearing that teachers want more time to explore and experiment with AI tools.

The demanding nature of teaching, particularly in resource-constrained environments, means that many educators struggle to find space for learning new technologies. 

If adoption is to succeed, professional development and time allowances must be built into the process from the start.

Making AI familiar

The beauty of AI integration in education lies not in expensive hardware or complex software, but in leveraging the tools teachers already have access to.

Through our work across Sub-Saharan Africa, we've discovered that the most practical entry point is often the smartphone in a teacher's pocket.

Our WhatsApp teacher support AI chatbot project in South Africa demonstrates this perfectly.

Teachers are already comfortable with WhatsApp; they understand how to send messages, and they can access support instantly without needing new apps or training on unfamiliar platforms.

When a teacher in a rural classroom needs help differentiating a lesson for mixed-ability learners or wants quick feedback on a lesson plan, they can simply message our AI assistant and receive immediate, contextualised support.

This approach works because it builds on existing digital behaviours rather than requiring teachers to learn entirely new systems. We've found that teachers who start with familiar interfaces, such as WhatsApp, develop confidence that naturally extends to other AI tools over time.

Empowering educators as architects of learning

At Cambridge, we believe the power of AI in education lies in a human-centred approach that starts "where teachers are," respecting their agency and empowering them as architects of learning, not just consumers of technology.

It is this human-centred approach that is key to helping students navigate change and use technology effectively.

A recent Cambridge report, ‘Preparing learners to thrive in a changing world’, which captures the views of nearly 7,000 teachers and students across 150 countries, shows that while technology is widely embraced to support teaching and learning, over a third of teachers surveyed (34%) selected over-reliance on technology as the greatest challenge that technology might pose in preparing students for the future.

In this age of AI, we believe that it is essential for students to develop a solid foundation of subject knowledge to help them interpret information critically and effectively.

This insight is one reason we are especially focused on helping African education systems avoid the challenges other regions have faced with technology adoption.

Our approach emphasises teacher training, infrastructure readiness, and gradual implementation, rather than rapid, large-scale deployments that too often fail to deliver their intended outcomes.

We've structured our Getting Started with AI in the Classroom guide around practical scenarios that teachers encounter daily and our professional development programme for STEM teachers exemplifies this philosophy too.

Rather than starting with "here's how to use this AI tool”, we begin with "here's how AI can solve real problems you face in your classroom”.

Teachers learn to evaluate AI outputs critically, asking questions like: Does this explanation match my students' cultural context? Are there biases in the examples provided? How can I adapt this suggestion to fit my teaching style?

A future built for teachers

Teachers in Africa are incredibly creative and adaptable, and we’re starting to see them use AI in ways that we never anticipated.

They're adapting tools to local languages, incorporating traditional knowledge systems, and developing approaches that reflect their deep understanding of their communities.

This innovation from the ground up suggests that AI integration in African classrooms will look quite different from implementations in other parts of the world, and that's exactly as it should be.

Our vision is AI that helps preserve what's best about African education while addressing its most persistent challenges.

This means supporting the strong relationships between teachers and students, the collaborative learning approaches, and the community connections that characterise many African classrooms, while using AI to reduce administrative burden, enhance personalisation and provide teachers with better support.

To make this vision real, three things are essential: deeper investment in teacher training, stronger collaboration with ministries and local tech innovators, and sustained infrastructure development to bridge connectivity gaps.

Ultimately, I'm excited about a future where every African student has access to excellent education, supported by teachers who feel confident, well-resourced and professionally fulfilled.

AI won't create this future by itself, but it can be a powerful tool in the hands of dedicated educators working toward that goal.

Nissan Africa’s best dealers from across sub-Saharan Africa are Anciens Comptoirs Ries of Djibouti in the Small National Sales Company of the Year category, Motus Zambia as the best Medium National Sales Company of the Year and Japan Motors in Ghana as the best Large National Sales Company of the Year.

The Nissan NIMA Ignition Awards 2024 recognises the dealerships and teams who delivered exceptional customer service and product support, while setting new benchmarks across Africa.

The award is separate from the dealer of the year awards for Nissan North Africa and Nissan South Africa.

“Our extensive dealer network forms the backbone of our operations in each of the 54 countries where Nissan operates across the continent,” says Jordi Villa, President of Nissan Africa. “They are the face of Nissan, delivering on our promise of providing reliable, quality, innovative and accessible products and services, no matter where you are.

“These awards are testament to our commitment to the African continent as we target significant growth through a strong sales and support network, as well as a versatile product range that includes award-winning models like the Nissan NAVARA, Nissan X-TRAIL, Nissan MAGNITE and the Nissan PATROL"

Nissan Africa is continuing to build its product portfolio locally, making it more relevant, and more aspirational.

"As one of the world’s youngest and fastest-growing regions, Africa’s middle class is expanding, and mobility is one of the driving forces of this growth. I believe Nissan has the right partners to build on the brand’s success on the continent and to expand it even further,” says Villa.

“We celebrate each Nissan representative who goes the extra mile every day to bring our customers only the best service and support. Together with our partners, we are looking forward to a promising future.”

Nissan NIMA Ignition Awards 2024

Customer Satisfaction: Sales

Motorcare Limited – Uganda

Customer Satisfaction: Service

Motorcare Limited – Uganda

Customer Satisfaction: Overall

Motorcare Limited – Uganda

Aftersales NSC of the Year: Small

Anciens Comptoirs Ries – Djibouti

Aftersales NSC of the Year: Medium

Japan Motors – Mali

Aftersales NSC of the Year: Large

Japan Motors Trading Company – Ghana

Sales NSC of the Year: Small

Anciens Comptoirs Ries – Djibouti

Sales NSC of the Year: Medium

Japan Motors – Togo

Sales NSC of the Year: Large

Japan Motors Trading Company – Ghana

Mombasa based Bandari FC has parted ways with its head coach, Ken Odbiambo.

Thiss comes just two days after the Dockers lost to Shabana Fc at home ground, Mbaraki Stadium.

Announcing the news on Tuesday, Bandari Chief Executive Officer, Tony Kibwana, said they have appointed  John Baraza, as head coach on an interim basis.

“Bandari Football Club has, with immediate effect, appointed Mr. John Baraza as the interim head coach. Mr. Baraza has been serving as the assistant coach of the club and will now take charge of the team until a permanent head coach is appointed,” the statement read.

The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has announced the appointment of Linda Bach as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

In a statement on Monday, September 29, KEG President Zubeidah Kananu said Bach, who officially assumes office on October 16, 2025, will take over from Rosalia Omungo, who has served as CEO for the past eight years.

"We are pleased to announce the appointment of Linda Bach as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kenya Editors Guild, effective October 16, 2025." reads the statement.

Kananu expressed confidence in Bach’s ability to lead the organization into its next chapter. 

"Linda brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, and we are confident that her leadership will drive the organisation forward," 

In news structural changes within KEG’s Executive Council, Andy Kagwa of Standard Group will assume the role of council member print.

Millicent Awuor has been appointed as chairperson of the Programmes Committee, a role previously held by Bach.

"Linda's appointment as CEO will necessitate her stepping down from her current position as Council Member print on the Executive Council. As per the KEG constitution (Article VI clause 6), the EC has appointed Andy Kagwa of Standard Group to that position. 

"Similarly, the EC has appointed Millicent Awuor as chairperson of the Programmes Committee, replacing Linda," the statement added.

Over the weekend, Waridi Foundation successfully hosted the 4th edition of the annual Lamu7s Rugby Tournament, continuing its mission to nurture sporting talent, promote sustainable tourism, and empower the youth of Lamu County.

The tournament attracted 12 registered teams, though 4 teams – Lamu7s, Mpeketoni Girls Rugby Team, Young Cubs Mpeketoni, and Malindi Turtles – competed due to logistical challenges. Malindi Turtles emerged victorious with a 12–0 win, defending their record as the most decorated champions in Waridi Foundation tournaments.

In a move to reward participation and nurture talent, the winners received Ksh. 20,000, while the other teams were awarded Ksh. 5,000 each.

This marked a shift from previous editions where only the winning team received a cash prize. The tournament, held at Tiger Ground, Lamu County, drew over 1,000 spectators, highlighting the growing passion for rugby in Lamu.

The event was graced by Lamu Deputy Governor Dr. Mubarak Bahjaj who pledged to support Lamu rugby clubs with jerseys and equipment.

Coinciding with World Tourism Day, the Lamu7s embraced the theme “Sustainable Tourism” through the Plant & Play initiative, where players and partners planted 5,000 mangroves along Lamu beaches, led a town clean-up initiative and promoted Lamu’s mainland and island tourism, including Pangani Forest, Lake Kenyatta, and the county’s 126+ bird species

Waridi Foundation founder and Women Representative aspirant for Lamu County , Jenniffer Waridi, noted:

"Lamu is a one-stop destination: from the island’s sandy beaches to the mainland’s wildlife and eco-tourism gems. Lamu7s blends sport, sustainability, and tourism to create opportunities for our youth.”

Launched in 2017 when Waridi was Miss Tourism Kenya – Lamu County, the Lamu7s Rugby Tournament has grown into a platform for youth empowerment, talent development, and the promotion of underrepresented sports in Kenya.

The tournament usually takes place at Tiger Ground, Mpeketoni, while Lamu Beach Rugby is held at Wiyoni, Lamu Island, showcasing sports tourism.

The next beach edition is scheduled for November 2025, featuring collaborations with Safaricom 7s, which helps expose local players to broader opportunities under Waridi Foundation’s sponsorship.

The Male Members of Parliament have been challenged to accelerate their support for Women MPs in advancing gender equity and strengthening governance structures.

In a meeting convened by the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) and the Institute of Public Finance (IPF), Male MPs were asked to embrace the allyship to Women MPs and address gender gaps whilst promoting women's legislative priorities.

The Lawmakers were equally called upon to leverage on their power that they have to challenge gender biases and strengthen stereotypes, build legitimacy for gender issues and use their influence to amplify women's voices. 

Speaking at the meeting, Marakwet West MP Hon. Timothy Toroitich urged KEWOPA and IPF to hold a robust engagement with the rest of Parliamentarians and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), noting that many leaders still misunderstand gender issues.

"A majority of MPs don't understand what gender means. Even during the election period, women are told the Constituency and Senator seats are for men and that theirs is the Woman Representative seat," Hon. Toroitich said.

Lauding the initiative on Male MPs empowerment on gender issues, Mukurweini MP Hon. John Kaguchia dispelled the misconceptions about KEWOPA.

"These interactions are enlightening. We thought KEWOPA cripples men, but now we are enriched. Train more male MPs if possible," Hon. Kaguchia said.

Other MPs also voiced their views during the meeting. Kesses MP Hon. Julius Ruto asked Women Leaders to reciprocate on support for Male MPs.

"Girls are now coming out strong. I feel the discussions about gender should come out in all aspects," Hon. Ruto said.

Tharaka Nithi County MP Hon. Susan Ndunge asked Male MPs to always support the Women agenda. 

"We don't need more justification to empower women. We want sincere support by male MPs," Hon. Ndunge said.

Supporting Women empowerment, Naivasha MP Hon. Jayne Kihara asked the conveners of the meeting to extend trainings to more women at the grass root level.

"An empowered woman empowers the whole world. Assuming you train 50 women in Naivasha, these women will empower more women. Women are the ones who run the economy of this country, and so they need to know where we are coming from including matters budget," Hon. Kihara said.

Supporting Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) initiatives, Mwea MP Hon. Mary Maingi asked legislators to pick on areas that demand economic intervention for women and empower them.

Speaking of targeted engagement, Bungoma County MP Hon. Catherine Wambilianga called on facilitators to sensitize more women especially and bring them on board so as to champion the women's agenda with ease.

"We need to speak for each other. For instance, the funding allocated to County MPs is a mockery. Being allocated Ksh. 6M to run programs in each constituency is technically chaotic," Hon. Wambilianga said. 

Teso South MP Hon. Mary Emaase praised KEWOPA and IPF for the continuous trainings on capacity building.

"The trainings have impacted positively on the legislators. Train more male MPs for sustained impact to help demystify gender issues," Hon. Emaase said.

She added, "Having interacted with female MCAs in most counties, they feel KEWOPA should be expanded to accommodate them so that they may benefit from the trainings as well". 

Reflecting on the journey that KEWOPA and IPF has had, Ms. Mercy Mwangi, KEWOPA Executive Director, challenged both the Male and Women MPs to articulate gender issues in their campaigns.

"Are you incorporating gender issues in your campaign Manifestos? When talking to Women, do you just campaign or also push for the women's agenda?" Ms. Mwangi posed.

On her part, IPF's Programme Officer Ms. Victoria Wausi affirmed the vital role of a woman in leadership.

"From our research analysis, it has been demonstrated that Women leadership is a driver for fiscal and policy reforms," Ms. Wausi said.

Other Members of Parliament present in the meeting were: Baringo County MP. Hon. Jematiah Sergon, Nandi Hills MP Hon. Bernard Kitur, Moiben MP Hon. Phylis Bartoo, Mandera County MP Hon. Umul Ker Kassim, Ol Jororok MP Hon. Michael Machira, Kitui West MP Hon. Edith Nyenze and Yatta MP Hon. Basil Ngui.

Also present were Kenya Young Parliamentary Association CEO Mr. Anthony Buluma and Gender Mainstreaming Consultant, Mr. Anyona Gichuru.

A bold new short film series, Nya Uriri (Pek Chi Liel) – The Widow’s Burden, has been released and is already generating a buzz across Kenyan social media.

Blending satire, humor, and hard-hitting truths, the project tackles the controversial subject of widow inheritance and women’s economic empowerment in African culture.

The story unfolds during the funeral of a young man where grief quickly gives way to chaos as brothers, uncles, and mourners fight openly over the future of the widow and her children.

Inheritance, gender roles, and cultural traditions clash in a heated mix of drama and comedy that has left audiences both laughing and reflecting.

The video is also accompanied by a catchy soundtrack by Gabiro Mtu Necessary, crafted in a humorous Luo-English blend that perfectly matches the satire and energy of the series.

The production brings together an impressive cast and crew:

Actress Phelicia as the widow “Nya Uriri”

Ogutu Frank as Bongisa

Raazy Junior as Otiato

Gabiro Mtu Necessary as Obuogo, the scholar

Professor Aduol as Mang’ang’a

Savallah as Okong’o

Blakangel as the Elder

The film was written by Grammy-recognized musician and comedian Gabiro Mtu Necessary and directed by Valentine Chelluegt, with cinematography by Gold Silver, and music by Blakangel.

Executive produced by Gabriel “Gabiro” Washington, the project reflects a collective effort to bring gender-equitable storytelling to the forefront.

"This is not just a story about a widow—it’s about all of us,” explains Gabiro

“We wanted to capture the humor, the tension, and the resilience that defines our communities when culture and modernity collide.”

Since its release, the video has gained strong traction on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, with viewers applauding the cast’s powerful performances and the project’s bold engagement with cultural taboos.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has handed over fish value-addition equipment, including cold chain facilities, fish processing, and vending equipment to the Diani Pastors’ Fellowship Self-Help Group in Ukunda Ward, Msambweni Sub-County.

The equipment includes freezers, chillers, cooler boxes, energy-saving cooking jikos, frying pans, display boxes, solar-powered systems, lamps, and umbrellas, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses, increase incomes for fishermen, and improve access to markets.

This support is part of a project by the County Government of Kwale through the Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-economic Development (KEMFSED) Project, funded by the World Bank.

Speaking during the event, Governor Achani said the equipment will not only improve the quality of fish products but also create job opportunities, especially for youth and women.

“This is not just an investment in equipment; it’s an investment in our people, especially our women and youths. By reducing fish waste and adding value to what we produce, we are building better livelihoods and growing the coastal economy,” said Governor Achani.

She also restated her administration’s commitment to growing the fisheries sector in Kwale.

"Our coastal communities have great untapped potential. By promoting sustainable fishing and providing modern tools, we can improve many lives and grow the blue economy,” she added.

Achani expressed her gratitude to President William Ruto's administration, noting that the implementation of the State Department of Blue Economy has helped in changing the livelihood of the residents.

Under the KEMFSED project, Kwale County has already distributed 48 modern fishing boats, 8 eco-tourism boats, and 6 seaweed farming boats to support the local blue economy.

Each boat comes fully equipped with fishing gear, safety tools, GPS, and fish finders to help fishermen work more safely and effectively.

The County has also built nine modern fish landing sites in areas like Shimoni, Vanga, Gasi, Chale, and Tsunza. These sites include cold storage and proper handling facilities to keep fish fresh and reduce losses after harvesting.

Chairman of the Diani Pastors, Danny Nganyi, thanked the County for the support stating that the project will enable them enhance their livelihood.

"This support means a lot to us. With proper storage and processing equipment, we can now sell our fish at better prices and reduce the waste we used to experience,” said Nganyi. 

This distribution marks an important step in empowering coastal communities and strengthening the local economy.

With continued support and responsible use of the equipment, the people of Kwale have a great opportunity to improve their livelihoods and build a more sustainable future.

Mombasa County has officially launched celebrations to mark World Tourism Week, drawing stakeholders from across the hospitality and travel industry.

The event aims to showcase the county’s rich cultural heritage, scenic coastline, and unique attractions that continue to position Mombasa as one of Kenya’s premier tourist destinations.

Speaking during a media briefing, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir  emphasized the importance of tourism as a key driver of Mombasa’s economy, creating jobs and boosting investment opportunities. 

Nassir reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to working with industry players to promote sustainable tourism and ensure Mombasa remains a top choice for both domestic and international visitors.

"This is an opportunity for us to promote our county and the tourism sector. We have seen an increase in number of tourists but that does mean we have reached the peak, we still have the potential and need to do more" said Nassir.

Adding " Good news is Fly Dubai is increaisng its daily flights to Mombasa. We expect more flights to land in Mombasa with more visitors and tourists"

With this year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the global tourism festival will position Mombasa as a leading destination for eco-friendly travel, cultural heritage, and coastal tourism experiences.

The County Government of Mombasa, through the Mombasa Tourism Council (MTC), has lined up an exciting programme starting September 25.

On the 26th September, a festival dubbed FishMish will be held at the Mama Ngina Waterfront. FishMish is a portmanteau of Fish and Mishkaki. It will showcase Mombasa’s rich food heritage.

World Tourism Day will kick off with a procession that will start at the iconic Elephant Tusks along Moi Avenue and end at the Mama Ngina Waterfront. Participants will plant trees at the Uhuru Garden.

Mombasa detectives have finally arrested Abdallah Suleiman, aka Asuu, a notorious drink-spiker who has been on the police radar for a while. 

Detectives have been on his trail after a series of stupefying and stealing cases were reported at Mombasa Central Police Station. 

"Asuu is the mastermind behind drugging unsuspecting passengers travelling to Mombasa, Kisumu, Tanzania and beyond, then robbing them of their hard-earned cash and valuables while they snooze." reads a statement from DCIoze.

Adding "But his luck ran out at the Mariakani Weighbridge, where sharp-eyed detectives boarded a Nairobi-bound bus and ended his drugged-up heist spree. Inside his bag of tricks, detectives found Lorivan 2 tablets, soft drinks, and snacks believed to be laced with sedatives, all ready for his next unsuspecting victims."