iSchoolAfrica

What iSchoolAfrica does

iSchoolAfrica Education Trust is a South African non-profit founded in 2009 and headquartered in Johannesburg that deploys Apple iPad-based mobile learning labs to under-resourced schools and vulnerable communities across all nine provinces of South Africa. The organization operates six interconnected programmes (Early Learning, Numeracy and Literacy, Disability and Inclusion, Coding and Robotics, Media Change Makers, and Hospital School), each delivering a mobile lab of 20 preloaded iPads aligned to the CAPS curriculum, accompanied by SACE-endorsed teacher training, dedicated facilitators and ongoing monitoring. Core technology components include Apple's Everyone Can Code Curriculum and the onebillion numeracy platform, for which iSchoolAfrica holds exclusive South African distribution rights; the Inclusion programme additionally provides specialized accessibility tools for learners with autism, visual and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, dyslexia and motor disabilities, and is anchored by the first globally recognized special needs Apple Distinguished School (Dorothea, 2023).

The trust serves four principal customer segments: under-resourced mainstream schools (350+ across 9 provinces), special needs schools (36), paediatric hospital patients (9 hospitals), and rural/township youth. Its go-to-market is event- and partnership-driven: iSchoolAfrica does not sell to schools directly but is funded and deployed by corporate sponsors (Growthpoint, iStore, Sasol, FNB, SAB Foundation, Kolisi Foundation, Cheslin Kolbe Foundation, Bank of America, Mix Telematics) and government departments (Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development), with individual donations processed via PayFast, SnapScan and bank transfer. The organization monetizes through tax-deductible corporate and individual donations under Section 18A of the South African Income Tax Act, leverages its Level 1 BBBEE contributor status in the SED category to attract corporate social investment, and offers employee volunteer and co-branding programs as part of partnership packages. Notable operational scale includes 120,000+ cumulative learners impacted, 3,000+ trained teachers, 200+ rural youth facilitators, and a reported 15% average increase in numeracy and literacy outcomes across participating schools.

Name

iSchoolAfrica

Legal name

iSchoolAfrica Education Trust

Website

https://ischoolafrica.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

iSchoolAfrica Education Trust is a South African non-profit founded in 2009 that deploys Apple iPad-based mobile learning labs, CAPS-aligned apps, and teacher training to under-resourced schools, special needs schools, and paediatric hospitals across all nine provinces of South Africa, funded through corporate sponsorships and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Educational Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (61171), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Learning Device Ecosystems & 1:1 Program Solutions (Devices, MDM, Charging) (EDAJAMAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Literacy & Reading Intervention Technology (EDAJAMAF), Education Tablets (HDACAMAC), Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC), Education Access & Quality (International Development) (BPAGABAE), Instructional Delivery & Pedagogy (School-Led) (EDAJAFAB)

Keywords

• Digital education programs
• Special needs education
• Mobile iPad labs
• Numeracy and literacy
• Coding and robotics

Headquarters

HQ city

Johannesburg

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate Donations and Sponsorships: Corporate partners sponsor specific programs, coding centers, or school deployments. iSchoolAfrica offers Level 1 BBBEE contributor SED category, Section 18A tax donation letters, and branding opportunities for partners.
2. Individual Donations: Individual donors can contribute through PayFast instant EFT, bank transfers, SnapScan, or request Section 18A certificates for tax purposes in South Africa.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

iSchoolAfrica delivers technology-enhanced educational programmes to under-resourced schools in South Africa through managed mobile iPad labs preloaded with CAPS-aligned applications. The organization operates six core programmes spanning Early Learning, Numeracy and Literacy, Disability and Inclusion, Coding and Robotics, Media Change Makers, and Hospital School education, complete with teacher training, dedicated facilitators, and impact monitoring.

Product overview

iSchoolAfrica is an educational trust delivering technology-enhanced learning programmes across South African schools through a mobile iPad lab model. The core offering consists of five interconnected programmes: Early Learning (pre-school/Grade R), Numeracy and Literacy (primary school foundation skills), Disability and Inclusion (special needs across 36 schools), Coding and Robotics (STEAM skills using Apple's Everyone Can Code curriculum), and Media Change Makers (youth media and storytelling). Each school receives a secure mobile lab of 20 iPads preloaded with curriculum-aligned apps, along with teacher training, ongoing support, and impact monitoring. The programmes address South African educational challenges including literacy crises (81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning), numeracy deficiencies, and digital skills gaps, while ensuring inclusion for learners with disabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Early Learning Programme Pre-school and Grade R programme for young learners in under-resourced communities, delivering cognitive and social development through interactive iPad activities aligned with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and CAPS. Designed for foundation phase and ECD centres seeking structured digital early learning.
• Numeracy and Literacy Programme Primary school programme using iPads and adaptive learning apps to improve foundational numeracy and literacy skills aligned with the South African CAPS curriculum. Delivered through an exclusive partnership with the onebillion programme for primary schools; reported to yield an average 15% improvement in numeracy and literacy outcomes.
• Disability and Inclusion Programme Comprehensive special needs education programme for learners with disabilities including autism, blind/low-vision, deaf/hard-of-hearing, cerebral palsy, dyslexia, and motor functionality differences. Provides specialised apps, assistive technology, and teacher training across 36 special schools in South Africa; underpinned by the world's first Apple Distinguished School recognition for special needs (Dorothea Special School).
• Coding and Robotics Programme STEAM programme introducing learners to coding, app design, and robotics through Apple's Everyone Can Code Curriculum. Offered as coding centres, after-school clubs, and inclusive coding for learners with disabilities (e.g., the Deaf Developers cohort with SAB Foundation and Core Group).
• Media Change Makers Programme Youth media and storytelling programme equipping high school learners with tools and skills to create impactful video content and social media campaigns addressing community issues. Includes the award-winning #GirlSafe campaign; bridges learners from school into post-school training and work via partners such as NextUp.
• Hospital School Programme Programme that trains hospital school teachers and provides iPads with curriculum-aligned and emotional support applications to paediatric in-patients in 9 hospitals across South Africa, in partnership with CHOC (Children's Haematology Oncology Clinics) and Netcare. Ensures educational continuity and emotional well-being for hospitalised children.

Quantifiable outcome

• Average 15% increase in numeracy and literacy results across iSchoolAfrica schools
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• iStorecoreStrategic or Co-development PartneriStore is a premium partner providing Apple products and technology solutions. Together they bring iPad learning programmes to schools, including Siya Kolisi's school and Cheslin Kolbe Foundation partnerships.
• Growthpoint PropertiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrowthpoint Properties partners through their Growsmart initiative, reaching more than 2,600 learners. They provide corporate social responsibility support and employee volunteer programmes.
• Kolisi FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Kolisi Foundation, founded by Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, partners to bring iPad learning programmes to Emsengeni Primary School in his hometown.
• SAB FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAB Foundation supports the Deaf Developers Programme, helping Deaf youth acquire app development skills for employment in the technology sector.
• Cheslin Kolbe FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Cheslin Kolbe Foundation and iStore bring iSchoolAfrica to Petunia Primary School in Kraaifontein, supporting local learners with technology access.
• Core GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCore Group is a long-standing partner in implementing educational technology programmes, including the Deaf Developers Programme.
• Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to reach rural schools addresses the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality in South African communities.
• Trevor Noah FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Trevor Noah Foundation partners to support educational initiatives for under-resourced communities in South Africa.
• CHOCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCHOC (Children's Haematology Oncology Clinics) partners to support children affected by cancer with educational and digital therapeutic tools.
• NetcareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetcare supports the Hospital School Programme, helping paediatric patients continue their education during hospitalisation.
• iressminorStrategic or Co-development Partneriress provides support for educational technology initiatives in under-resourced schools.
• FNB (First National Bank)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFNB supports educational programmes as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• SasolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSasol supports educational technology initiatives as part of their BBBEE and social development programmes.
• Panarottis Pizza & PastaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPanarottis sponsors the Coding Futures Programme, implementing iPad labs, coding software, robotics, and teacher training in Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga.
• Wired4Women Awards / ITWeb BrainstormminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with Wired4Women Tech Forum and ITWeb Brainstorm for STEM education initiatives, introducing girls to coding and app development.
• VSO InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVSO International chose iPad for reliability, emphasizing value for money in supporting educational programmes.
• onebillioncoreTechnology or IntegrationiSchoolAfrica is the exclusive South African partner of the one billion numeracy programme, bringing personalised numeracy and literacy learning to primary schools.
• PEPFAR (US Embassy)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with PEPFAR's DREAMS programme to inspire, train, and mentor girls across South Africa to create #AidsFreeGen call to action films.
• NextUpminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNextUp supports young learners to bridge the transition from high school into post-school training and work through the Media Change Makers programme.
• Save the ChildrenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to support vulnerable children with educational resources and technology access.
• PeermontminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to enhance classroom technology and education practices in 25 Ekurhuleni schools.
• Bank of AmericaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBank of America supports educational technology initiatives as part of corporate social responsibility programmes.
• Mix TelematicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMix Telematics supports educational programmes through corporate partnerships.
• VUMAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVUMA supports educational programmes and digital access initiatives.
• The Wind AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Wind Academy supports youth development and education initiatives.
• GrandslotsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrandslots supports educational programmes through corporate social responsibility.
• EmerisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmeris supports educational technology initiatives.
• SLGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSLG supports educational programmes through partnerships.
• I'm OriginalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerI'm Original supports educational initiatives.
• Bright Sparks Early LearningminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBright Sparks Early Learning supports early childhood education programmes.
• Varsity CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVarsity College supports educational technology and skills development programmes.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Sesame Workshop: Global nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street. Broad incumbent in early childhood and foundational learning — overlaps with iSchoolAfrica's Early Learning and Inclusion programmes but operates at much larger global scale across multiple media formats.
• UNICEF Education: Global UN agency delivering education programmes including digital learning in emergencies. Broad incumbent — operates at far greater scale across the same beneficiary population (under-resourced schools, inclusion, foundational literacy) and frequently co-funds or co-implements with iSchoolAfrica's category of organization.
• Pearson: Global education and publishing company with significant presence in South African CAPS-aligned curriculum content. Broad incumbent — overlaps in curriculum-aligned content delivery and assessment but operates commercially at much greater scale, with K-12 offerings that compete for the same school wallet.

Direct peers

• Worldreader: Nonprofit delivering digital reading content via e-readers and mobile devices in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Direct peer — comparable technology-enabled literacy mission, similar emerging-market school distribution model, and shared funder base.
• Click Foundation: South African nonprofit deploying digital English literacy programs in under-resourced primary schools. Direct peer — same geography, same beneficiary base (under-resourced SA primary schools), and similar model of combining EdTech deployment with teacher training and corporate sponsorship.
• onebillion: UK-based nonprofit behind the onebillion numeracy program — a Global XPrize winner. Direct content partner of iSchoolAfrica and the most directly comparable mission (personalized foundational numeracy and literacy on tablet devices in low-resource settings).
• Camfed: International nonprofit supporting girls' secondary education and young women's leadership across sub-Saharan Africa. Directly comparable in mission (educational equity, donor-funded, sub-Saharan delivery, school-level teacher training) and beneficiary overlap with iSchoolAfrica's rural and township programmes.
• Pratham: One of the largest NGOs globally focused on literacy and numeracy in under-resourced communities. Most comparable international peer in mission (foundational learning outcomes at scale), curriculum design, and donor-funded deployment model.

Emerging players

• Educate!: Nonprofit focused on youth skills and employability across East Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda). Emerging peer in the same youth-skills and coding-adjacent space, with comparable government and corporate partnership distribution but on a different continent.

Regional players

• African Leadership Academy: South Africa-based secondary education institution developing African leaders. Regional peer — serves a similar pan-African youth demographic with leadership/coding-adjacent programming, but focuses on a higher-fee boarding model rather than under-resourced school deployment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCtSLoyaxL1IlbB6FbrdhLZQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/ischoolafrica
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ischoolafrica
• Instagraminstagram.com/ischoolafrica_za
• Xx.com/iSchoolAfrica

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about iSchoolAfrica