Coding in schools across Africa: where we are and where we're going

Coding is moving from after-school clubs into the classroom. Several African countries have introduced coding, robotics or computational thinking into national curricula, and many more are planning to.

Why coding

• builds logical thinking and problem solving;
• prepares learners for digital jobs;
• supports innovation and entrepreneurship.

What is working

• starting with logic and puzzles before typing code;
• linking coding to robotics and real problems;
• clubs and competitions that motivate learners;
• teacher training programmes.

The challenges

• shortage of teachers trained in computer science;
• limited devices and connectivity;
• crowded curricula.

Unplugged and virtual

Coding can start without computers, through unplugged activities, and continue with virtual tools that need only a browser.

Logitarium and Robot design

Logitarium teaches sequences, loops and conditions through puzzles. The Robot design lab applies those ideas to building and programming robots.

Competitions

Logic and robot-design competitions give learners goals and recognition. VR Labs runs robot-design tournaments, with new logic competitions coming.

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