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Edtech Growth: Enko Education Bags $24M for School Expansion

by Kevin Mwangi December 25, 2025, 3:10 am 41 Views

Enko Education, Africa’s largest International Baccalaureate (IB) school network, secured $24 million in equity funding in January 2025 to expand its reach. The funding, led by Africa Capitalworks (ACW) and supported by Adiwale Fund I, will help the network grow from 7,500 students across 16 schools in 10 countries to 20,000 students by 2029. Enko plans to achieve this by acquiring existing schools and integrating them into its network.

Key Highlights:

Funding Breakdown: $24M led by ACW; Adiwale Fund I participated after earlier investing in 2022.
Growth Strategy: Focus on acquiring schools rather than building new ones.
Impact: Expanding access to affordable, high-quality education with tuition fees 4x lower than other international schools.
Current Reach: Schools in 10 African countries, including Senegal, Togo, and South Africa.
Student Outcomes: Over 1,700 graduates admitted to top global universities like Yale and Sciences Po.

This expansion aims to address Africa’s education gap, where only 9% of students advance to higher education, compared to a 40% global average. Enko’s affordable IB programs and university guidance prepare students for top institutions worldwide, while its growth supports local economies by creating jobs and training teachers.

Enko Education's $24M Expansion: Key Metrics and Growth Targets for African EdTech — Enko Education’s $24M Expansion: Key Metrics and Growth Targets for African EdTech

Funding Details and Growth Plans

Deal Structure and Investor Contributions

Enko Education has secured $24 million in equity funding, bringing together both new and returning investors. Leading the round is Africa Capitalworks (ACW), a first-time backer, while Adiwale Fund I, a €60 million fund, returned after participating in Enko’s $5.8 million Series B round back in June 2022.

This funding round represents a pivotal shift in Enko’s investor lineup. Early investor I&P exited in December 2024 after a nine-year partnership, during which Enko experienced a remarkable 22-fold revenue growth and achieved profitability.

"ACW is committed to supporting Enko Education’s ambitious large-scale buy-and-build strategy. Our investment reflects our goal of backing high-growth, high-impact companies on the continent."

Grégoire Fredet, Partner, Africa Capitalworks

Enko has also enjoyed support from other institutional investors, including Proparco, the Steyn Capital family office, and Liquid Africa. Together, these stakeholders share a vision of consolidating Africa’s fragmented international school market while balancing financial performance with meaningful social contributions.

With this robust investor backing, Enko is well-positioned to execute its ambitious growth plans.

Expansion Targets Through 2029

Enko Education is shifting its focus from launching new schools to acquiring existing ones as part of its strategy to provide accessible, high-quality education. By 2029, the network aims to triple its enrollment from 7,500 to 20,000 students by acquiring schools that align with its "African International School of Choice" model.

This approach has already shown promising results. In May 2024, Enko welcomed École Bilingue Avenir in Senegal into its network. Just two months later, in July 2024, the group expanded into its 10th African country by acquiring Cours Lumière in Lomé, Togo.

"With the investment from ACW and Adiwale, we will focus our strategy on acquisitions to expand our family of schools. Enko Education has become the ideal partner for school owners in Africa who wish to entrust their institutions to a group that respects their vision and legacy while providing the resources needed for growth and success."

Eric Pignot, Co-founder and CEO, Enko Education

This expansion strategy not only strengthens Enko’s existing presence across 10 African countries but also opens doors to new regions with promising growth opportunities.

Geographic Expansion and Market Selection

Current Operations Across Africa

Enko Education operates in 10 sub-Saharan African countries, running 16 international schools that educate 7,500 students. These schools are spread across West Africa (Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Senegal, and Togo), Central Africa (Cameroon), and Southern Africa (Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia).

The journey started back in September 2014 with the launch of Enko’s first school in Cameroon. This school became the first International Baccalaureate (IB)-authorized school in Central Africa, setting the stage for the company’s expansion strategy across the continent. Most recently, in July 2024, Enko expanded into Togo by acquiring Cours Lumière in Lomé, officially marking its presence in its 10th country.

With this solid network in place, Enko is now focused on entering markets with promising growth opportunities.

Market Selection Criteria

Enko’s approach to market selection is guided by its established expansion framework. The company looks for regions with rapid urbanization and a significant lack of quality education options. These areas often feature a growing middle class that is increasingly willing to invest in high-quality schooling for their children.

By 2030, the number of school-age young Africans is expected to reach 750 million, while currently, about 42 million children in sub-Saharan Africa are out of school.

"The continent is experiencing rapid population growth, with 750 million young Africans expected to be of school age by 2030." – Jean-Marc Savi de Tové, Managing Partner, Adiwale Partners

Enko focuses on fragmented private school markets, aiming to consolidate and elevate education under its "African International School of Choice" model. The company conducts detailed market analysis and competitor benchmarking to identify schools that can seamlessly integrate into its network while honoring their unique vision and legacy.

Educational Model and Edtech Integration

International Curricula Programs

Enko Education stands as the largest International Baccalaureate (IB) school network in sub-Saharan Africa. The institution provides a range of globally recognized programs, including the IB Diploma Programme and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), alongside respected national curricula like South Africa’s CAPS. Students also have the option to pursue Cambridge programs, which are acknowledged by over 10,000 institutions worldwide.

"Our IB curricula are the best way to prepare for admission to major universities." – Adzo Ashie, Regional Manager for Africa, International Baccalaureate

According to research, IB students are 40% more likely to gain admission to the top 20 British universities compared to those with other qualifications.

Enko Education supports its students with a dedicated three-year university guidance program, helping them navigate the complexities of international admissions and secure financial aid. This comprehensive approach reflects the institution’s commitment to delivering globally relevant education while broadening its reach across the continent.

Edtech Tools for Learning

Enko integrates technology into its educational approach through the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) – a platform used by esteemed universities like Harvard and Cornell. Lessons, assignments, and exams are centralized on this platform, enabling a seamless learning experience. The schools employ a blended learning model that combines live instruction with self-paced activities, empowering students to progress at their own pace while building essential digital skills. Real-time academic tracking tools further enhance the process, giving teachers immediate insights into student performance and allowing them to tailor their teaching strategies accordingly. By incorporating interactive digital tools, classrooms shift from passive learning environments to spaces of active engagement, fostering better retention and participation.

"We strive to offer purposeful technology-enabled instruction to support academic excellence." – Enko Education

Teacher training is another cornerstone of Enko’s strategy. Through the GEM (Germinating Educational Masters) program, educators are equipped with modern teaching tools and techniques, ensuring they can effectively harness technology to enhance learning outcomes. These efforts contribute directly to the strong academic results achieved by Enko students.

Student Outcomes and University Placements

The results speak for themselves. As of January 2025, more than 1,700 Enko graduates have secured admission to over 500 prestigious universities worldwide. These include renowned institutions like Yale University in the U.S., Sciences Po and École Polytechnique in France, and the University of Toronto in Canada.

Enko’s "Global Wings" approach ensures students graduate not only bilingual but also equipped with key 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy. This well-rounded preparation, combined with affordable tuition fees ranging from $2,100 to $3,300 annually – about four times lower than other international schools in the region – makes high-quality education more accessible for families across Africa.

"With this support, we aim to increase access to quality education for a growing number of learners in Africa and pave the way for their admission to the world’s top universities." – Cyrille Nkontchou, Co-founder and Chairman, Enko Education

Impact on Education and Local Communities

Addressing Education Gaps in Africa

Enko Education tackles a pressing issue: only 9% of African students progress to higher education, compared to a global average of 40%. Overcrowded public schools – where some classrooms hold as many as 150 students – and limited access to globally recognized qualifications are key contributors to this disparity. Enko provides International Baccalaureate (IB) programs at an annual cost of $2,000–$3,200, a fraction of the fees charged by traditional international schools, which often exceed $13,000.

To promote inclusivity, Enko offers scholarships to 10%–20% of its students, focusing on talented individuals from underserved backgrounds. This initiative directly addresses the higher education gap by equipping students with the credentials needed to gain admission to prestigious universities – opportunities that might otherwise remain unattainable for many families. Enko’s plan to grow its student base from 7,000 to 20,000 by 2029 is a significant step toward meeting the rising demand for quality education across the continent.

Job Creation and Economic Benefits

Enko’s impact goes beyond education – it also contributes to local economies. By 2025, the network was expected to employ over 870 teachers, with nearly all positions filled by locally recruited educators rather than costly expatriates. This approach not only reduces expenses but also strengthens local capacity. Additionally, the network’s growth creates jobs in areas such as technology development, content creation, and administrative support.

"Our priority is to invest in teacher training and educational equipment like IT facilities and laboratories, rather than in buildings or luxury sports facilities." – Eric Pignot, Co-founder and CEO, Enko Education

By preparing students for top universities, Enko helps build a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and boosting productivity within local economies. Furthermore, its $24 million investment showcases the scalability of Africa’s private education sector, potentially attracting further investment into EdTech and educational infrastructure across the region.

Policy and Regulatory Alignment

Enko’s growth strategy aligns closely with local policies and regulations. Instead of focusing solely on constructing new schools, the network adopts a "buy-and-build" approach, acquiring existing institutions with established regulatory compliance and community connections. This strategy allows Enko to respect the original vision of these schools while introducing IB accreditation and centralized resources.

"Enko Education has become the ideal partner for school owners in Africa who wish to entrust their institutions to a group that respects their vision and legacy while providing the resources needed for growth and success." – Eric Pignot, Co-founder and CEO, Enko Education

To maintain high standards, Enko prioritizes teacher development. In October 2023, it trained its first cohort of 119 teachers across five West African countries through its JUMP program, equipping them with international teaching practices. This focus on professional growth ensures that Enko schools meet both local and global standards, creating a sustainable model that bridges educational gaps while honoring regional needs and contexts.

Conclusion

In January 2025, Enko Education secured a $24 million equity investment, marking a pivotal move to expand access to quality education across Africa. This funding will fuel an ambitious "buy-and-build" acquisition strategy aimed at unifying the fragmented K-12 education market on the continent. With this plan, Enko aims to triple its student population from around 7,500 to 20,000 by 2029. This effort not only increases access to education but also tackles long-standing academic disparities.

The benefits of this investment go far beyond just increasing enrollment numbers. It opens doors to higher education for students who might otherwise have lacked the opportunity, creating pathways that can change the trajectory of countless families across Africa.

In addition to transforming education, the initiative is expected to bolster local economies. By strengthening educational ecosystems, Enko’s expansion will generate jobs and equip students with skills that contribute to regional development. As the largest network of International Baccalaureate schools in Africa, Enko Education is setting the stage for a new era in education, empowering students to thrive globally while making a lasting impact in their communities.

FAQs

How will Enko Education integrate newly acquired schools into its network?

Enko Education is set to bring newly acquired schools into its fold using a buy-and-build model that aligns with its African International School of Choice framework. These schools will transition to Enko’s International Baccalaureate and Cambridge curricula, while benefiting from centralized resources like teacher training, advanced technology platforms, university placement support, and cost-efficient procurement systems.

While unifying these schools under the Enko brand, the company remains dedicated to preserving the unique vision and legacy of each institution. Enko also plans to invest in upgrading both facilities and operations to ensure a smooth integration process. With $24 million in funding, this strategy aims to broaden Enko’s presence and deliver consistent, high-quality education across the continent.

How will Enko Education’s expansion benefit local communities and economies?

Enko Education’s recent $24 million funding is set to make a big impact on education across Africa. With plans to expand its school network, the organization aims to grow its student population from 7,500 to 20,000 by 2029. This means thousands more children will have access to internationally-aligned education, opening doors to higher education and better opportunities in the future. By incorporating globally recognized curricula like the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge programs, Enko is helping students gain access to top universities around the world, setting them up for success.

Beyond education, this expansion is expected to boost local economies. Building new schools will create jobs in construction, teaching, administration, and facilities management. It will also benefit local businesses, such as those in transportation and food services. With Africa’s youth population growing rapidly, Enko’s initiative addresses a critical need, contributing to both social and economic progress while filling gaps left by under-resourced public education systems.

How is Enko Education helping to close the education gap in Africa?

Enko Education is tackling Africa’s education challenges head-on with a $24 million funding round aimed at expanding access to quality schooling. This funding fuels a "buy-and-build" strategy, enabling the company to acquire and integrate schools across ten countries. Their ambitious plan seeks to grow the student body from 7,500 to 20,000 by 2029.

The schools offer globally recognized curricula like the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge programs, paired with personalized university guidance. These efforts help address a stark reality: only 9% of African students currently enroll in university, compared to a global average of 40%. By bridging this gap, Enko is paving the way for students to gain access to top universities and unlock more opportunities for their future.

What sets Enko apart is its focus on underserved regions. By leveraging private investment, the company tackles infrastructure gaps and meets the needs of Africa’s rapidly growing youth population. This blend of scalable school expansion, high-quality education, and tailored university placement services directly addresses the continent’s pressing demand for better educational access.