The June edition of EdTech Mondays on Citi FM featured another enriching discussion—this time centered on the theme: “Teachers in the Tech Era: Training Educators for Digital Success.” As always, the conversation was expertly moderated by Bernard Avle and powered by MEST Africa, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

This month’s episode spotlighted one of the most critical players in the future of education—the teacher—and explored how we can better equip and support educators in an increasingly digital learning environment.

In many ways, technology in education is no longer a vision for the future; it’s a reality of the present. Classrooms are evolving, students are interacting with content in new ways, and digital tools—ranging from learning management systems to AI-powered platforms—are becoming integral to the learning process.

Yet, while much of the EdTech conversation tends to focus on learners and digital platforms, the role of the teacher remains central. As one speaker aptly put it during the show, “If we’re reimagining education for a digital world, then we must reimagine how we train and empower the ones leading the classroom.”

The episode featured insightful contributions from a diverse panel of education and technology professionals:

Anyele Perbi, Founder and CEO of Perbi Cubs

Richard Anim, CEO of Coral Reef Innovation Hub Ghana

William Pious Akakpo, experienced educator and digital skills advocate

Edward Akani, Partnerships Lead at ALX Ghana

Anyele Perbi brought a deeply practical and empathetic lens to the conversation, sharing how Perbi Cubs has trained educators to make reading more interactive and tech-enabled, particularly for early learners.

She emphasized, “Digital tools shouldn’t replace teachers; they should equip them.” Her work demonstrates how simple, cost-effective interventions can dramatically improve literacy outcomes when educators are empowered with the right tools and mindset.

Richard Anim echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of structured teacher training and ongoing support. He stressed the need for capacity-building initiatives that “meet teachers where they are,” noting that while the appetite for technology is growing, success hinges on giving educators the time and tools to adapt effectively.

“We can’t just introduce new tools into schools and expect instant success,” he said. “Teacher onboarding is where success starts.”

William Pious Akakpo offered a perspective grounded in classroom experience.

He highlighted that many teachers are eager to embrace digital tools but often lack the infrastructure and digital literacy required to use them confidently. His takeaway: “We need to demystify technology for teachers. Make it approachable, make it relevant, and make it stick.”

From a workforce development standpoint, Edward Akani added valuable insights. Representing ALX Ghana, he emphasized that digital training for educators is not only about improving teaching—it’s also about aligning education with the future of work.

“If we want to prepare students for tomorrow’s jobs, we need educators who are trained to deliver those skills today,” he said. ALX’s project-based training model starts with upskilling teachers to drive this transformation.

Across the board, panelists agreed: teacher training must go beyond one-off workshops. It should be continuous, collaborative, and tailored to context. They emphasized that EdTech solutions must be inclusive—designed not just for elite institutions or urban centers, but also for underserved and rural communities.

The discussion also touched on systemic challenges, including funding, policy alignment, and the vital role of public-private partnerships. Once again, the Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to inclusive, scalable EdTech initiatives across Africa was cited as a model for sustainable change.

The EdTech Mondays platform continues to serve as an important space for these cross-sector conversations to unfold.

As the show concluded, one thing was clear: this isn’t just a technical conversation—it’s a human one. Teachers are not merely content deliverers; they are mentors, motivators, and the heartbeat of education systems.

If we’re serious about transforming education through technology, we must be just as committed to supporting those who make learning possible every day.

If you missed the live broadcast, you can catch the full episode on MEST Africa’s YouTube or Facebook page.

Stay tuned for the July edition of EdTech Mondays—it promises to be just as inspiring as we continue to reimagine learning across the continent.