Nigerian edtech startup AltSchool Africa is set to make waves in Europe, marking a significant step forward in its mission to bridge the global skills gap. The expansion, which follows the startup’s participation in the SuperCharger Ventures accelerator programme and a government-backed growth accelerator in Malta, highlights AltSchool’s ambition to diversify revenue streams and accelerate growth.
Having trained over 100,000 learners across eight African and twelve European countries, AltSchool has steadily gained global traction since its launch in 2021. With a curriculum that spans engineering, data analytics, business, and the creative economy, the startup has quickly become a leading alternative to traditional higher education.
Europe represents AltSchool’s third-largest market, with learners from more than 12 countries. This new phase will see the startup adopt a hybrid learning model, blending online education with in-person sessions at a new campus in Malta. “Because we’re an alternative school, there are some elements of the actual traditional school that work, and we want to take the best of both sides,” said Rachael Onoja, Head of Innovation and Market Expansion at AltSchool.
Why Malta?
Malta will serve as a central hub for AltSchool’s European operations, offering AI, cybersecurity, and cloud engineering courses in addition to its core curriculum. The startup is already engaging with Malta’s Ministry for Education to secure accreditations and establish collaborations with local universities, organizations, and government agencies. This approach aligns with its goal to provide globally recognized certifications.
“Our mission is to create accessible pathways for individuals to transform their lives and help businesses build the teams they need to innovate and grow,” said CEO Adewale Yusuf. “Expanding to Europe allows us to bring this vision to a region facing its own unique challenges in the workforce.”
Expanding Revenue Streams
AltSchool’s foray into Europe also signals a shift towards enterprise solutions. In addition to its business-to-consumer (B2C) model, the startup is exploring business-to-business (B2B) opportunities by curating tailored training courses for employees and licensing its learning platform to companies. “We noticed that companies across Africa and beyond are reaching out for workforce development support. This presents a significant opportunity to scale,” Onoja explained.
The edtech’s efforts in Europe come on the heels of its Kenyan launch in January 2024 and its establishment of a Rwandan office in 2023. With the UK ranking third in its global user base, AltSchool is well-positioned to strengthen its European footprint.
The Path to Profitability
While competing with established players like Bloomtech, AltSchool aims to differentiate itself through a community-driven approach and personalized learning experiences. Yusuf revealed that the startup is close to profitability and sees the European expansion as a critical driver of future revenue growth.
“Right now, we are partnering with local universities, organizations, and governments to implement aspects of our vision,” Yusuf said. “It takes a village, and we’re committed to creating value at every stage of the learning journey.”
With Malta as a launchpad, AltSchool’s European expansion is poised to redefine tech education and workforce development on a global scale.
