Kenyan edtech startup Eneza Education and Pakistan’s Knowledge Platform have merged to create a groundbreaking African-Asian educational technology venture, headquartered in Singapore. This cross-continental merger, facilitated by GSMA’s Innovation Fund, combines Eneza’s SMS-based learning solutions for underserved African communities with Knowledge Platform’s gamified digital learning tools for Asia. Operating under the Knowledge Platform brand, the newly formed company aims to expand access to quality education across emerging markets, targeting over a million learners.
Wambura Kimunyu, the CEO of Eneza, now serves as the Chief Growth Officer of Knowledge Platform. She emphasized that the merger’s primary goal is to foster inclusive learning by integrating Eneza’s business-to-consumer (B2C) model with Knowledge Platform’s business-to-business (B2B) expertise. “With over three billion young people across emerging markets, this collaboration will fuel education equity for a sustainable future,” said Kimunyu.
Mahboob Mahmood, CEO of Knowledge Platform, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how Eneza’s low-cost, high-impact reach complements their approach to gamified, curriculum-based content. Founded in 2012, Eneza has been a pioneer in mobile-first education, reaching students with limited internet access through SMS technology. This scalable model, now combined with Knowledge Platform’s adaptive learning strategies, positions the merged entity to significantly impact education across East Africa, South Asia, and beyond.
The merger has garnered support from regional telecom giants like Safaricom, which partnered with Eneza on the SMS-based platform “Shupavu 291.” Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Safaricom’s Chief Consumer Business Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the expanded digital learning opportunities across East Africa, underscoring Eneza’s impact on rural education.
Max Cuvellier Giacomelli from GSMA stated that the venture aligns with GSMA’s commitment to digital inclusion, promoting sustainable education across diverse demographics. By combining resources and expertise, the new entity plans to deliver a comprehensive curriculum that includes core subjects and essential skills like digital literacy and problem-solving.
Knowledge Platform’s gamified learning approach aims to bridge educational gaps by engaging young learners with interactive methods. Both Eneza and Knowledge Platform have strong backing from global partners such as UNICEF and Oxford University Press, enabling them to develop culturally relevant and affordable content.
This new venture aspires to deliver transformative educational solutions across Africa and Asia, prioritizing underserved youth and communities in their mission to make quality education accessible to millions. With a shared vision for innovation at low price points, the partnership seeks to shape a brighter educational future for underserved regions worldwide.
