AltSchool Africa, the dynamic Nigerian edtech startup dedicated to equipping Africans with essential tech skills, is making a significant leap into the European market. This expansion aims to diversify revenue streams and accelerate growth, positioning the company for greater success.
Following its recent participation in a growth accelerator sponsored by the Maltese government, AltSchool is set to establish its first operations in Malta. The startup is actively hiring for various roles across its business development, marketing, and content production teams, signaling a robust commitment to this new venture.
The decision to expand into Europe comes on the heels of AltSchool’s launch in Kenya in January 2024. Since its inception in 2021, AltSchool has grown from a virtual platform offering diplomas in engineering, data, and business analytics to a more global presence, now reaching learners in the U.S. and Rwanda, where it opened an office at the Norrsken Hub in 2023.
According to CEO Adewale Yusuf, Europe has become the startup’s third-largest market, attracting learners from over 12 countries. AltSchool plans to deliver the same comprehensive curriculum that has garnered interest in Africa, which includes modules on AI and data analytics, with the first cohort of learners expected in Malta by 2025.
Yusuf also notes that the startup is nearing profitability, and this expansion is anticipated to enhance revenue growth further. Unlike its primarily online learning model in Africa, AltSchool will introduce a hybrid approach in Malta, allowing for in-person learning sessions with tutors.
Rachael Onoja, AltSchool’s head of innovation and market expansion, explained, “As an alternative school, we aim to incorporate the best elements of traditional education with our unique approach.”
Besides its B2C model, AltSchool is exploring a B2B strategy by partnering with organizations to develop tailored training courses for employees, enhancing workforce development. Onoja revealed that the startup is close to finalizing a partnership that will allow it to offer enterprise licensing to businesses looking to upskill their teams.
As AltSchool prepares to compete with European startups like Bloomtech, Yusuf emphasizes the startup’s commitment to community and personalized learning as key differentiators. While maintaining its subscription model, AltSchool will adapt pricing strategies to fit the European market.
To date, AltSchool has successfully supported around 100,000 learners across eight African countries and twelve European nations. The startup collaborates with local universities, organizations, and governments to implement its ambitious plans, underscoring the belief that “it takes a village” to foster educational success.
With this expansion, AltSchool Africa is ready to reshape the edtech landscape in Europe while continuing its mission of empowering learners across the globe.
