Africa's Largest Online University Platform Raises $28 Million to Meet Unprecedented Demand for Higher Education

LONDON, Nov. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- UNICAF, the largest online higher education platform in Africa, today announced a $28 million Series B financing to meet the growing demand for high-quality university education across the continent. The new investment round is led by Goldman Sachs with participation from existing investors, including the UK Government's development finance institution CDC Group, leading higher education fund University Ventures, and EDEX, the founder of the University of Nicosia.

Fewer than 10% of potential students in sub-Saharan Africa have access to higher education, making it the most underserved region in the world – a challenge compounded by rising demand as access to primary and secondary education increases. According to research from the World Bank, Africa's higher education institutions can still only meet a fraction of that demand; the ratio of African secondary students who enrol in higher education is half that of the world average.

UNICAF was founded in 2012 to serve this need with over 70 flexible online undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in fast-growing fields like education, business and public health.  The unique learning model is delivered using UNICAF's dynamic, mobile-friendly platform and blends online instruction with on-the-ground instructional centres and virtual coaching.

"Expanding access to high-quality education and training is a critical first step in enabling students across Africa to compete in the global economy. Smartphone ubiquity and advancements in broadband mean the promise of higher education should be within reach for millions of students. Yet, universities cannot keep pace with the rapid growth of Africa's student population," said Dr. Nicos Nicolaou, founder and CEO of UNICAF. "The commitment of Goldman Sachs cements the status of UNICAF as the leading platform for innovative university education in Africa. Our unique approach is designed specifically to meet the needs of African students, built on a state-of-the-art mobile-friendly platform and delivering international-standard university education at fraction of the cost of traditional models."

More than 16,000 students are currently enrolled through UNICAF in academic programmes that lead to accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degrees awarded from UK, US, European and African universities. The new funding will enable UNICAF to grow enrolment to over 100,000 students, expand the programme offering and open as many as five additional African campuses in the next five years. Programmes offered through UNICAF meet the highest university quality standards in teaching and learning which have been verified by external examiners and regulators in different countries. 

UNICAF programmes are designed to produce graduates with the necessary skills, knowledge and personal attributes to gain employment and be successful in their occupation, benefiting themselves, their community and the economy of their country. More than 85% of UNICAF graduates are currently employed.

"UNICAF is deploying a tech-enabled solution tailored to African markets for easy and affordable access to quality higher education that is uniquely suited to address the widening university supply-demand gap and skills shortages across the continent," said Jules Frebault, Executive Director at Goldman Sachs.  

About UNICAF
UNICAF is the leading online higher education platform dedicated to offering affordable, quality university degree programs using flexible delivery modes, to underserved markets, in collaboration with reputable universities in the UK, US, Europe and Africa.

About Goldman Sachs  
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centres around the world. 

SOURCE UNICAF