Why we are backing Lena

Nigeria continues to face persistent challenges in delivering quality education, particularly in low-resource and underserved communities where unreliable internet connectivity, limited digital infrastructure, language barriers, and overstretched teachers constrain effective learning. As schools increasingly adopt digital tools, there is a growing need for solutions that can improve teaching and learning regardless of internet access or learners' preferred language. We are supporting Lena because we believe technology should expand access to quality education rather than deepen existing inequalities. Through its AI-powered, offline-first learning platform, multilingual capabilities, and teacher support tools, Lena enables educators to deliver more engaging instruction, create localized learning experiences, and better monitor learner progress in resource-constrained environments. Through the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, we will support the team in validating its solution across diverse school settings, strengthening partnerships with schools and education stakeholders, refining its implementation and commercial model, and generating evidence that demonstrates its impact on teaching and learning outcomes.