Learn Africa Expands Digital Learning and Curriculum Reform to Fuel Growth Amid Industry Challenges

Learn Africa Plc is accelerating its growth strategy by expanding digital learning initiatives and curriculum reform, despite challenges in the Nigerian education sector. The company reported a N753.11 million profit after tax for the 2026 financial year, driven by a 19% increase in turnover to N6.15 billion.

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Newsroom 3 min read

Primary source BusinessDay Nigeria

Learn Africa Plc is accelerating its growth strategy by expanding digital learning initiatives and curriculum reform, despite challenges in the Nigerian education sector. The company reported a N753.11 million profit after tax for the 2026 financial year, driven by a 19% increase in turnover to N6.15 billion. This follows its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), where chairman Emeke Iwerebon highlighted the firm’s focus on technology and evolving educational needs. "This company has deliberately invested in technology, both in our processes and offerings," Iwerebon stated, emphasizing the integration of AI into the Learn Africa online app, available on iOS and the App Store.",

Iwerebon noted the company’s optimism amid Nigeria’s 2025 GDP growth of 3.9% but acknowledged ongoing economic challenges. Despite rising costs—publishing expenses climbed to N3 billion from N2.65 billion, and operating expenses rose to N2.21 billion from N1.92 billion—profit before tax surged 59% to N1.19 billion, while profit after tax reached N753.11 million, up from N474.98 million in 2025. "Beyond financial results, we strengthened our market position through targeted marketing and teacher-training workshops," he added.

The company’s response to the September 2025 release of new primary and secondary education curricula was pivotal. Learn Africa accelerated the development of curriculum-aligned titles, describing its approach as "deliberate and disciplined." The firm also expanded its digital textbook portfolio and enhanced the Learn Africa Online platform, reflecting its commitment to technology-driven education. "We are keeping up with developments in AI and digital innovation," Iwerebon said.

Managing Director Hassan Bala warned of persistent piracy as a major obstacle for the publishing industry. "Piracy is recurring, and we work with the NCC and colleagues to combat it," he stated, noting that Learn Africa is the largest financier of anti-piracy efforts. Bala also highlighted the confusion caused by the new curriculum, which has disrupted both legitimate publishers and pirates. "The transition has created challenges, but we remain proactive," he said.

Deputy Director Christopher Kikanme revealed the firm’s 90% year-on-year revenue growth, attributed to market expansion and digital engagement. "We moved swiftly after the curriculum reform announcement, mobilizing authors and publishing teams to meet new demands," he explained. Learn Africa also leveraged social media to broaden its reach and entered the Benin Republic in 2026, with plans to expand into other West African markets. "Our goal is to remain Africa’s leading publishing house," Kikanme said.

The company’s strategies align with broader efforts to modernize Nigeria’s education sector. However, challenges such as piracy, regulatory shifts, and economic volatility persist. Learn Africa’s focus on digital innovation and curriculum adaptation positions it to navigate these hurdles while contributing to national educational development. As it expands across the continent, the firm’s success could influence the trajectory of African publishing and learning ecosystems.

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